I am writing to inform Androscoggin County voters about the proposed change in county operations in the November balloting. The question to be voted on would change the county treasurer’s position from an elected one serving the people of the county to an appointed position serving at the pleasure of the county commissioners.

That change should be rejected.

As treasurer of Waldo County, I know how important it is that the treasurer’s office be kept independent from the pressures and influence of county commissioners.

I have testified before the Legislature that, as elected officers, we should report to the commissioners exactly what we think on any subject, not what we think they want to hear. Now, we are responsible to the people. If the change is made, the county treasurer would be responsible only to the county commission, the employer.

The Androscoggin County treasurer, Robert Poulin, is not only very well qualified, but is working only for the people of Androscoggin County.

In Knox County, the county treasurer was dismissed after 12 years of service as an elected position when the charter there was changed. I believe it was simply because of her politics.

Androscoggin County residents should not devalue their right to vote for such officers just because the county commissioners want to concentrate their power.

David Parkman, Palermo