Voters in the town of Peru have the final say at the polls about the laws and rules that govern residents.
I expect the officials people elect to carry out the laws and rules that are approved. I don’t expect them to act against the best interests of the town as a whole. If residents find that an elected official has changed or not honored what was approved, or acts in a way that is not in the best interest of the town, then voters can choose to unseat that official before his or her term is over.
A recall ordinance would provide a way to remove an official whose behavior, while not necessarily illegal, is unethical. Without a recall procedure, there is no way to fire a municipal officer before his term expires. Because there is no charter, individual ordinances enacted by the voters, must be followed.
If voters elect an official but lose faith in that elected official’s ability to represent and lead the town, and feel strongly enough about it, they should be able to overturn the vote originally made at the polls. The proposed ordinance uses common sense and focuses on common courtesies.
A selectman’s job isn’t an easy job, but if selectmen treat people right, show respect and compassion, listen and follow the rules themselves, the job could be easier.
There is nothing wrong with questioning elected officials. Everyone should.
Tammy Ferland, Peru
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