Dear Editor:

Like Boothbay Harbor, the town of Boothbay does advertise when nomination papers are ready.

As a matter of fact, the Boothbay Board of Selectmen have determined it necessary to make a statement regarding an article (letter) published in the Talk section of the Boothbay Register website on Feb. 20 and in the Feb. 22 issue of the Register by selectman Kristina Ford.

The article (letter) stated that the town of Boothbay, unlike Boothbay Harbor, failed to advertise when nomination papers were available for elected official positions. The article (letter) written by Ford was totally incorrect  and inaccurate. Ford specifically inquired at the beginning of the last selectmen’s meeting on Feb. 14 if nomination papers were available. Town Manager Dan Bryer immediately responded that they were available and also posted at the town office.

Specifically, and in fact, on Jan. 25, on page 4, section III of the Boothbay Register, an advertisement was placed by the town clerk under Public Notices, adjacent to the town of Boothbay Harbor’s advertisement for public official openings. It is unfortunate that this in not the first time Ford had decided to publish her own article (letter) regarding town business without prior discussion with fellow board members.

After the first article (letter) was published without select board involvement and discussions, the board emphasized with Ford the importance to review and discuss such town business matters in a spirit of cooperation, prior to any future publications.

It is now obvious that Ford failed to contact the Boothbay Town Office to confirm the advertisement of open town positions. Additionally, it is obvious that Ford did not take the time to thoroughly review and read the Boothbay Register dated Jan. 25, in which an advertisement was published for elected official openings, including the time frame mandated by Maine state statute when completed papers must be returned to the town clerk’s office.

It is unfortunate that Ford was compelled to write and publish her article (letter) regarding town business without consideration to discuss and review said article (letter) with fellow selectmen as had been previously discussed. The select board of Boothbay is extremely disappointed in Ford’s actions, her failure to act responsibly as an elected town official and lack of professional courtesy.

Steve Lewis, Charles Cunningham

Dale Harmon and Mike Tomacelli

Boothbay Board of Selectmen