Buckfield Board to stay at three members

BUCKFIELD — The Board of Selectmen declined to increase the number of board members from three to five, sparking a lively discussion among members and citizens in attendance.

Resident Tony Bachelder submitted a written request to the board, asking that the number of selectmen be increased.

"I'm not for bigger government, so don't get me wrong," said Bachelder. "I think we had two other good selectmen [candidates] that ran, and I would have liked to see all five of you be on the board."

Bachelder said that the move would be the first step in a multi-stage process, which would see increased stipends for members of the board, and the elimination of a town position.

"You've been very clear about the bigger agenda here, which would be to change our form of town government," said Chair John Lowell.

Selectwoman Eileen Hotham said that recent increased interest in public office in Buckfield is not a reason to change the structure of the board.

"The reason that I had always said no was [that] before this year, if there was two people that got involved, it was a wonder," said Hotham. "Until I see that there's more than two or three each time, I don't dare vote for more. ... Until I see that a lot of people step up to the plate, I won't go for a five-member board."

During the most recent election, held in November, Lowell was elected over Martha Catevenis and Dean Wilfred. Lowell received 515 votes, compared to 183 for Catevenis and 150 for Wilfred.

"Three heads are good, but five are better," said citizen Vivian Wadas. "... The end result always seems to me to be better representation of the diversity of the whole town."

Lowell disagreed.

"A lot of people in this town feel strongly the other way, that bigger is not better, that adding more is not the way to go at this time," said Lowell. "With all the stuff we've got going on, we need to get it right, and get it right now."

 Bachelder said that conflicts of interest prevent the board from functioning as effectively as a five-member board could. 

Earlier in the meeting, Hotham recused herself from a vote, citing a potential conflict of interest, leaving just two voting members to decide on the matter.

Hotham implied that the idea was motivated by a lack of faith in the current board.

"I guess some people think that who's on the board right now is not looking out for the town, and I'm really sorry about that," said Hotham, "because I don't think there's anyone up here that don't look out for this town."

The refusal of the board to approve the idea doesn't mean that the matter won't come before voters in June.

Holmes noted that a citizen-initiated petition with approximately 95 signatures would be adequate to bring the matter before the public during a town meeting.

"Just let it go to town vote," said Wadas. "I know that we can go out and get petitions. And we will do that if we have to, those of us that want that. It would just be so much easier to put it on the thing in June. What can it hurt?"

State law requires that changes in the number of seats be made 90 days in advance of elections for that body.

Lowell and Hotham voted to maintain the size of the board, while Buswell abstained.

"I don't know if I want it or not," said Buswell.