The Importance of THIS Election
This election is not just about filling one seat on the Board of Selectmen. It is about deciding if the board should continue to have a role in Oxford.
Should there be elected selectmen watching over the town and representing your interests?
On November 10, 2020 a draft selectmen code of conduct was brought before the board.
The policy sought to forbid selectmen from:
speaking to town employees
acting upon complaints
vocalizing criticism
communicating with reporters or state officials
It even would have allowed the chairman to expel other selectmen from board meetings at his discretion, effectively reducing the board to a membership of one.
The draft policy was voted down 3-2 and was strongly criticized by selectmen Saad who felt compelled to ask if the town manager was involved in writing it.
Selectmen Saad voted against the draft policy and kept town hall accountable to elected members of the public. We must not take that for granted because that policy can always be brought up again.
We know what would have happened if the board had adopted the policy because we have an example to look to.
In a closed meeting on August 4, 2020 chairman Lamarche attempted to censure selectmen LeBlanc for nothing more than inquiring after issues important to the town such as the Sacarrappa bridge. You can read the carefully worded meeting minutes.
The record shows that the policy views of the board are now evenly split 2-2. Two of the selectmen are in favor of oversight and accountability, while two seem to favor deferring to the town manager in all matters. This election will give one of those sides a majority.
In fact, the future of the board has become so contentious that scheduling the special election was only placed on the agenda by the chairman after a resident gave notice that they would file a complaint with the state election commission. Even then there was an attempt to push the election back to December when voter turnout would be as low as possible.
If I am elected, the board will be actively engaged in restoring the public’s trust in the town government.
This November 16th don’t just fill a seat. Elect a voice to represent you.