Two resign in Andover

ANDOVER — The town clerk and treasurer submitted their resignations to selectmen Tuesday, citing frustrations with their jobs.

Elaine Morton, the town clerk, tax collector and registrar of voters, and Sandy Conrad, the treasurer and deputy clerk, said they expect to step down within a couple of weeks after completing unfinished business and/or allowing the town to seek replacements.

In her letter to the board, Morton said, in part, “The constant badgering and interference by person(s) whose job is not the day-to-day operation of the town has been allowed to continue for more than a year. For those that work in the Town Office, the atmosphere borders on hostile, and low morale continues to sink lower, with no end in sight. This undue stress has significantly affected my health and well-being.

“The Town of Andover has a complaint policy, which was not followed when selectmen accepted a letter complaining about how I handled a transaction, in my elected capacity as Town Clerk. Three weeks later this letter, accepted by the board, has not been addressed.”

Conrad wrote, in part: “There have been many comments of criticism coming back to me regarding the way the accounts are maintained. There are some people that find fault no matter how good a job you think you’re doing.”

She also said she had been trying to get new computer software up and running.

“I was not the one hired to set this up,” she wrote. “And also, please consider that while working on this software, it takes time from my regular duties. This has become quite overwhelming to me, to the point that I am stressed beyond the norm.”

She also cited what she said was a possibility that she would be asked to give up her health insurance in exchange for a supplementary coverage plan.

Conrad was in her eighth year as treasurer, while Morton was in her ninth. Morton previously served seven years as deputy clerk.

Susan Merrow, chairwoman of the Board of Selectmen, could not be reached for comment Thursday.

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Displaying comments, from newest to oldest

keland's picture

Both Elaine and Sandy deserve

Both Elaine and Sandy deserve a gracious thank you from the town.  Not just for their years of service (which has been terrific) but for putting up with the work conditions they have endured for over two years.  Thank you both.

seaswirl1850's picture

The towns people need to wake

The towns people need to wake up here. The towns people need to get rid of Susan Merrow sooner then later. She thinks she owns the town.

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