To put this in perspective, during last November's midterm election, we processed 442 ballots in
the first hour! And registered 35 new voters that same hour. And even with an extremely busy
election day last November, our turnout was just over 50%.
For both elections, we did this with the same nine (9) Ward election officials and two (2) Ward
Deputy Registrars. In November, our Ward needed additional staff, For the March special
election, we only needed that level of staff as we needed to fill all of roles required by State and
City law.
In my letter to the editor, I spoke against the current system, and I am still opposed to it.
I proposed at that time what I consider to be a more effective approach. That being that the
Mayor appoint an interim replacement to fill any vacancy on the various elective Boards and that
the Aldermen confirm that selection. And further that a replacement to fill any unexpired part of
the term be elected at the next November election, as Nashua holds a general election every
November.
Mr. Teeboom, in a comment to my letter, objected to that proposal on the grounds of cronyism. |
agree with his concern which was why I proposed that any interim appointment be confirmed by
the Board of Aldermen to mitigate cronyism concerns.
The Proposal R-18-073 Amended is cronyism on steroids by reverting Nashua to a previous
process that was replaced as it invited serious cronyism. To revert is to take a step backwards.
The City needs a process that is timely, cost effective, and rejects cronyism.
Let me share an extreme example.
Based on R-18-073 Amended, if a new member of the Board of Education were to quit
immediately after being sworn in, the remaining 8 members of the BoE (assuming the BoE, now
evenly numbered, could reach a timely consensus...) could appoint a Member who would serve
until the next Municipal election, almost 2 years in the future.
Clearly, that should be unacceptable to all of you.
My proposal is this:
1. Within 30 days of a vacancy on any subject Board, the Mayor would nominate a
candidate to fill the position. The subject Board with a vacancy may forward to the Mayor
within 2 weeks of such vacancy the name(s) of their proposed candidate(s) to fill the
vacancy. The Mayor would not be bound to nominate a candidate proposed by the Board.
2. The Board of Aldermen will vote to confirm the Nominee of the Mayor within 30 days of
the nomination.
3. The Nominee will serve until a permanent replacement, elected at the next November
