Residents and selectmen press CEO over enforcement inconsistencies; board invites attorney for advice

At the Town of Cushing Selectmen meeting on June 27, several residents and board members raised concerns about inconsistent enforcement of ordinances by CEO Scott Bickford and asked the Select Board to seek legal guidance.

Resident Bob Ellis said there was a recurring pattern of code violations and that the CEO did not consistently enforce requirements or provide Planning Board members with complete application checklists. Citizen Dan Remian also said the CEO sought $1,100 from the Select Board for survey work on the Sue Fisher matter, which Remian said was inappropriate to handle without fuller transparency.

Selectman Daniel Staples said he was sometimes frustrated and believed the CEO "was working for other people rather than the town," and he objected to the CEO's involvement in the Fisher matter. The CEO replied that he had given the board his statement and said that if the board directed further action he would need the town attorney to prosecute or advise.

The board voted 4-0 to invite Kristen Collins to the next Select Board meeting, if she is available, so the attorney and the CEO can be present to discuss the matter together. Selectmen and members of the public recommended submitting written complaints and suggested the board clarify whether the issue should be treated as a personnel matter or an enforcement action.

No formal personnel action was taken at the meeting; the matter will return for legal advice and possible further direction once the attorney has met with the board and CEO.