FRANKLIN — Following weeks of bitter and angry exchanges, the town administrator and two of three selectmen have resigned.
As a result, a special election will be held Sept. 7 to elect two selectmen.
The balloting will be from noon to 7 p.m. at the town office. Nomination papers must be filed by 4 p.m. on Aug. 23.
Until that time the remaining selectman, Second Selectman Jeff Albee, has limited authority.
“I can sign the payroll warrant, but I can’t pay any bills,” Albee said last weekend.
First Selectman Ian Staub and Third Selectman Shane Wallace resigned Aug. 10. A recall election for Staub in September is now canceled.
Town Administrator Sharon Perry, who also served as tax collector and treasurer, submitted her resignation effective Aug. 10 after selectmen refused to renegotiate her contract.
Wallace declined to comment and Perry has not responded to requests for an interview.
Staub said he was fed up.
“If I was not being recalled, I would not have resigned,” he said. “I had enough.”
Residents who circulated a petition seeking a recall election for Staub complained about his overall poor performance.
However, at a recent public hearing on the issue, no one was present to elaborate on the allegations.
Residents supporting Staub’s removal said later they were told it was not necessary to attend the public hearing.
Joanne Lepley has been hired as interim town administrator, tax collector and treasurer.
Town Clerk Robert Fernald said the town also is seeking a replacement for its representative on the Regional School Unit 24 Board.
The resignation of board member Nancy Glista is not related to the current controversy.
For more of the latest news, pick up a copy of The Ellsworth American.
Jacqueline Weaver
Latest posts by Jacqueline Weaver (see all)
- In fashion - October 9, 2019
- Quimby makes plans to revive Ocean Wood Campground - September 6, 2019
- Blurred lines - September 4, 2019