01/23/13: Chairman Dan MacDonald asked Selecman Dr. William Darke the following questions during the GAC meeting. The following are his recorded responses.
- In the year 2010, the voters of Groveland voted down a nonbinding referendum that called for a five-member board. For what reason is this issue to be studied and presented to voters again?
Dr. Darke: The last few years have been more difficult. There is a problem that if two members of the BOS converse it can be a violation of the Open Meeting Law. Complaints were filed with the ethics commission.
- Do you recommend an increase in the number of selectmen from the current number of three to five members and for what reason?
Dr. Darke: I recommend a BOS of 5 members so that open meeting law violations are minimized. Ethics violations are expensive.
- What structural changes in government would you recommend if any?
Dr. Darke: Bill does not believe the BOS should micro-manage.
- In your opinion, does the current form of town government function effectively and efficiently in its duties?
- In your opinion, do you believe the powers of the Board of Selectmen should be changed in any way? E.g. Should they be expanded or contracted?
Dr. Darke (answered questions 4 & 5 at the same time): It’s never as effective and efficient as private sector, but it does a good job with the people involved. Bill believes that some elected positions should become appointed. He mentioned the road commissioner’s position.
- Do you believe there is a need for a town administrator to supervise the heads of departments, all commissions, boards, offices and employees of the town? If so, why or why not?
Dr. Darke: I am not a huge fan of layers of bureaucracy. I believe that the people we have working for the town tend to take on the duties that need to be done. I do not think a town administrator is needed. Unofficially, we have two people that handle this job – finance director and selectmen’s administrative assistant.
- Which town positions, in your opinion, should be appointed and which positions should be elected? Please explain each position.
Dr. Darke: The Road Commissioner should be appointed so that we get a qualified person when the current person retires. It may be advisable to change other positions as time progresses. I don’t have any firm opinion on other positions at this time.
- Do you believe there should be term limits for selectmen? Please explain.
Dr. Darke: I do not think we need term limits on the local level. I believe that the election process will determine if people are satisfied with the BOS.
- Can you think of any changes in town government that would result in a balanced budget, not requiring voter tax overrides? Please comment on those changes.
Dr. Darke: The structural deficit is caused by the school budget and that is not going to change.
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