Open Letter to Selectmen Re: Town Treasurer position

An open letter to the Board of Selectmen,

Re: Appointment of Town Treasurer

I’m writing to express my disappointment about the Board of Selectmen decision tonight to make the town treasurer position an appointed one. I’m even more disappointed that it seems that the Selectmen will be taking that decision completely out of the hands of the voters even though Chapter 41 section 1B of the M.G.Ls provides that the change go to voters for approval. I’d like the board to think about the figure 6%. That was the voter turnout during the last town election. It seems as though the voters are losing interest in town affairs and in my opinion the shrinking influence the average voter has is contributing to the problem.

Having a treasurer that is independent of the Board of Selectmen is an advantage. It allows the treasurer to express opinions freely even when those opinions are not popular with the Selectmen without the fear of repercussions to the treasurer’s employment. The treasurer would instead only answer to voters. Many towns have appointed treasurers but it’s Milford with its elected treasurer position that is the financial envy of surrounding communities. Having an elected position also avoids any conflict of interest that may arise when appointing friends or relatives to important positions. Then there’s the added benefit of the election itself which often peaks interest and involvement within the town.   

To my discouragement, it seems as though my decision to participate in the political process may have been a factor in the board’s decision. I would hate to think that my actions have hurt town voters. I love this town and want to do whatever I can to help it thrive. I had no delusions that I would win the election and that wasn’t the objective. It was to strike up some debate and maybe inspire other voters to join the conversation and maybe get involved. Ms. Auger had so much experience and I, quite frankly, had so little. The election results speak for themselves. The voters know what they are doing and have a history of electing qualified individuals and I challenge the members of the board to present a time when Milford voters elected a person that put the town in ‘danger’.

With that said I hope the Board of Selectmen will reconsider their decision. At the very least I plead that the Selectmen present their arguments to voters and let Milford voters have the final say.

Regards,

Michael Soares