The Boothbay Board of Selectmen protested the Maine Municipal Association’s nominating process by returning a blank ballot. The board received the ballot for electing the organization’s vice president and three directors last week.

As in previous years, the selectmen were at odds over the MMA’s nominating process. Boothbay, along with other members, were sent a ballot that consisted of three nominations for three open positions on the executive committee, and only one nominee to serve as the elected vice president. Boothbay, as well as other select boards, have requested more choices in past years, according to Selectman Steven Lewis.

The selectmen voted unanimously on July 23 to return the ballot blank to show their frustration with the process.

“This doesn’t make any sense and it’s obvious they aren’t going to listen to us,” Selectman Chuck Cunningham said. “I mean this as no disrespect to the applicants, but I say we send the ballot back blank to send a message.”

Several months ago, the MMA responded to Boothbay’s request. The MMA stated it wasn’t going to nominate additional candidates. According to the letter, the MMA believes the current process works well for its membership. 

But it has made some changes. A petition process was added to allow members to nominate candidates. The process allows for other names to appear on the ballot if at least five municipalities nominate a candidate. The deadline for municipal nominations was on July 9. The MMA reported that the general membership didn’t make any nominations.

Chaousis said the intent of  MMA’s nomination process is designed to find experienced members who can serve the needs of the membership. As an executive committee member for MMA,  Chaousis said he’s witnessed the organization’s effort in searching for qualified applicants. The town manager advised the board that the MMA is careful about the nomination process because it’s responsible for tens of millions of dollars in insurance funds.

“I can assure you I’ve seen them at work looking for qualified candidates. They are more than diligent,” Chaousis said. “I understand your viewpoint.  I’m not saying the board’s position is incorrect only that there is a lot more to it.”

Other business

The board considered waiving building permit fees for a nonprofit group providing assistance to low-income home owners. Rebuilding Together Lincoln County was formed in 2002 and is the local chapter of a national organization. RTLC member Fran McBrearty requested that the selectman waive building permit fees on projects performed in Boothbay. The organization performs about a dozen emergency projects each year, according to McBrearty. In recent years, the projects have become more complex such as installing a new septic system, which requires a building permit.

The board agreed to consider all waiver requests on a case-by-case basis.

“We can’t give you a blanket waiver,” Selectman Stephen Ham. “We can’t circumvent the process. The best thing to do is after the project has been reviewed by the code enforcement officer is that Jim (Chaousis) will bring the request to the board, and mostly likely we’ll vote to  reimburse those fees.”

McBrearty said he works with RTLC projects in Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor and Southport. He estimated the organization could hire a handyman to work a couple of hours for the cost of a building permit.

The selectmen also voted to send a letter to Boothbay Harbor and Southport announcing the town’s withdrawal from the regional emergency management association. The three towns formed the association in 2010. The association’s existence came into question this spring when it wasn’t able to find a new director.

The association advertised for a new director, but nobody applied for the position.

The selectmen also accepted Planning Board member Chris Malloy’s resignation. In a July 15 email Malloy wrote he was resigning “due to a lack of time to prepare for the meetings.”

The selectmen will meet next at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug.13 in the municipal room.