Union narrowly rejects referendum to appoint treasurer
Union — Voters rejected a referendum on Nov. 6 that would have changed the Union treasurer's post from an elected to an appointed position — by four votes. The article was defeated by a vote of 665 in favor and 669 against.
Four of the five Union selectmen endorsed the change in a public hearing on Oct. 16, citing erroneous financial records and the treasurer position's lack of accountability to any in-house authority. The board quoted a report by auditing firm RHR Smith & Company that identified five "significant deficiencies" and three "material weaknesses" in the town's financial processes.
At the Oct. 16 hearing, attendees voiced their concern for the fate of current treasurer Linda McAllister, who has held that position for the past 25 years. Union resident Sybil Wentworth read a letter on McAllister's behalf that alleged the select board was using McAllister's health concerns to force her out of the treasurer post.
Had the referendum passed, the proposed change would have taken effect on July 1, 2013.
Courier Publications reporter Bane Okholm can be reached at 594-4401 ext. 125 or by email at bokholm@courierpublicationsllc.com.
I know,Isn't that just awful when someone does that.
Hacks your computer.
Apparently somebody has been hacking my account, my apologies to all they offended. Unfortunately I can't pull the post but have changed all passwords so this won't happen again.
Somebody is going to GET THE FACTS
Wrong guess Bill
I agree with Ed Allen... I will be doing some more research on this too........
Still thinking hatch act violation when selectmen sent out the letter wanting a yes vote. I will dig a little deeper.
My point, cribbage player, is Union already has a qualified Treasurer. You don't need to find one for the June election. If it ain't broken, don't fix it!!!!!!! Let Linda alone to do the job that she has done for the past 25 years.
They have a treasure
r!!!!!!
What don't you understand. Things were good until some and you know who you are didnt have to be so ,well you know what i;m talking about. who ever this cribbage player is.
What don't you understand. Things were good until some and you know who you are didnt have to be so ,well you know what i;m talking about. who ever this cribbage player is.
the residents of union should be checking and observing whats going on in your town. my opinion is some peole are doing some sneaky things by the sounds of it. Why a new treasurer?Think about it and that is only an opinion.For 25 years the town was good now its a mess WHY.
What question has been settled by the citizens of Union??
I agree 100% with you Don
The request for a re-count is only a way to manipulate the vote. I have seen this happen in Hope several times. When the municipal parasites don't get their way there is always a re-count or a re-vote until they get their way. They don't need a civic lesson, they need to get out of the way of themselves and do what is right for the town.
I agree with Betty, a town this small does not need a town manager. The Selectpersons and the townspeople could easily handle all town activity.
In my opinion we do not need a town manager.Union isn't that big.three selectmen and one select women and of course the people should be plenty.
Hatch act MAYBE ?? borderline at the least. Look it up.
The petition in question is to request a RE-COUNT not a re-vote, a perfectly reasonable request and the right thing to do with a margin this close, but let's not start now letting the FACTS get in the way! It seems a lot of people need to bone up on their civics.
I Agee with don. She is real honest and has been there for 25 years. Why now. Maybe some peolpe don't like it not being able to tell her what to do or whatever. I am a tax payer in union and i hate to go in there because there are a few people who are very rude.
Do tell? A petition for a new vote? I never would have seen that coming.
Someone is going around with a petition for a new vote. Evidently they didnt like the results of the last one. So ,What... you dont get your way (win) so you just go out and finagle another vote. And if, IF, they win that vote, can the REAL winning side get petitions to try and reverse the vote again ? Come on folks , you lost, man up. The taxes payers have spoken!
Yes Ed. Your tax dollars paid for the letter to tell you how to vote. It came in an envelope from the Town of Union and was sent from "The Board of Selectmen". I'm trying not to comment too much because "Get the Facts", our town manager gets upset.
I still would like to know if my tax dollars sent out the letter to Union residents that i did not get. You know the one asking for a yes vote.
The people of Union that are trying to oust Linda McAllister as their treasurer should be ashamed of themselves. I have known Linda all of my life and I can tell you that you won't find a better human being, better for the job, more honest and has the towns best interest for the past 25 years. Leave her alone and let her do her job. Yes, I do pay taxes in Union.
like father like son
Actually you don't have a treasurer that just left... She is out on an EMERGENCY MEDICAL LEAVE...!!!!!!!!!!!
Jerome, I agree with your post. Now for Betty stating a "new town manager" I do not agree with! We have a treasurer who left, has a horrendous audit report and we want to blame it on the manager who has no authority over her? I went in talked to the manager, talked to Selectmen and saw FIRST HAND the mumbo jumbo of notes, etc. I say we go out and get signatures and put this up to vote again!
Perhaps the treasurer should have appointed someone to do the bill paying while they are out of the office. Not just leave the town hanging with bills that need to be paid, like the town employees, the electric, water, etc...
So now we have to hire outside help, at even more cost to the town.
Congrats mom...!!! I am happy that people have stood by your side... At least YOU can walk with your head held high.
way to go Linda.
They need a new town manager.
They need a new town manager.