Buckfield rejects PACE program, again

BUCKFIELD —Selectmen John Lowell and Robin Buswell canceled a special meeting that would have allowed Buckfield residents to take out loans to make their homes more energy-efficient on Tuesday.

The federally-funded program, called Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE), was approved by the state legislature last April for several selected municipalities, including Buckfield.

Buckfield was the only town in the state that failed to approve the program in November.

In January, Lowell and Buswell approved a special town meeting to give voters a chance to reconsider. At the time, Representative Terry Hayes said that she and other members of the Buckfield Energy Team had failed to properly educate the voting public about the advantages of the program.

On Tuesday, Buswell and Lowell indicated that they'd had conversations with a number of citizens who had convinced them to reverse their decision.

Town Manager Glen Holmes assured the board that the elimination of the Maine Green Energy Alliance (MGEA) did not adversely affect the PACE program.

"The program that this special town meeting would put before the voters is still alive and well," said Holmes.

"The Buckfield Energy Team met on Monday, and they are still very much in favor of moving forward with this," said Holmes.

Citizens who live in PACE-approved towns will be able to take out loans to fund efficiency projects beginning March 1.

The proposed ordinance will come up again at the town's regularly scheduled meeting in  June.

Selectwoman Eileen Hotham recused herself from the vote, based on her status as a member of the Energy Team that had worked to get the program approved.

She expressed regret at not being able to vote in favor of the program.

"If I had known what was happening ... I would not have gotten on that board," said Hotham. "I did not know what was involved. I wanted to be part of something happening for this town. ... I want to help the town. I want to help the people who really can't afford to get a loan at a cheaper rate. So if I had known it was going to be a conflict of interest being a selectman, I wouldn't have done it."

One resident spoke against the special town meeting, saying that, since the measure was defeated by citizens at the ballot box, it would be unfair to bring the matter up again at a special town meeting that was likely to draw only a fraction of the number of voters.

"For me, it's a principle of democracy," she said. "I believe that the process of democracy is more important than the content of this program. "

Lowell said that he was ultimately swayed by the argument that there was no need to rush into the program.

"The common theme was, basically, 'slow down, turbo,'" said Lowell. "This is a very good program, but is it mission: critical?"

Lowell said that voting against a special town meeting didn't rule out the program's implementation in June.

"In all likelihood more people will be involved in a vote if we just wait a few months for the regular town meeting," said Lowell.

BUCKFIELD —Selectmen John Lowell and Robin Buswell canceled a special meeting that would have allowed Buckfield residents to take out loans to make their homes more energy-efficient on Tuesday.

The federally-funded program, called Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE), was approved by the state legislature last April for several selected municipalities, including Buckfield.

Buckfield was the only town in the state that failed to approve the program in November.

In January, Lowell and Buswell approved a special town meeting to give voters a chance to reconsider. At the time, Representative Terry Hayes said that she and other members of the Buckfield Energy Team had failed to properly educate the voting public about the advantages of the program.

On Tuesday, Buswell and Lowell indicated that they'd had conversations with a number of citizens who had convinced them to reverse their decision.

Town Manager Glen Holmes assured the board that the elimination of the Maine Green Energy Alliance (MGEA) did not adversely affect the PACE program.

"The program that this special town meeting would put before the voters is still alive and well," said Holmes.

"The Buckfield Energy Team met on Monday, and they are still very much in favor of moving forward with this," said Holmes.

Citizens who live in PACE-approved towns will be able to take out loans to fund efficiency projects beginning March 1.

The proposed ordinance will come up again at the town's regularly scheduled meeting in  June.

Selectwoman Eileen Hotham recused herself from the vote, based on her status as a member of the Energy Team that had worked to get the program approved.

She expressed regret at not being able to vote in favor of the program.

"If I had known what was happening ... I would not have gotten on that board," said Hotham. "I did not know what was involved. I wanted to be part of something happening for this town. ... I want to help the town. I want to help the people who really can't afford to get a loan at a cheaper rate. So if I had known it was going to be a conflict of interest being a selectman, I wouldn't have done it."

One resident spoke against the special town meeting, saying that, since the measure was defeated by citizens at the ballot box, it would be unfair to bring the matter up again at a special town meeting that was likely to draw only a fraction of the number of voters.

