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Select board fills appeals and budget committee seats; one appointment prompts conflict concerns
Summary
The board appointed members to the budget committee and the board of appeals, including Cheryl Edgeley to the budget committee and Russell Nutting Jr. and Clifton Finch to appeals; one nominee drew remarks about impartiality but the board proceeded to fill statutory vacancies.
The Select Board moved to fill several vacancies on town committees on July 28. The board approved appointing Cheryl Edgeley to the budget committee. For the Board of Appeals the board appointed Russell Nutting Jr. and Clifton Finch. The motion to appoint Heath Edgeley prompted discussion about potential conflicts related to an upcoming appeal; some members voiced concerns but the board proceeded with appointments to restore quorum and meet statutory requirements.
One board member noted sensitivity around public conduct and social-media commentary and said such concerns could prompt reconsideration of an appointment if impartiality could not be maintained. "I don't want to be asking people to join a committee and be the board that's on TV saying, well, we're going to cherry pick the persons that we want," a member said, urging inclusivity while also stressing fairness. Board members acknowledged statutory requirements to maintain functioning boards and agreed staff and policy updates (including employee social-media guidance) could help set expectations for appointees.
The board accepted a resignation from Stephanie Bishop (budget committee) and thanked her for years of service. The board directed staff to process appointment paperwork and to post updated committee rosters.
