LIMESTONE, Maine — The Limestone selectpeople held their regular meeting on Sept. 17, 2014 to discuss some important agenda items, as well as to accept the resignation of Marilyn King, who was unable to attend the meeting. King left a letter with Town Manager Donna Bernier to read to the board, explaining her situation and why she has made the decision to end her term before the three-year term ends.
The letter from King addressed to the board of selectpeople read as follows:
“It is with deep regret that I cannot serve my full three-year term. Personal and family issues are demanding more of my time and energy. I am submitting my resignation from the selectpeople’s board at this time for that reason. The time frame will also allow the town the opportunity to proceed with the process of filling the remainder of my term with the upcoming election, and not cause a financial burden on the town. I am able to continue my position going forward, until a new candidate is voted onto the board on Nov. 4, if the board members are willing to allow me to do so. Serving on the board of selectpeople has been rewarding, and has certainly been a learning experience for me, and I certainly appreciate the voters who afforded me to do so.”
A motion was made to accept King’s resignation. Board chairman Tom Devoe admitted that the board was accepting King’s resignation with deep regret.
Due to King’s abrupt resignation, the board was then tasked with figuring out how they would conduct the election process for this now vacant seat on the board.
“In special circumstances, the board can reduce the amount of days needed prior to the election for the circulation of petitions and campaigning,” said Bernier. “The board can reduce the nomination petition no less than 10 days, and they must be turned into the town office no less than 14 days before the actual election.”
Bernier admitted that this special circumstance wouldn’t give the board a great deal of extra time to conduct the election process.
“As far as getting ballots ready and all the rest of the things that need to be done during the election process, that is soon,” Bernier added. “Not that we couldn’t get the ballot ready, but not only that, a lot of people come in prior to the election to vote with an absentee ballot.”
Bernier’s suggestion to the board was that they have the nomination petition ready by Sept. 22, and nomination papers will have to be turned back into the town office by Oct. 8, 2014.
“That will give candidates three weeks to circulate their nomination petitions,” said Bernier.
Bernier’s suggestion was voted on and approved by the board.
