LIVERMORE — Budget Committee member Brenda Merrill is a proponent of appointing the town clerk and treasurer, saying it provides accountability and promotes skills and services that can be evaluated regularly.

Merrill obtained enough signatures on petitions to get the issue on the annual town meeting warrant for Wednesday, June 15. Voters will be asked in separate articles if the town clerk and treasurer positions should be appointed rather than elected. 

Renda Guild is the elected town clerk and Amy Byron is the elected treasurer. They serve two-year terms.

Merrill said the Budget Committee suggested changing the positions to appointed after the recent resignation of the administrative assistant.

“The switch from elected treasurer promotes consistency, stability and needed accountability. The position of town clerk was included for the same reason,” Merrill said.

She said her research before circulating the petitions found more Maine towns are changing these positions from elected to appointed. Doing so provides flexibility and accountability, and promotes skills and services which can be evaluated regularly, she said.

She said Livermore Falls, Jay, Wilton, Fayette, Turner and Farmington appoint these officers.

While the election process allows direct democratic voice, it does not allow examination of candidates’ professional qualifications and knowledge of job functions, she said.

Merrill said the board needs to seek qualified treasurer applicants with a working knowledge of municipal accounting practices and technology.

“Both positions require candidates to work as civil servants and members of an agile municipal team, free of policy bias, and requiring skills that are not well-vetted through election campaigns,” Merrill said.

Elected officers may not possess the skills necessary for the job, Merrill said. They win the popular vote, which can be influenced by the people they know, last name, or social circles. They may not feel as accountable to work performance evaluations and oversight as those in the private or public sector.

Guild has served for many years and has proven she has a commendable working knowledge of her duties, Merrill said.

“Continuity of employment should not be dependent on election processes,” Merrill said.

She said she received overwhelming support for the petitions. Most felt it is long overdue and that the board should have initiated the changes.

She said Livermore has experienced a radical turnover in the Board of Selectpersons in the past four years. There have also been three treasurers, three administrative assistants to the board, and most recently a complete change in the road crew.

“Townspeople are sensing something is not working in the current system,” Merrill said.

Hiring for the positions is a safeguard so the most qualified applicants are chosen. Everyone will have a fair chance if they possess the necessary skills, she said.

Merrill said voters elect selectpersons to represent the voters’ collective needs and to oversee the running of town government. Changing these positions streamlines the organizational structure. Municipal employees become directly accountable to elected representatives instead of liable only to the next political election cycle.

“Following fair labor practices protects Livermore, its employees and citizens. It would separate operational functions from town policymaking,” she said.

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