Election Review - RE: Last Month’s Article

Last month an article appeared on my voting record and attendance at selectmen’s meetings executive sessions on union wage issues.

In response to those charges I would state the following:

When I first ran 9 years ago I stated that I would not be voting on union wage issues as I have family employed by the town. The law actually allows me to vote if I wish however reminded me that sometimes the appearance of a violation is just as bad as an actual violation and advised me not to with family employed by the town. I made it clear that I would not vote on those issues. Three years later when I reran for selectman it came up again and again I stated my intent to not vote on union pay issues. Three years ago it came up again –same story. The voters have elected me three times with that approach and hopefully will again as I will not vote on them going forward. There never has been a quorum issue in 10 years or a two to two tie as some would warn about. I would vote in those cases so it will never happen as some would suggest. I have voted on every other issue in public and executive session and have missed only one meeting in the last three years and less than three meetings in nine years--

In summary—the voters have trusted and supported me for 9 years under the same approach and I’m not sure why it is such a huge issue this year except those who raise it support my opponent. If you want me voting on pay issues that may affect my family don’t vote for me as I will not do it if elected.

Dave Parker
Selectman