PERU – More than 100 people jammed the Peru school auditorium on Saturday and narrowly defeated, by a vote of 58-to-53, a proposal to change the position of road commissioner from elected to appointed.

This was the third time the issue has been before the town and the mood of voters reflected the fact that some people were tired of being asked to vote again.

Selectman Chairman Bill Scott read a statement asking the town to give the board the tools with which to govern the town in the best interest of the people. “We feel that the position of road foreman is a highly demanding job that in the best interest of the town should not be filled by way of a popularity contest,” Scott said. “The authority we need is to find, interview and hire the right man for the job.”

Selectman Corey Jacques said in order to receive grants that are available for road work, the town needs documentation, and this information had not been provided by former road commissioners.

Former selectman Richard Powell answered comments from the vocal opposition to the article by saying that changing to an appointed road commissioner, it would not take away the authority of the town to have a say in road work. He pointed out that in the history of the town, not one road commissioner was ever voted out.

Public comments indicated that opponents to the article mostly feared loosing their right to vote. They also questioned whether selectmen had a job description for road foreman or road commissioner. A handout for the duties of road foreman was provided.

Moderator Bob Dolloff was questioned when he didn’t call for a vote to cease discussion. He then called for the vote. Others questioned the legality of cutting off discussion when several hands were up. Those people were not given an opportunity to speak.

Town Clerk Vera Parent said nomination papers for road commissioner would be available at the town office on March 17.