You deserve to know the truth about Brad Kadelski's recall effort.
Dear Brookfield Residents:
Mr. Kadelski's statements raise concerns about transparency and public access, but I believe residents should also be aware of the context surrounding this recall effort.
Like any resident, I support and appreciate our town's small businesses. But that does not mean I support giving special treatment or unwarranted privileges to town officials who own businesses here.
On October 29th, 2025, I became aware of questions regarding regulatory and permitting matters involving Oakholm Farm Estate & Brewery. Former Board of Health member Christina Predella is the owner and also President of Friends of Brookfield. In the course of performing my duties as a Board of Health member, I contacted MassDEP regarding a question I had received involving water testing requirements and, during that interaction, learned there appeared to be unresolved permitting issues that warranted further review by the appropriate agencies. That matter is ongoing. I also became aware that our other board member, Kim Simons, works for Oakholm as a cleaner. While I believe concerns about fairness are valid, I believe they are being directed at the wrong issue.
I have publicly questioned whether certain Board of Health matters presented conflicts of interest requiring disclosure or recusal by other officials. Those concerns were raised as part of my responsibility as an elected official and were based on matters discussed in public meetings and public records.
Mr. Kadelski has professional and organizational ties to individuals whose actions and involvement in Board of Health matters I have questioned, just as Ms. Predella has ties to individuals who have appeared before the Board. Residents may therefore wish to consider whether this recall effort is truly about meeting access and transparency, or whether it is connected to disagreements over accountability, ethics, and regulatory oversight.
I am not asking voters to accept my conclusions. I encourage them to review the public record, attend meetings, and evaluate the facts for themselves.
At the heart of this issue is a principle that I believe most Brookfield residents share: every resident and every business deserves to be treated fairly, consistently, and according to the same rules.
My role as an elected Board of Health member is not to favor friends, political allies, popular businesses, or individuals with influence. It is to apply the law and regulations equally to everyone. The standards that apply to one resident or business should apply to all residents and businesses, regardless of who they know, what position they hold, or whether they are personally liked or disliked by town officials.
Throughout my service, I have tried to approach matters based on facts, regulations, and the public interest. Sometimes that means asking difficult questions or raising concerns that others would prefer not to be discussed. While that may create disagreement, I believe voters expect elected officials to exercise independent judgment and hold everyone to the same standard.
Fair government requires equal treatment. If regulations are important enough to enforce against one resident or business, they should be enforced equally against all. If conflicts of interest matter, they should matter for everyone.
That is the standard I have sought to uphold, and I believe it is the standard Brookfield residents deserve. I remain committed to protecting public health, conducting public business openly, and serving the residents of Brookfield to the best of my ability.
Continuing to volunteer for the town has not been easy when special interests work hard to push out those they disagree with. They post frequently online and make broad claims about a toxic environment and turnover, yet it is often the same people driving that narrative. They project, deflect, and hope residents will overlook their own actions.
Sincerely,
Maureen Lepak
Note: I will not comment on any legal matters, except to say I do not believe it was appropriate for Mr. Kadelski to make those statements. I have not sued the town and do not intend to. However, I will defend myself against defamation or retaliation if necessary to protect my reputation.
You deserve to know the truth about Brad Kadelski's recall effort.