WEST PARIS – Due to the resignation of two town office workers, Town Clerk Cheryl Shattenberg is looking for a part-time office assistant to handle routine office duties while she brings the books up-to-date before year end.

“This is a busy time of year and I will need help so I can complete end-of-the-year work,” she said. “I am looking for a part-time office assistant and have also hired the town accountants to help complete the books and prepare the 2003 town report.”

Deputy Town Clerk Jane Littlehale and office assistant Beverly Farrar resigned.

In a phone interview, Littlehale said she become dissatisfied with the way things have been going in the office over the past several months.

“I am not happy with many things that go on there and find I can no longer work under circumstances where people just don’t seem to want to work together. I have a conscience and don’t agree with the way things are being done. My health is more important to me than the job,” she said.

She added, “I have loved my job and have tried to do my best for the people of the town, but can no longer feel comfortable working under current conditions.” She also thanked “the people for the chance I have had to work for the town and hope that the future will bright for them all.”

Littlehale said changes in policy basically denied her access to computer information when townspeople and committee members have come in to ask for help. “I can’t help anyone out if I can’t access the computer,” she said.

Farrar simply stated that she has resigned, but had no further comment.

Wade Rainey, the selectmen’s chairman, said, “It’s too bad when people resign suddenly, but I respect their wishes.”

Selectman Jim Johnston added, “It’s just a shame. It’s sad when people resign for any reason, but I respect their decision.”

Dale Piirainen, who represents the town on the SAD 17 board, said, “I am astonished with the lack of professionalism that is apparently running through our town government. I think everyone needs to remember who they work for. There is a lot of turmoil in the town office and that is not in the best interest of the town. People should remember the oath they took and start doing things to benefit the people.”

Selectman Howard Gurney said, “We are doing the best we can. It has been a difficult past several months with bringing the books up to date from mistakes made in 2002 and other issues, but we are moving ahead as best we can. This is a new board following resignations by two former selectmen and the death of Selectman Harlan Abbott, and we are working hard to bring things back to normal. I agreed to serve to help the town and feel I have done my job. I agreed to help until March and I will do that, come hell or high water.”

Rainey and Johnston said they also plan to do everything they can to help and bring a sense of order to the office.

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