Dear Editor:

The Edgecomb Selectboard, throughout consecutive public meetings, has been unable to provide a coherent explanation for why Article #3 has been added to the Nov. 3 ballot. Article #3 intends to amend the current (2024) fire department ordinance.

Here are known facts, regarding the current (2024) Edgecomb fire department ordinance:

1. It was passed at a special town meeting on July 1, 2024, which was attended by virtually the entire fire department, including fire chief Roy Potter, all of whom voted in favor of its passage. (21–yes, 16–no)

1. Any reasonable person will find the ordinance text is clear, unambiguous and compatible with Maine fire department state regulations. The 2024 ordinance specifies that the fire department bylaws and operating procedures are to be approved by vote of the Selectboard. 

Known facts regarding the allegedly “adopted” Bylaws and Standard Operating Procedures of June 10, 2022, being used by reference to amend the 2024 ordinance:

1. There was no Edgecomb public meeting on June 10, 2022, nor a record of such adoption at any meeting in 2022.

1. They have no date and are unsigned. Who wrote them and when is unknown as there was no record of them in Edgecomb document files or on the website prior to Sept. 23, 2026. There is no evidence they were ever posted in Town Hall as required. 

1. They are logically and legally incompatible with the current ordinance in that it clearly specifies: “Rules and Standard Operating Guidelines prepared by the Fire Chief shall be reviewed and approved by the Select Board before becoming effective.” Incompatibility occurs because the proposed amendment states they “are not subject to vote or alteration.”

1. The Selectboard need only approve Bylaws and SOPs. Why is the town being asked to vote on a poorly worded amendment?

So, is Article #3 the product of old-fashioned shenanigans for undisclosed purposes, inexperience or general incompetence? No answer necessary, just vote no on Article #3 and make them accountable.

To paraphrase Hamlet: Something is rotten in the State of Edgecomb!

Kathryn Rohr, MD

Edgecomb