‘I’m stupid’ quip prompts protest

RUMFORD – A motion by Selectman Arthur Boivin to declare the town manager’s position vacant was defeated 3-2 at a board meeting Thursday night.

Boivin wore a sign on his forehead stating “I’m stupid,” a reference to a statement made by board Chairman Jim Rinaldo following the defeat of a charter amendment Tuesday. If the charter amendment had passed, the board would have been allowed to decide whether the town manager and three other appointed positions must reside in the town.

Rinaldo, who was disappointed that town residents did not vote to change the charter, specifically the section dealing with residency of four appointed officials, including the town manager, had said that he thought the town looked “even more stupid” when passage of the amendment would have straightened out the residency issue. Later in the meeting, he apologized for a poor use of words, and told the 60 or so people in attendance, “In no way do I think the people of Rumford are stupid.”

Boivin had moved to declare the manager’s position vacant several weeks ago because of the charter’s residency requirement.

This time, Selectman Mark Belanger seconded Boivin’s motion. He said he did so because of Tuesday’s vote.

Several people wore similar “I’m stupid” signs, including former Selectmen Eugene Boivin and Kevin Saisi, and Belanger.

Earlier in the meeting, former Selectman Frank Anastasio said he was disturbed at Rinaldo’s comment that had appeared in a local newspaper. He also called for the resignation of several selectmen.

“The credibility of the selectmen has been tarnished over the past six months. I ask that Selectmen Jolene Lovejoy, Greg Buccina and Jim Rinaldo submit their resignation so the board can get its credibility back,” he said.

Selectmen didn’t respond to his request.

However, later in the meeting when making reference to the charter vote and to Boivin and Belanger’s vote to declare a town manager vacancy, Rinaldo said, “There are four who need to live in town (according to the charter). How can you distinguish between them?”

The charter calls for residency of the town manager, sealer of weights and measures, auditor and plumbing inspector.

“On Jan. 2, a verdict on the issue will come from the judge. That should bring everything to a head. Then selectmen will make an informed decision,” he said.

A case has been brought against the town and selectmen by local lawyer Thomas Carey and 19 other residents claiming that Town Manager Stephen Eldridge’s three-year contract is invalid, largely because he continues to live in Monmouth. Eldridge has been on the job for nearly two years and did not agree to move to the town.

A judge in Paris Superior Court has agreed to listen to the case on Jan. 2.