PERU — The Board of Selectmen on Monday tabled two citizen petitions calling for the removal of board Chairwoman Wendy Henderson and Vice Chairman John Witherell.

Each petition had over 100 signatures.

The petition for Henderson said she has not carried out her duties as a selectman, often failing to represent the will of the people, and is unable to make decisions on her own without the direct influence of others.

Henderson said as far as she’s concerned, she hasn’t done anything wrong.

“Just because I ask questions or I’m not for something, doesn’t mean that I should be ousted out,” she said. “Just because I don’t agree on everything that someone in town wants, they’re basically saying, ‘Let’s recall her because she doesn’t vote yes.’ Every time I’ve voted, it’s been in the interest of the townspeople.”

On the subject of building a fire station, Henderson said the reason she voted no on proceeding in the past was because she did not agree with the bidding process.

“I feel a bid should have been put out for a general contractor and he could have taken care of everything,” Henderson said.

“If people really want to know what’s going on, they should come to the board meetings,” she said. 

If the other members of the board decide to dismiss the petitions and take no action, Henderson said she plans to keep on doing what she’s been doing. If they vote to hold an election to replace her, she said she is not sure at this time what she’ll do.

The petition to remove Witherell stated he has consistently failed to carry out his duties as a selectman, does not represent the will of the people, is often disrespectful to other board members and lacks people skills, which are crucial to his position.

Witherell chose to hold his comments until after the board makes a decision regarding the petitions.

Upon receiving the petitions Oct. 6 from resident Kathy Hussey, Selectmen Raquel Welch, Carol Roach and Larry Snowman voted to table any action, pending review and consideration of the petitions.

Based on a town ordinance, Welch, Roach and Snowman will make a decision on whether or not to act on the petitions at the board meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 17. 

In regard to the new Worthley Pond fire station, Fire Chief Bill Hussey recommended to the board that construction be postponed until the spring because it’s too late in the season to start.

There will, however, be some work done in preparation for it. Trees will be cut to prepare the site, gravel will be brought in, and excavation and drainage, including digging the well, will be done this fall.

Hussey said the current fire station is stable enough to get the town through the winter. The board agreed.

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