|
Thetford Treasurer
|
Sara Ferguson
|
Feb 27, 2004 10:24 PST
|
Dear Thetford Townspeople,
I was distressed and disappointed today to read a widely-circulated e-mail
broadside concerning the position of Town Treasurer for the Town of Thetford.
In the e-mail letter, supporters of the candidacy of Jill Graff published
criticisms of Martha Howard, our incumbent Town Treasurer.
It's fair and reasonable, given that the Treasurer's office is an elected
position, for candidates to make statements about their own abilities. However,
attacking the character and abilities of the opposition is uncalled-for -
hurtful to not only the person being attacked, but also the social fabric of our
town.
It is with reluctance that I write this. I left the Selectboard several weeks
ago with serious concerns about the way personnel issues are handled by the
Town, and I had hoped to leave politics behind.
But, having seen what *really* goes on at Town Hall, I can't let such ugly and
unwarranted allegations stand unchallenged.
Martha Howard is a highly intelligent, capable, and knowledgeable person. She
has been, at times, overwhelmed by the demands of the Treasurer's job. This past
year was the first year of an autonomous Treasurer's position (Town Clerk and
Treasurer were combined in one job until March 2003) so Ms. Howard has been
defining the job as she goes. When it became clear to her several months ago
that she couldn't keep up with the workload on her own, she hired an assistant
(a budgeted position), and has been up-to-date since then.
The present members of the Thetford Selectboard are an outstanding group of
talented and committed individuals. It is hard for me personally to reconcile my
knowledge of their dedication and integrity - individually and as a group -
with the mismanagement I have observed in the area of employee relations. In
interactions with Ms. Howard, instead of asking questions and offering support
when needed, the Board issues peremptory demands followed by sessions of hostile
questioning. The Selectboard sets the tone of these interactions. It was a
disappointment to me, as a member of the board, to learn that there was no basis
in fact for this confrontational approach.
In getting to know the Town office staff I came to respect Ms. Howard's dignity
and restraint as well as her financial knowledge, and I found that, contrary to
scuttlebutt, when not under attack, she is personable, friendly, and helpful.
When approached with prejudice, Ms. Howard is briskly courteous. In dealing with
the public she is at all times professional and composed.
I believe that it would be a mistake to elect a new Treasurer. Martha Howard is
a stable, experienced, long-term Town employee and will serve the Town well for
many more years.
According to her resume, Jill Graff appears to be qualified for the Treasurer's
position. I trust that she is a person of integrity, sincerely concerned for
the well-being of the Town, and will therefore ask her supporters to refrain
from negative campaigning.
|
|
 |
|
