Watchful and serious, the 40, or so, Paris voters who turned out for Monday night's selectmen's meeting had only a little over an hour's worth of town business transactions to watch. Mainly procedural, no surprises.
New Town Mgr. Tarr opened the dusty and cobweb-covered chest of the public's-right-to-know a tiny crack when he added his manager's report to the agenda after all the other items were finished, and actually read it aloud.
It was a general statement: the effect of state cuts; concern that probably there wasn't enough money to get Paris past March, thereby quietly launching the suggestion of a loan for the town; mention of a few key numbers.
A citizen asked early in the meeting about the possible court costs if the town loses the law suit incurred by the 3-2 split vote when they irresponsibly fired previous town manager Jackson last June. Chairman Ivey made it clear that wasn't something we could know because all that took place in executive session. Pesky citizens...
So, it would stand to reason that if there's not enough money to run the town after March without a loan, court costs certainly aren't going to be particularly available either. A bigger loan...?
Watchful and serious in the audience. Having had a distinct lack of fiscal information since before June 22, even hearing generalized statements was like waking from a deep sleep. It will be crucial for Paris voters to do their homework, bring critical questions to the forefront, and demand responsible action on the part of their elected officials.
Selectman Glover managed to grasp Tarr's attention before the chairman shut things down:
"...the next selectmen's meeting, which would be the last one in January, and also the last one before the recall elections - Glen has already stated that he'll be on vacation the month of February - so, I would like to challenge you [Tarr] to think about how we're going to...a contingency plan for authorizations, warrants, and payroll, and whatever you come back with, so that we could take action."
Selectman Herrick: "That's the worst case scenario."
Sel. Glover: "In the best interest of the town, we need to make sure the town continues to operate; that the services are provided and we try not to impact our employees."
Mgr. Tarr: "I'll have it ready for you."
[Editor's note: Paris voters have learned, the hard way, that it is prudent to be watchful and serious. Now we have to ACT. Put this information on your calendars: Feb. 1, come out and vote whether to recall Selectman Ivey and whether to recall Selectman Herrick; Feb. 5. come out and vote whether to recall Selectman Glover and whether to recall Selectman Ripley.
Or, vote absentee ballot at the Paris Town Office. Vote - one time - your choice on all four candidates for recall]
