Len Mullen - Winner (3 write-in votes)

[curt - Moderator]

Len was declared the winner with 3 write-in votes.

[curt]

I was one of the 3 write-in voters for Len. I wrote in his name for each position with no declared candidates.

[michelle_oneil]

He won't do it.
He's said before that he doesn't like to state his opinions in public.
He'd rather hide behind a keyboard rather than try to make any real changes.

[Resident]

Can he make any real changes by becoming a member of the Budget Committee? I thought that was reserved for School Board members only.

[curt]

In theory the budcom has a lot of power because they decide what budget goes to the deliberative session.

In practice they wind up accepting the administration's proposal because they don't have any staff to do independent analysis. Perhaps Len could help out with that.

His biggest problem would be persuading other members to go along with his proposals.

[shawn_oneil]

His biggest problem would be persuading other members to go along with his proposals.

I would actually think that would be the smaller problem.
Shawn

[Resident]

According to Mr LaSalle, no minimum vote is required to be elected. If Mr Mullen does not accept the position, the position would be considered vacant. Was Mr Mullen the only write in? If not, why wouldn't the offer be extended to the other write ins if he refuses the position?

[shawn_oneil]

Resident,
If Len were not to accept then it does NOT go to the runner-up position. The Board of Selectmen would appoint for 1 year. I would say that a runner-up would have consideration when deciding the appointment at least from my perspective.
Shawn

[Rob C]

Len accepted the position.

[Resident]

Do you know when he accepted? Just wondering since Mr LaSalle explained that position would be consider vacant if he did not accept. The swearing in and signing of Oath of Office was prior to the SB meeting.

[curt]

Resident,
If Len were not to accept then it does NOT go to the runner-up position. The Board of Selectmen would appoint for 1 year. I would say that a runner-up would have consideration when deciding the appointment at least from my perspective.
Shawn

Shawn,
Did you actually look this up in the articles of agreement and / or the RSAs?

I would think that either the budcom or the school board would make appointments to vacant budcom positions. But I haven't looked it up.

[curt]

Do you know when he accepted? Just wondering since Mr LaSalle explained that position would be consider vacant if he did not accept. The swearing in and signing of Oath of Office was prior to the SB meeting.

Len was notified only on Wednesday that he was elected. So if he has accepted, that is less than 48 hours. I don't think anybody could reasonably claim that he did not accept it in a timely fashion.

[Rob C]

Len was sworn in last night. The process was done in the corner of the room while a lot of conversation was going on so it is quite possible Mr. LaSalle didn't have any knowledge of Len entering the room and taking the oath. It all happened very quickly.

[michelle_oneil]

The first Budget Committee for the 2009-2010 School year is on Thursday, March 27th. The first part of the meeting will be to elect the positions and recording secretary. Then we adjorn that meeting to begin a Budget Committee meeting.

[shawn_oneil]

Resident,
If Len were not to accept then it does NOT go to the runner-up position. The Board of Selectmen would appoint for 1 year. I would say that a runner-up would have consideration when deciding the appointment at least from my perspective.
Shawn

Shawn,
Did you actually look this up in the articles of agreement and / or the RSAs?

I would think that either the budcom or the school board would make appointments to vacant budcom positions. But I haven't looked it up.

I did not look it up but that makes the most logical sense.
If you have 2 members that represent Danville and one resigns, then having the School Budget Committee or the School Board appoint someone would not necessarily reflect the interest of Danville. It could be someone from Atkinson for example. The only body that would be able to appoint someone with the interest of Danville preserved would be the Board of Selectmen from Danville.
On another note, that was how Michelle was originally appointed years ago when she filled a vacancy prior to running.
Shawn