The Upton Board of Selectmen are seeking to change the status of Town Treasurer from an elected position to an appointed one at the Annual Town Meeting in May. Article 10 of the ATM Warrant of 2014 moves to make this change. Present Town Treasurer Collector Kenneth Glowacki is against such a move.
The Board of Selectmen issued a press release outlining why they believe the change is warranted.
According to the press release Town auditors have suggested it would be prudent for the town to pursue changing the Treasurer Collector’s position from elected to appointed. The BOS write, “While the current board believes the Treasurer Collector possess the skills necessary a future elected Treasurer may not. The Town has less than 7,000 residents, which limits the available talent pool capable of being elected as Town Treasurer Collector.”
Glowacki feels differently, “It’s a near and subject matter to me whether I’m appointed or elected.” Glowacki spoke out against this change during the February 18 214 Selectmen’s meeting. “I think there is enough talent in town that we would be able to elect someone local, a citizen of the town.”
The Board recognizes the contribution of the present Treasurer Collector in the press release but stated they are concerned they may be stuck with a critical situation should he not seek reelection noting many elected positions are not challenged or do not have any candidates run for the seat.
Glowacki is sure there are qualified people in town who would step up a run for the office when the time comes. “It’s important that the citizens have the opportunity to vote, this is an election process.” said Glowacki. Glowacki noted that the Town auditors did not find any fault in the current process.
The press release states that many citizens were concerned about creating the Town Manager position but this has proven to be a benefit to the Town. “The process relative to the Treasurer Collector’s position is no different. It’s about the future, and as the Executive Officers of the Town, it is up to us to lead this initiative.”
Glowacki feels it’s important for the Town Treasurer Collector to have an independent voice. “I can make arguments against the board and I feel very free, that’s an important part of being elected.”
The citizens of Upton will decide at the Annual Town Meeting scheduled for May 8 whether the Town Treasurer Collector will remain an elected position or become an appointed one.
Here is a link to the complete press release issued by the Upton Board of Selectmen http://www.upton.ma.us/Pages/UptonMA_BComm/bos/BoS%20endorsement%20Article%2010.pdf
UPTON DAILY 