"For me, it's a principle of democracy," she said. "I believe that the process of democracy is more important than the content of this program. "

Lowell said that he was ultimately swayed by the argument that there was no need to rush into the program.

"The common theme was, basically, 'slow down, turbo,'" said Lowell. "This is a very good program, but is it mission: critical?"

Lowell said that voting against a special town meeting didn't rule out the program's implementation in June.

"In all likelihood more people will be involved in a vote if we just wait a few months for the regular town meeting," said Lowell.

BUCKFIELD —Selectmen John Lowell and Robin Buswell canceled a special meeting that would have allowed Buckfield residents to take out loans to make their homes more energy-efficient on Tuesday.

The federally-funded program, called Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE), was approved by the state legislature last April for several selected municipalities, including Buckfield.

Buckfield was the only town in the state that failed to approve the program in November.

In January, Lowell and Buswell approved a special town meeting to give voters a chance to reconsider. At the time, Representative Terry Hayes said that she and other members of the Buckfield Energy Team had failed to properly educate the voting public about the advantages of the program.

On Tuesday, Buswell and Lowell indicated that they'd had conversations with a number of citizens who had convinced them to reverse their decision.

Town Manager Glen Holmes assured the board that the elimination of the Maine Green Energy Alliance (MGEA) did not adversely affect the PACE program.

"The program that this special town meeting would put before the voters is still alive and well," said Holmes.

"The Buckfield Energy Team met on Monday, and they are still very much in favor of moving forward with this," said Holmes.

Citizens who live in PACE-approved towns will be able to take out loans to fund efficiency projects beginning March 1.

The proposed ordinance will come up again at the town's regularly scheduled meeting in  June.

Selectwoman Eileen Hotham recused herself from the vote, based on her status as a member of the Energy Team that had worked to get the program approved.

She expressed regret at not being able to vote in favor of the program.

"If I had known what was happening ... I would not have gotten on that board," said Hotham. "I did not know what was involved. I wanted to be part of something happening for this town. ... I want to help the town. I want to help the people who really can't afford to get a loan at a cheaper rate. So if I had known it was going to be a conflict of interest being a selectman, I wouldn't have done it."

One resident spoke against the special town meeting, saying that, since the measure was defeated by citizens at the ballot box, it would be unfair to bring the matter up again at a special town meeting that was likely to draw only a fraction of the number of voters.

"For me, it's a principle of democracy," she said. "I believe that the process of democracy is more important than the content of this program. "

Lowell said that he was ultimately swayed by the argument that there was no need to rush into the program.

"The common theme was, basically, 'slow down, turbo,'" said Lowell. "This is a very good program, but is it mission: critical?"

Lowell said that voting against a special town meeting didn't rule out the program's implementation in June.

"In all likelihood more people will be involved in a vote if we just wait a few months for the regular town meeting," said Lowell.

BUCKFIELD —Selectmen John Lowell and Robin Buswell canceled a special meeting that would have allowed Buckfield residents to take out loans to make their homes more energy-efficient on Tuesday.

The federally-funded program, called Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE), was approved by the state legislature last April for several selected municipalities, including Buckfield.

Buckfield was the only town in the state that failed to approve the program in November.

In January, Lowell and Buswell approved a special town meeting to give voters a chance to reconsider. At the time, Representative Terry Hayes said that she and other members of the Buckfield Energy Team had failed to properly educate the voting public about the advantages of the program.

On Tuesday, Buswell and Lowell indicated that they'd had conversations with a number of citizens who had convinced them to reverse their decision. Buswell apologized for his previous vote.

Town Manager Glen Holmes assured the board that the elimination of the Maine Green Energy Alliance (MGEA) did not adversely affect the PACE program.

"The program that this special town meeting would put before the voters is still alive and well," said Holmes.

"The Buckfield Energy Team met on Monday, and they are still very much in favor of moving forward with this," said Holmes.

Citizens who live in PACE-approved towns will be able to take out loans to fund efficiency projects beginning March 1.

The proposed ordinance will come up again at the town's regularly scheduled meeting in  June.

Selectwoman Eileen Hotham recused herself from the vote, based on her status as a member of the Energy Team that had worked to get the program approved.

She expressed regret at not being able to vote in favor of the program.

