By JULIE CUNNINGHAM
(Orange, MA) Although an item was included on the December 2 meeting agenda for the Orange Board of Selectmen to make the town clerk an appointed position, member Alex Schwanz has come out on his social media page as opposed to the change. On his social media page, Schwanz discussed the four reasons why he thinks an appointed town clerk would not be an advantageous move for the town of Orange. First, he argued a salary increase up to $76,000 would be necessary to create a competitive offer. Second, limitations on salary imposed to the challenging fiscal situation would bring in what he refers to as “inexperienced professionals”.
“This newly appointed office would be perpetually filled by inexperienced professionals seeking to start their careers and then move on to bigger and better positions,” said Schwanz on his social media.
Filling the vacancy, he worried, would take months and leave an open position in the town government until a suitable candidate was found.
“When a person runs for Town Clerk, they usually intend to serve their entire term. An appointed Town Clerk could leave us at any time for a position with a better salary and benefits, potentially abandoning our town in the most critical hour,” said Schwanz.
Last, Schwanz worried the chosen candidate would not have the benefit of local experience and a broad knowledge base regarding the town of Orange.
“An appointed Town Clerk would most likely come from outside of Orange with little understanding of who we are or where we have been,” argued Schwanz.
No decision regarding the change to an appointed town clerk was made during the December 2 Selectboard meeting.