Subcommittee defers decision on Board of Registrars appointments after interviews

The Select Board interview subcommittee interviewed three candidates for a single vacancy on the town Board of Registrars but chose to defer making a recommendation until a later meeting.

Assistant Town Clerk Karen Wilbur and registrar Rick Hagen briefed the panel on the board’s responsibilities, saying registrars certify voter-registration signatures on petitions and nomination papers, occasionally help staff the clerk’s office during election day, and convene for recounts that require formal certification. "For recounts, they act as the judges," Wilbur said, describing recounts as rare but important.

Candidates James Vanderpool, Caitlin Hines and Mitch Cohen each described their backgrounds and interest in the role. Vanderpool said he has lived in town since 1985 and has been active on local committees; Hines said she works from home as a nonprofit executive and serves as treasurer of the Northborough Democratic Town Committee; Cohen described nearly 30 years of local-government experience and recounted observing recounts in other towns.

Cohen told the subcommittee he favored paper-ballot systems; "If you put it on the Internet, we're done," he said, expressing security concerns about internet-connected voting machines. Wilbur and Hagen emphasized Massachusetts’ paper-ballot procedures and described the registrars’ logistical support when recounts or other special election events occur.

The subcommittee agreed to delay deliberation and recommendations on the registrars vacancy so members could meet again, consult with the staff liaison and review interviews together; the Select Board will consider any recommendation at its July 13 meeting if forwarded by the subcommittee.

The subcommittee thanked applicants and staff and closed the session.