More bad feelings between selectmen and library trustees

From the Eagle Tribune;

More bad feelings between selectmen and library trustees
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com

ATKINSON - The Board of Selectman cut Nina Gray from her alternate position on the Kimball Library trustees last night because she failed to fill out the application.

But the trustees say the application was just supposed to be a formality and should not disqualify someone who has volunteered time at the library.

Last night's move was just the latest to anger the trustees.

Last week, selectman appointed four members as alternates to the board even though there were only three openings. Eleanor Feuer, Joanne Tsai and John Mack were also appointed to alternate positions.

The trustees' anger with the selectman began when Tsai was not selected to the vacant one-year position on the board last Monday.

The trustees had made a recommendation to the selectman to fill the vacant position with Tsai but instead they chose Greg Spero, who has no previous experience on the board.

The trustees chose Tsai because she was third-highest vote-getter in March for two three-year positions in the March election. Wendy Doughty and Julie Hammond were both elected. The vacancy arose after someone left the board.

Usually, trustees are elected, but selectmen have the authority to appoint members when there are vacancies.

Trustee Chairman Kay Galloway said it's been past practice that the trustees' recommendation is always chosen.

"I feel it unbelievable that you would interfere," Doughty said.

Selectman Bill Bennett said the three selectmen didn't know any of the candidates and had to make their decision based on the applications. The appointments weren't meant to disrespect the trustees but were to get new people to serve on town boards, Bennett said.

But the selectman's decision last night led to two other alternates saying they wanted to step down from the board last night.

Tsai and Feuer said they would step down as alternates so that Gray could be a member of the board.

"I don't want to deprive her of that opportunity," Tsai said.

Bennett asked both of them to wait until next Monday before officially resigning.