RUMFORD – Charter Commission members began work on possible changes to the Board of Selectmen, including a unanimous recommendation to go from five members, to seven.

“With two more people, there would be two more with a different point of view,” Linda Couture said.

Other reasons for recommending an increase in the number of selectmen included a lessening of pressure on the remaining members if one is sick or on vacation, greater diversity, increased credibility and more representation for residents.

The commission also unanimously agreed to require that any new selectman undergo training by the Maine Municipal Association within a year of being elected. If such training is not completed, then that selectman must forfeit his or her seat.

A recommendation on whether to require term limits for selectmen was delayed until Rob Cameron begins work on the commission. He was termed out of his legislative seat.

A possible recall amendment was also postponed until a later meeting.