Staff Writer
HOULTON — An effort to amend the Shiretown Development Corporation’s by-laws failed by a 9-0 vote during a meeting held Monday, Dec. 10.
The board directors discussed the agenda item, which outlined a proposal to have the two public seats discontinued, leaving only the seven current council members on the board. Local activist Stan Ginish and businessmen Galen Wilde currently fill those positions. Ginish’s term is up this spring and Wilde still has three years remaining.
Houlton Town Manager Doug Hazlett said although the item was defeated, it was still a good dialogue for the directors to have.
“Their next discussion would be to address whether or not they want to continue with the two members of the public or eliminate it and revert back to the council,” he explained.
Hazlett said the issue has been raised several times from complaints and concerns made by the public and now it’s up to the board on how to address those concerns.
“The problem with the two people is they’re not elected by the people, they’re appointed by the council,” said Hazlett. “People don’t think they should be deciding on how tax dollars are spent if they’re not elected.”
SDC directors will have another opportunity to discuss the matter by April 1, 2008.
