BUCKFIELD — More than 40 people attended a public hearing on a proposed recall ordinance for elected officials Tuesday night.
Town Manager Glen Holmes read a statement on behalf of selectmen, tracing the history of the petition that led to the meeting. He said the document had more than the required 85 valid signatures and its wording complied with state and town requirements. He restricted discussion to the ordinance, not what led to the petition.
Jason Rowe, the primary author of the petition, said the ordinance allows residents to petition for the recall of an elected town official. The reason must be stated in the petition, he said.
At a previous special selectmen’s meeting, the board considered offering an alternate ordinance but after strong objections by the public it was decided not to offer it to voters.
The petition for the recall ordinance was the result of conflict between residents and Selectman Floyd Richardson Jr. over procedures and policies governing appointment of Recreation Committee members. Also, there was a rumor that Richardson voted for a raise for Rescue Chief Lisa Buck after the voters turned it down at town meeting.
There will be a vote on the ordinance Sept. 7 at the town office.
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