Harold Oz advocates for elected city clerk position amid charter change proposals

Concerns over a proposed charter change to shift the Barre City Clerk position from an elected to an appointed role dominated discussions at the Barre City Council meeting on April 8, 2025. Former Berry City Clerk and Treasurer, Oz, passionately argued for maintaining the elected status of the clerk, emphasizing the importance of independence in overseeing elections. "The clerk is the bridge between the voters and the administration," Oz stated, highlighting the need for the position to remain accountable to the public rather than other elected officials.

The debate intensified as council members expressed differing views on the necessity of the change. One councilor raised concerns about the potential for an unqualified individual to hold the clerk position without a clear removal process, citing broader national issues as a cautionary tale. "If there's someone in the position, there's no way for us to remove a person who is completely and utterly unqualified," they warned.

In response, another council member pointed out that existing statutes provide mechanisms for addressing misconduct, asserting that a clerk failing to conduct fair elections could face severe consequences, including removal and legal repercussions. The discussion also touched on the possibility of researching charter amendments that would allow for the removal of elected officials, though it was noted that such changes could not be implemented in time for the upcoming election.

Despite the heated debate, some council members expressed openness to placing the charter change on the ballot for voter consideration, suggesting that public opinion should ultimately guide the decision. "I would like to see it on the ballot and I'm happy to discuss this," one member remarked, indicating a willingness to engage with the community on this significant issue.

As the council continues to navigate this contentious topic, the future of the city clerk's role remains uncertain, with implications for the independence of local governance and electoral integrity hanging in the balance.