Selectman Robert Croteau presents Rupert Chamberlin with a plaque in recognition of his years of service to Barton. Mr. Chamberlin decided not to run for re-election this year. Selectman Patsy Tompkins, at right, applauds. Photo by Joseph Gresser
BARTON — Barton bade farewell to a pair of long-serving officials at Town Meeting Tuesday night. Bill May was honored in absentia for 33 years of service as town agent and town attorney. Mr. May did not fully escape town office; voters re-elected him as moderator in an uncontested ballot.
Mr. May is convalescing in Burlington, Selectman Richard Croteau told voters. His law partner, Bill Davies, stood in for him as moderator.
Mr. Davies used all his powers of persuasion to induce retiring Selectman Rupert Chamberlin to speak after he was given a plaque and a standing ovation in recognition of his 21 years in office.
Mr. Chamberlin said, “Thank you very much,” and attempted to sit down, but Mr. Davies was having none of that.
He told Mr. Chamberlin that his long years as selectman make him “almost a politician.” As such Mr. Davies insisted Mr. Chamberlin must have something more to say.
He was right.
Mr. Chamberlin delivered a valedictory speech in which he told voters “we have too much government in this town.”
He pointed to the town’s two fire departments and said, “probably this community spends twice as much on fire protection than any town around us.”
“I’m sure there are a lot of things that could be consolidated,” Mr. Chamberlin said. Like the federal and state governments, Barton could be more efficient, he added.
Mr. Chamberlin noted that the cost of services to individual taxpayers in Barton could be lowered, if expenses were shared by more people.
“We need to bring a little industry into these communities,” he said. “If we don’t they’ll be dying on the vine.”
Finally he lamented that few Barton residents are willing to fill town offices. “If you’re asked to take a position at least think about it pretty sincerely,” he advised.
He said he enjoyed his years in office but admitted, “I feel I’m a little burned out,” before sitting as his colleagues and voters gave him another standing ovations.
Mr. Chamberlin’s place on the board of selectmen will be taken by Roy Gero, who ran unopposed.
The 60 or so voters who attended the meeting approved almost everything put before them. They authorized selectmen to raise $459,650 for town highways and $303,887 for other town expenses. Town school budgets will be voted on at later meetings.
Voters approved all articles presented for their consideration except for a $200 appropriation for Green Up Day. Kathy White asked why the town should send money out of town for what is a local volunteer effort. Her arguments proved convincing, and the article was defeated 20 to 36.
The only other article that met with any resistance was a measure that called for $12,000 for the Crystal Lake Preservation Association. The appropriation was passed, but only after it was reduced to $8,000.
