Rehoboth Auto Hearing Gets Heated

A Class Two Auto License Renewal hearing for Barry Bixby Automotive got heated at Monday's Board of Selectmen meeting. Selectman Lenny Mills vented his frustrations over what he perceived as unbecoming behavior on the part of Joseph Carnevale, Bixby's attorney. "I have no appetite to sit here, and I don't think I was elected to sit here to listen to people disrespect (the board)," Mills said.  "That's why I brought up the point of why don't we just vote," said Selectman Rob Johnson, "because (Carnevale) obviously wasn't taking this seriously."

Carnevale had a tense exchange with Selectman George Solas, who questioned Carnevale about building a credible argument for his client. "I'm not concerned with the result of tonight, sir," Carnevale replied. "I'm here for a dog and pony show."

The board voted to continue the hearing until February 13.  "I'm here to try and make a fair decision," Chairman Skip Vadnais told Carnevale. "If you characterize it as just a dog and pony show, we're wasting our time. I want to perform my due diligence so I can come to a conclusion. Right now, I'm not ready to say yes or no (to the license renewal)."