"If I had known what was happening ... I would not have gotten on that board," said Hotham. "I did not know what was involved. I wanted to be part of something happening for this town. ... I want to help the town. I want to help the people who really can't afford to get a loan at a cheaper rate. So if I had known it was going to be a conflict of interest being a selectman, I wouldn't have done it."

One resident spoke against the special town meeting, saying that, since the measure was defeated by citizens at the ballot box, it would be unfair to bring the matter up again at a special town meeting that was likely to draw only a fraction of the number of voters.

"For me, it's a principle of democracy," she said. "I believe that the process of democracy is more important than the content of this program. "

Lowell said that he was ultimately swayed by the argument that there was no need to rush into the program.

"The common theme was, basically, 'slow down, turbo,'" said Lowell. "This is a very good program, but is it mission: critical?"

Lowell said that voting against a special town meeting didn't rule out the program's implementation in June.

"In all likelihood more people will be involved in a vote if we just wait a few months for the regular town meeting," said Lowell.

BUCKFIELD —Selectmen John Lowell and Robin Buswell canceled a special meeting that would have allowed Buckfield residents to take out loans to make their homes more energy-efficient on Tuesday.

The federally-funded program, called Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE), was approved by the state legislature last April for several selected municipalities, including Buckfield.

Town Manager Glen Holmes assured the board that the elimination of the Maine Green Energy Alliance (MGEA) did not adversely affect the PACE program.

"The program that this special town meeting would put before the voters is still alive and well," said Holmes.

"The Buckfield Energy Team met on Monday, and they are still very much in favor of moving forward with this," said Holmes.

Buckfield was the only town in the state that failed to approve the program in November.

In January, Lowell and Buswell approved a special town meeting to give voters a chance to reconsider. At the time, Representative Terry Hayes said that she and other members of the Buckfield Energy Team had failed to properly educate the voting public about the advantages of the program.

On Tuesday, Buswell and Lowell indicated that they'd had conversations with a number of citizens who had convinced them to reverse their decision. Buswell apologized for his previous vote.

Citizens who live in PACE-approved towns will be able to take out loans to fund efficiency projects beginning March 1.

The proposed ordinance will come up again at the town's regularly scheduled meeting in  June.

Selectwoman Eileen Hotham recused herself from the vote, based on her status as a member of the Energy Team that had worked to get the program approved.

She expressed regret at not being able to vote in favor of the program.

"If I had known what was happening ... I would not have gotten on that board," said Hotham. "I did not know what was involved. I wanted to be part of something happening for this town. ... I want to help the town. I want to help the people who really can't afford to get a loan at a cheaper rate. So if I had known it was going to be a conflict of interest being a selectman, I wouldn't have done it."

One resident spoke against the special town meeting, saying that, since the measure was defeated by citizens at the ballot box, it would be unfair to bring the matter up again at a special town meeting that was likely to draw only a fraction of the number of voters.

"For me, it's a principle of democracy," she said. "I believe that the process of democracy is more important than the content of this program. "

Lowell said that he was ultimately swayed by the argument that there was no need to rush into the program.

"The common theme was, basically, 'slow down, turbo,'" said Lowell. "This is a very good program, but is it mission: critical?"

Lowell said that voting against a special town meeting didn't rule out the program's implementation in June.

"In all likelihood more people will be involved in a vote if we just wait a few months for the regular town meeting," said Lowell.

BUCKFIELD —Selectmen John Lowell and Robin Buswell canceled a special meeting that would have allowed Buckfield residents to take out loans to make their homes more energy-efficient on Tuesday.

The federally-funded program, called Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE), was approved by the state legislature last April for several selected municipalities, including Buckfield.

Town Manager Glen Holmes assured the board that the recent elimination of the Maine Green Energy Alliance (MGEA) did not adversely affect the PACE program.

"The program that this special town meeting would put before the voters is still alive and well," said Holmes.

"The Buckfield Energy Team met on Monday, and they are still very much in favor of moving forward with this," said Holmes.

Buckfield was the only town in the state that failed to approve the program in November.

In January, Lowell and Buswell approved a special town meeting to give voters a chance to reconsider. At the time, Representative Terry Hayes said that she and other members of the Buckfield Energy Team had failed to properly educate the voting public about the advantages of the program.

