Perry divides over resignation, effort to recall selectman

Back-to-back emergency and regularly scheduled Perry selectmen meetings have become a battleground of differing opinions among residents and selectmen. With a trio of upsets -- property tax increases, one selectman's resignation and an effort to recall another selectman -- the town is divided.
At the November 7 meeting, Karen Raye, chair of the selectmen, was asked to read the recall petition, which asks that the town schedule an election to remove Selectman John Cook from office. The petition states, "Mr. Cook, shortly after being elected, relocated to New Hampshire and is not present for the daily responsibilities incumbent upon him as a selectman." The petition was signed by 134 voters in town.
At the emergency selectmen meeting on October 24, Raye reluctantly accepted the resignation of Selectman David Turner, who had made plans to be out of town for three months. At that meeting, Cook participated via teleconference and seemed ready to discuss a compromise to his predicament, when he explained that his spouse had accepted a job position in New Hampshire. He was, he said at that time, "willing to resign if David does."
At the most recent meeting, Cook said in reaction to the recall, "This is unfortunate. This is not grounds for a recall. My wife accepted a position in New Hampshire, it's true. We are still Perry residents, we are registered voters here, and we register our cars here. This is our primary residence. I don't believe the grounds for this are valid."
Raye replied, "For me, right now, with both selectmen gone, it's like a three-legged stool. It's tipsy. This is a day-to-day job. I don't feel that I should have to be here by myself." Raye asked Cook to "do the right thing" and resign. Cook said he wouldn't. "I'm sorry I'm cast into this situation, but it was never my intention to conceal the fact that my activities have changed. I have a home away from home, but I am still available 24/7 to carry out my responsibilities to the town." Raye didn't agree.
One resident said in support of Cook, "There is a bias here. Karen, your response to this situation is biased." Another said to Cook, "You need to resign. You're not going to be here. It's time to go." The controversy went further when residents asked for an explanation from selectmen regarding the legality of a recall election.
A day after the meeting, Raye released a statement from Michael Stultz of Maine Municipal Association's legal department that reads, "It is my opinion that the board of selectmen acted correctly in calling for a recall election." Selectmen Raye and Turner voted in favor and Cook against, in naming December 8 as the date for voters to elect one selectman to fill an eight-month vacancy left by Turner and to decide whether or not to recall Cook.
During the meeting resident Michael Leddy said to Raye, "Graydon [Ritchie Sr.] and John [Spinney] ran the town without any help." Residents seemed split on whether or not Cook should resign. One resident voiced anger, saying, "If you care about this town, go with your wife. I want someone to be here." Other residents told Cook he was doing a good job and should stay.
The discussion became more heated when Cook addressed the recent surfacing of emails and documents regarding this subject. "This is a disgraceful display of political maneuvering to get rid of me," said Cook.
Raye ended with the announcement that nomination papers will be available on Sunday, November 13, for potential candidates to fill Turner's seat on the board of selectmen. The papers are due on Wednesday, November 23. Turner's resignation is effective on December 2, with a date of December 8 for the election/recall vote.

Tax increases create unrest
Also at the meeting, residents requested answers to questions regarding property tax increases. Perry property owner Pauline Ricker stated, "You're pushing our taxes up. I've been a 36-year resident here, and I have never seen anything like this."
Selectmen detailed reasons why some property owners experienced tax increases. An informational sheet from Raye explained that tax changes are typical with a town-wide revaluation. According to this sheet, the two possible reasons for tax increases are "an increased appropriation supported by Perry citizens at town meeting"; and an increase caused by "property revaluation, or tax equalization, which was approved by a vote of Perry citizens at town meeting(s)."
David Turner added that taxpayers have 185 days from the date of commitment to request abatement. The selectmen consult with the assessor before taking any action on tax concerns or abatement requests. Many at the meeting felt they did not receive adequate answers to specific questions directed to the assessor during the scheduled property tax bill appointments. John Cook said that he thought the valuation process "was rushed into service this year" and "the 30‑day notice of revised valuation, or mock bill, was not sufficient time to allow taxpayers to review their bills, and to schedule an appointment." Raye said people "had plenty of time" and still could call the assessor to discuss their bills.

Other matters
Mark Stanhope is a new hire for the Perry town crew. The municipal flag and flag pole and its upkeep were discussed. Veteran events and flag care were under the care of the late Philip "Mike" Farrell and local veterans. Two residents, Paul Mitchell and Frank Lank of Perry, asked for permission to place a sign at the Gleason Cove ballfield in memory of the late Larry Bowen Sr. Bowen was a mentor and coach for the Perry Cubs Little League for over 20 years. The team would provide the sign.
Howard Calder accepted a position as a member of the Regional Shellfish Conservation Committee. Calder will represent Perry on the board along with another unnamed representative the selectmen will appoint. Calder helped write the shellfish ordinance for the joint shellfish committee. A shellfish committee meeting will soon be scheduled.
Eligible Maine residents can receive a partial refund of property taxes and/or rent paid on their primary residence; search "Maine Residents Property Tax and Rent Refund 'Circuit Breaker' Program" on the web for more information.
The next Perry selectmen's meeting will be on Monday, November 21, at 6 p.m.