Lyman voters will have the chance to recall Selectman Norman Hutchins on Election Day, which we would have to advise against.
Some of those who submitted the recall have said the main reason they pursued the action is because they oppose a lawsuit brought by the town ”“ via Hutchins and Selectman Leo Ruel ”“ against Selectman Steve Marble. The pending lawsuit alleges Marble’s job as the transfer station operator is incompatible with his position on the board.
While many residents may not agree with the lawsuit, one vote or position should not be grounds for removal from a board. The work selectmen do is on behalf of their fellow residents and often takes up many hours each week ”“ all year long ”“ to make decisions on behalf of the town. The compensation, if any, is small, but their charge is great.
Instead of finding reasons to kick people off the board, those who do not agree with their selectmen should challenge incumbents by running themselves or finding others willing to take on the office.
Also, staying silent at a public hearing on the issue this week hurt the supporters’ case for a recall. If they are not confident enough to cite their reasons for a recall, aside from the lawsuit, then voters should not strip Hutchins of his seat because a group of people don’t like the way he voted on one issue. Many of them undoubtedly have other issues with Hutchins, some of which were brought up a few years back when they attempted to recall him and the rest of the board at the time. Their failure to bring up those concerns to his face for discussion at the public hearing was undemocratic at best, however. If there are allegations of wrongdoing serious enough to warrant unseating Hutchins, voters deserve to hear those as soon as possible and see the evidence.
In voting Nov. 8, Lyman will face not only the recall but will have a prime opportunity to increase the board’s diversity, which may also help solve the conflict of interest issue: Voters will be asked to consider increasing the select board from three seats to five.
Five has been the magic number in many communities and would help alleviate issues of tied votes and conflicts of interest in Lyman.
While the issues facing Marble may be more complex than most, often selectmen have to recuse themselves from votes or discussions due to their jobs or affiliations with community organizations, but that does not prohibit them from serving. Having a five-member board of selectmen helps ensure that when these issues arise, enough members can vote on the subject at hand.
In addition to technical issues, a five-member board would increase the diversity of the board and allow more people to serve their community, making the important decisions that impact their neighbors. Opening up a few more seats will attract more people with different backgrounds and ideas to the board. This allows for further discussion and consideration of the policies and expenditures for the town.
A five-member select board would help solve Lyman’s conflict of interest issues, at least in part, while increasing diversity on the board.
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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via e-mail at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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