On Tuesday, Buswell and Lowell indicated that they'd had conversations with a number of citizens who had convinced them to reverse their decision. Buswell apologized for his previous vote.

Selectwoman Eileen Hotham recused herself from the vote, based on her status as a member of the Energy Team that had worked to get the program approved.

She expressed regret at not being able to vote in favor of the program.

"If I had known what was happening ... I would not have gotten on that board," said Hotham. "I did not know what was involved. I wanted to be part of something happening for this town. ... I want to help the town. I want to help the people who really can't afford to get a loan at a cheaper rate. So if I had known it was going to be a conflict of interest being a selectman, I wouldn't have done it."

One resident spoke against the special town meeting, saying that, since the measure was defeated by citizens at the ballot box, it would be unfair to bring the matter up again at a special town meeting that was likely to draw only a fraction of the number of voters.

"For me, it's a principle of democracy," she said. "I believe that the process of democracy is more important than the content of this program. "

Lowell said that he was ultimately swayed by the argument that there was no need to rush into the program.

"The common theme was, basically, 'slow down, turbo,'" said Lowell. "This is a very good program, but is it mission: critical?"

Lowell said that voting against a special town meeting didn't rule out the program's implementation in June.

"In all likelihood more people will be involved in a vote if we just wait a few months for the regular town meeting," said Lowell.

BUCKFIELD — Selectmen John Lowell and Robin Buswell canceled a special meeting that would have allowed Buckfield residents to take out loans to make their homes more energy-efficient on Tuesday.

The proposed ordinance will come up again at the town's regularly scheduled meeting in  June.

The federally-funded program, called Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE), was approved by the state legislature last April for several selected municipalities, including Buckfield.

Town Manager Glen Holmes assured the board that the recent elimination of the Maine Green Energy Alliance (MGEA) did not adversely affect the PACE program.

"The program that this special town meeting would put before the voters is still alive and well," said Holmes.

"The Buckfield Energy Team met on Monday, and they are still very much in favor of moving forward with this," said Holmes.

Buckfield was the only town in the state that failed to approve the program in November.

In January, Lowell and Buswell approved a special town meeting to give voters a chance to reconsider. At the time, Representative Terry Hayes said that she and other members of the Buckfield Energy Team had failed to properly educate the voting public about the advantages of the program.

On Tuesday, Buswell and Lowell indicated that they'd had conversations with a number of citizens who had convinced them to reverse their decision. Buswell apologized for his previous vote.

Selectwoman Eileen Hotham recused herself from the vote, based on her status as a member of the Energy Team that had worked to get the program approved.

She expressed regret at not being able to vote in favor of the program.

"If I had known what was happening ... I would not have gotten on that board," said Hotham. "I did not know what was involved. I wanted to be part of something happening for this town. ... I want to help the town. I want to help the people who really can't afford to get a loan at a cheaper rate. So if I had known it was going to be a conflict of interest being a selectman, I wouldn't have done it."

One resident spoke against the special town meeting, saying that, since the measure was defeated by citizens at the ballot box, it would be unfair to bring the matter up again at a special town meeting that was likely to draw only a fraction of the number of voters.

"For me, it's a principle of democracy," she said. "I believe that the process of democracy is more important than the content of this program. "

Lowell said that he was ultimately swayed by the argument that there was no need to rush into the program.

"The common theme was, basically, 'slow down, turbo,'" said Lowell. "This is a very good program, but is it mission: critical?"

Lowell said that voting against a special town meeting didn't rule out the program's implementation in June.

"In all likelihood more people will be involved in a vote if we just wait a few months for the regular town meeting," said Lowell.

Citizens who live in PACE-approved towns will be able to take out loans to fund efficiency projects beginning March 1.

BUCKFIELD — Selectmen John Lowell and Robin Buswell canceled a special meeting that would have allowed Buckfield residents to take out loans to make their homes more energy-efficient on Tuesday.

The proposed ordinance will come up again at the town's regularly scheduled meeting in  June.

The federally-funded program, called Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE), was approved by the state legislature last April for several selected municipalities, including Buckfield.

Town Manager Glen Holmes assured the board that the recent elimination of the Maine Green Energy Alliance (MGEA) did not adversely affect the PACE program.

