NEW SHARON — Voters at Saturday’s annual town meeting will consider changing the way they elect town and school officials.

Residents have 59 articles to consider, starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at Cape Cod Hill School.

Voters will be asked in Article 14 if they want to vote by secret ballot on referendum questions.

Article 15 asks residents if, beginning with the next annual town meeting, nominations of those running for the offices of selectmen, the Regional School Unit 9 directors and any other elected positions should be required to submit nomination papers at least 45 days prior to the election.

If that article is approved, residents would then vote on whether to elect town and school officials by secret ballot at the polls the day before the annual meeting.

On Saturday, nominations will be taken from the floor. To be elected are a road commissioner, a first selectman, a town clerk and tax collector and treasurer.

Residents will also be asked to consider adopting a proposed recall ordinance and a minimum lot size ordinance.

In the recall ordinance, an elected official may be recalled for having been indicted or convicted of a crime under the laws of the state of Maine; or for a felony under the laws of the United States or for pleading guilty to such an offense. The ordinance does not pertain to school directors. The ordinance also outlines the process on how to petition for a recall.

The lot ordinance, other than establishing minimum sizes, defines setbacks and other dimensional requirements in order to promote the health, safety and welfare of residents and to protect the environment.

dperry@sunmediagroup.net

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