News

Hall Appointed to Council
Multi-step balloting "Feels like 'Survivor'"
By Elizabeth Prata

Gray--Richard B. Hall is Gray's newest Councilor. Appointed over six other candidates Tuesday night after a multi-step interview process, Hall was sworn in and assumed his duties on behalf of Gray's citizens.

Richard Barter resigned in October, leaving an available slot on the five-member council. According to Gray's governing document, the Town Charter, a resignation may be filled by remaining Council until the next election in June.

Above, Manager Mitchell A. Berkowitz swears in Hall. The Monument: Prata photo

Seven candidates had put in their names, including Mark Sanborn, whose resignation several years ago opened the way for Barter to step in, Michael MacDonald, Denise Duda, Alison A. Brown, Andrew Upham, and former Gray Town Manager Wade Trudel. The Council interviewed the candidates in public, requested a written interview answering 12 questions be completed, and then prepared to vote Tuesday night on the candidate of choice.

The first round of voting yielded a 2-2 tie with no majority. The tension was felt by all but was cut when Chair Pam Wilkinson said, as the ballots were being read, "Doesn't this feel like Survivor?" and the audience chuckled.

Hall and MacDonald were the top vote getters. A second round yielded the same result. A third round with each councilor putting in their top two candidates yielded Hall and MacDonald with two votes each, Brown, Trudel, Upham, Duda one, and Sanborn none.

At that point, the Council asked each candidate to come forward and answer a few more questions. Hall said that his interest in serving stemmed from having lived in Gray for two years and enjoying the friendly and warm atmosphere the town puts forth. He wanted to give something back and said he stepped up as candidate when the opening became available.

MacDonald said that he would step aside. "I would just as soon have Mr. Hall have his appointment now and I will campaign in June when seats become available."

The Council voted to confirm and MacDonald still earned one vote, with Hall garnering the three needed for a majority.

Hall said that he had run a business for fifteen years, is a Supreme Court Certified Mediator, has served on national Ethics Boards, and said he brings a wealth of training and experience to the seat.

In June, Hall's seat will become available, according to charter, for a candidate to be elected for the remainder of the seat's term, which is one year. Two other council terms are up, Chair Pam Wilkinson and Vice-Chair Lynn Olson.

Wilkinson thanked the candidates and urged them to stay involved in town activities. She was thrilled that there had been so much interest and there were many quality candidates from which to choose.

 

 

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