"The program that this special town meeting would put before the voters is still alive and well," said Holmes.

"The Buckfield Energy Team met on Monday, and they are still very much in favor of moving forward with this," said Holmes.

Buckfield was the only town in the state that failed to approve the program in November.

In January, Lowell and Buswell approved a special town meeting to give voters a chance to reconsider. At the time, Representative Terry Hayes said that she and other members of the Buckfield Energy Team had failed to properly educate the voting public about the advantages of the program.

On Tuesday, Buswell and Lowell indicated that they'd had conversations with a number of citizens who had convinced them to reverse their decision. Buswell apologized for his previous vote.

Selectwoman Eileen Hotham recused herself from the vote, based on her status as a member of the Energy Team that had worked to get the program approved.

She expressed regret at not being able to vote in favor of the program.

"If I had known what was happening ... I would not have gotten on that board," said Hotham. "I did not know what was involved. I wanted to be part of something happening for this town. ... I want to help the town. I want to help the people who really can't afford to get a loan at a cheaper rate. So if I had known it was going to be a conflict of interest being a selectman, I wouldn't have done it."

One resident spoke against the special town meeting, saying that, since the measure was defeated by citizens at the ballot box, it would be unfair to bring the matter up again at a special town meeting that was likely to draw only a fraction of the number of voters.

"For me, it's a principle of democracy," she said. "I believe that the process of democracy is more important than the content of this program. "

Lowell said that he was ultimately swayed by the argument that there was no need to rush into the program.

"The common theme was, basically, 'slow down, turbo,'" said Lowell. "This is a very good program, but is it mission: critical?"

Lowell said that voting against a special town meeting didn't rule out the program's implementation in June.

"In all likelihood more people will be involved in a vote if we just wait a few months for the regular town meeting," said Lowell.

Citizens who live in PACE-approved towns will be able to take out loans to fund efficiency projects beginning March 1.

BUCKFIELD — Selectmen John Lowell and Robin Buswell canceled a special meeting that would have allowed Buckfield residents to take out loans to make their homes more energy-efficient on Tuesday.

The proposed ordinance will come up again at the town's regularly scheduled meeting in  June.

The federally-funded program, called Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE), was approved by the state legislature last April for several selected municipalities, including Buckfield.

Town Manager Glen Holmes assured the board that the recent elimination of the Maine Green Energy Alliance (MGEA) did not adversely affect the PACE program.

"The program that this special town meeting would put before the voters is still alive and well," said Holmes.

"The Buckfield Energy Team met on Monday, and they are still very much in favor of moving forward with this," said Holmes.

Buckfield was the only town in the state that failed to approve the program in November.

In January, Lowell and Buswell approved a special town meeting to give voters a chance to reconsider. At the time, Representative Terry Hayes said that she and other members of the Buckfield Energy Team had failed to properly educate the voting public about the advantages of the program.

On Tuesday, Buswell and Lowell indicated that they'd had conversations with a number of citizens who had convinced them to reverse their decision. Buswell apologized for his previous vote.

Selectwoman Eileen Hotham recused herself from the vote, based on her status as a member of the Energy Team that had worked to get the program approved.

She expressed regret at not being able to vote in favor of the program.

"If I had known what was happening ... I would not have gotten on that board," said Hotham. "I did not know what was involved. I wanted to be part of something happening for this town. ... I want to help the town. I want to help the people who really can't afford to get a loan at a cheaper rate. So if I had known it was going to be a conflict of interest being a selectman, I wouldn't have done it."

One resident spoke against the special town meeting, saying that, since the measure was defeated by citizens at the ballot box, it would be unfair to bring the matter up again at a special town meeting that was likely to draw only a fraction of the number of voters.

"For me, it's a principle of democracy," she said. "I believe that the process of democracy is more important than the content of this program. "

Lowell said that he was ultimately swayed by the argument that there was no need to rush into the program.

"The common theme was, basically, 'slow down, turbo,'" said Lowell. "This is a very good program, but is it mission: critical?"

Lowell said that voting against a special town meeting didn't rule out the program's implementation in June.

"In all likelihood more people will be involved in a vote if we just wait a few months for the regular town meeting," said Lowell.

Citizens who live in PACE-approved towns will be able to take out loans to fund efficiency projects beginning March 1.