Aroostook County man asks voters to say ‘no’ to changes

To the editor:
    I am writing this letter to inform Aroostook County’s citizens about your upcoming election this November to change your county’s Charter. Aroostook was either the first or second county to establish a County Charter and was wise enough, then, to keep electing its county officers. This November, you will be asked to change the Registry of Deeds and County Treasurer from serving the people of your county to serving at the pleasure of the County Commissioners. I urge you to reject this change in your charter.
    As County Treasurer of Waldo County, I know how important it is that these two county offices should be kept independent from pressures and influence of County Commissioners. As I’ve testified before the Legislature as elected officers, we should report to the Commissioners exactly what we think on any subject, not what we think they want to hear. Now we are responsible to you, the People. With this change, both the Registry of Deeds and County Treasurer will be responsible only to their employers, the County Commissioners.
    Your County Treasurer Will Bell is not only very well qualified, but is working only for the people of Aroostook County. He is also the president of our County Treasurer’s Association. In Knox County, their county treasurer was dismissed after 12 years of service as an elected position when they changed their Charter, only because of her politics. Do not devalue your right to vote for these officers only because your County Commissioners want to concentrate their power. Vote down these changes!
David A. Parkman
Waldo County Treasurer