Rubber stamps

According to the Board of Selectmen Committee Appointment Policy, there are over 300 persons on 44 boards and committees. Most appointments are for three years, and if we assume that the terms are staggered, then there are about 100 seats to be filled every year.

It's a tall order, which is why the argument for a streamlined appointment process - i.e., if you've only one applicant for a vacant seat, appoint that person - is a fair one.

I have a different perspective.

"Among the chief powers is the power of Appointment."

Perhaps the most important job the selectmen have is that of appointment. All of the boards, committees and commissions appointed by the selectmen serve as advisers to the selectmen. Some of them, such as the Conservation Commission or Zoning Board of Appeals, have a considerable amount of authority.

Although these appointed individuals are volunteers, they are still considered "special town employees." For example, what they do or say can get the town sued, and they cannot be dismissed without cause. We shouldn't be "hiring" these individuals without fully vetting their background first, or reviewing their performance since the last time they were appointed.

This is not to say that these folks - be they new applicants or sitting members - aren't qualified or capable, and many are known to one or more members of the board of selectmen. However, many aren't. More importantly, the 300 persons on those 44 boards, committees and commissions report directly to the selectmen - and only to the selectmen. The interview process every three years is the one and only opportunity the selectmen have to review these individuals' performance.

On Monday night, I repeatedly argued that the board should wait a week between the interview and the actual appointment. I wanted time to check references and give the public an opportunity to provide feedback. I didn't get it, and eventually stopped asking.

A few folks have since reminded me that I shouldn't give up. After all, I ran on a platform of good government - of doing what is right, not what is expedient - and there is nothing good about rubber stamps.