‘Unadvertised’ appointment to City Council unethical

To the editor:
    Did you know that at the close of the last Caribou City council meeting on April 13, the councilors went into executive session to appoint a councilor to fill the vacancy left due to the death of councilor Bob Albert? And did you know that once that discussion was concluded, the councilors went back into session to vote on the issue, but the cameras were not turned back on, nor was the public informed that this action was going to be taken in the first place? The vote was taken, and passed, though it was not unanimous.     A mere five months ago, an election was held in Caribou for various offices, one being the election of three city councilors. There were six candidates who did what they were supposed to do to run for election. They were incumbents Mark Goughan and Doug Morrell, newcomer Mary Kate Barbosa, and former council members Reg Reed, Phil McDonough and Chris Bell. They took out nomination papers, got the required signatures, and waged a campaign, but with only three seats available, there were three who did not get elected. Councilor Goughan, Mary Kate Barbosa and Christopher Bell were elected.
    Now, wouldn’t one think that this sitting council would go back to the 3 people who ran for office but did not get elected and offer the position to one of them first? Doug Morrell received over 1,600 votes, and Phil McDonough and Reg Reed each received over 1,500 votes. I know that Doug Morrell and Phil McDonough were not even approached. I don’t know about Mr. Reed. The council went to one former councilor who declined the position, so they then appointed former councilor Miles Williams to fill the vacant seat. He chose not to run for reelection. Why would the council appoint him to this seat, and why would he even accept this appointment?
    I am very well aware, although I do not agree, that there is nothing in the charter, which makes this action illegal. But I think it certainly is unethical! And furthermore, I think it is a slap in the face to the voters of this community. If nothing else, it shows the people of this community that their votes are inconsequential to this council. The wishes of the 1,600 people who voted for the unsuccessful candidates don’t count one iota to this administration.
    The people I have spoken to about this appointment are absolutely appalled! Why, then, they ask, do we even bother to go to the polls and cast our votes if they mean so little in this community? The irony of this is that this is how Miles Williams got onto the city council in the first place. Several years ago, when he ran for election, he was unsuccessful. However, a vacancy became available, and because he was the next highest vote getter, he was appointed to fill that vacancy. One particular councilor fought to make sure that procedure was followed, because it was the right thing to do.
    I am certainly not “picking” on Mr. Williams. I would feel the same way if my best friend were appointed. It just isn’t right. He did not run the race. Three other people did, and they should have been approached first, in the order of total votes received. Then, and only then, should someone else have been asked to fill the seat.
    Of the six people presently sitting on the council, I feel there is only one who really looks out for the interest of the people of this community. Another irony of this whole situation is that no matter who was selected to fill this seat, the other five would still be in the majority. So, what harm would it have done for you, the council, to do the right thing and ask Doug Morrell or Phil McDonough to fill the vacancy? Are you afraid of them? I think you are. I think you are afraid of someone who may be just a little smarter, a little more knowledgeable of the issues at hand, and are not afraid to tell it like it is to fellow councilors and the public in general. You are afraid of anyone who might “rock the boat” so to speak. Why else would you have taken the action you took in filling this seat?
    As I said, it was not unanimous, but for those of you who voted in favor of this appointment, shame on you! As far as I’m concerned, you took the coward’s way out.