Fueled by a proposal to hire a town manager, a heated race is expected in Buxton as 10 have taken out nomination papers for a town Charter Commission.
Buxton is governed by a five-member, elected board of selectmen and adding a town manager position would require a change in the town’s charter. The charter question and election of town officials will be by secret ballot on Tuesday, June 9. The annual town meeting is Saturday, June 13.
There are six elected seats on the Charter Commission and three appointed by selectmen.
The town manager proposal has split the town, and even some families are divided on the issue.
Proponents say a professional town manager would benefit the town by, for example, seeking grants, while opponents say selectmen powers would be eroded and would add another salary to the budget.
A native and longtime Buxton farmer, Erlon Townsend, opposes adding a town manager even though his son, Andy Townsend, last year circulated a petition to hire one.
Andy Townsend, a captain in the fire department, has taken out papers for the Charter Commission and favors the change.
“It’s long overdue,” he said. “It’s time to streamline town affairs.”
But, Erlon Townsend feels Town Hall is adequately staffed by the five-member selectmen board and the several employees on duty daily. “No, I’m not in favor of it,” Erlon Townsend said, although recognizing the town’s population has increased.
A 50-year resident, Judy Sjulander, said selectmen do a credible job, but she favored adding a town manager. She believes some opponents of the proposal might be fearful about losing control.
“I think the town has grown to the point it could use a town manager,” Sjulander said.
According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, Buxton had a projected population of 8,101 in 2007, up 8.7 percent from 7,452 in the census 10 years ago and up from 6,484 in 1990.
Jean Harmon, chairwoman of the Board of Selectmen, sdeclined comment on the proposal for a town manager.
Those taking out nomination papers for the Charter Commission as of Tuesday were Cheryl Emery; Dennis Sweatt; Jennifer Barschdorf, who is the fire department administrative assistant; Dianne Senechal, selectmen’s assistant; Russell Pinkham; May Schumacher; Miller; Elwell; Santolucito; and Andy Townsend.
Miller, Senechal, Sweatt and Schumacher have filed their papers.
Town Clerk John Myers said a referendum question in June by state statute would read, “Shall a charter commission be established for the purpose of revising the municipal charter or establishing a new municipal charter?”
A nod by voters in June would also validate a slate of members voters choose to serve on the Charter Commission.
Buxton voters in a non-binding referendum in November favored a town manager.
Other nomination papers are available for the selectman’s seat filled by Clifford Emery, whose term is expiring this year; two School Administrative District 6 three-year director seats, now filled by Cindy Hazelton and Larry Miller; two Planning Board members for three-year seats now belonging to Jeremiah Ross and David Anderson, also a deputy town clerk; the two-year Planning Board term of Caroline Segalla; a two-year Budget Committee seat, for which Dianne Senechal has taken out papers.
Myers said those who have taken out nomination papers to be selectman include Emery, former selectman Carol Sanborn, Robert Elwell and Peter Burns. Sanborn and Burns have filed their papers.
Segalla and Elwell have taken out papers for the two-year Planning Board seat. Ross, Anderson and Elwell have taken out papers for the three-year Planning Board seats. Elwell, Miller and Dennis Santolucito have taken out papers for the SAD 6 board of directors.
Nomination papers are due at 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 27, in the office of Town Clerk John Myers in Buxton Town hall, 185 Portland Road. For more information, call 929-6171.
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