To the editor,
On Nov. 8, we, as citizens, will be exercising our right to vote in what is certain to be an historic election. Along with the important decision to vote for our next President, U.S. Senator, and state representatives, Prospect voters have several ballot questions to consider that impact our town Charter. One question in particular would take positions currently elected by voters, specifically treasurer, tax collector, and town clerk, and make them jobs appointed by the mayor with approval from the Town Council. I urge voters to vote “No” to this ballot question and keep these as elected positions.
We have a very successful political process where these jobs are filled by election every two years, with candidates recommended by party town committees, nominated by party caucuses, and elected by voters in November elections. Election by the people helps to ensure that those who hold these positions are beholden to the people. Appointees are often beholden to those who appoint them. Making these appointed positions removes power from the voters and assigns control to the mayor and nine council members.
Voters should defend our small-town form of government and our right to elect people by voting “No” to this Charter revision question. Our town has not outgrown our Charter relative to this question. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.
Mike Dreher
Prospect
