Bob Ells Joins the Select Board

Last night the Orange Select Board chose Bob to fill the remainder of Linda Giner's term. He'll serve until Town Meeting next spring. Though Linda chaired the meeting, she didn't have a vote for her replacement.

Three candidates put themselves up for the post. George White also applied, along with Henry Minasian. The Board had interviewed Bob at the previous meeting. This time they questioned George and Henry. Linda asked the first question: "In the past, the Board has been seen as contentious. How would you keep it sailing smoothly?"

George answered that "the Board needs to do the right thing...and hasn't in the past." Henry answered that the Board had had "a three-year improvement in contention," becoming more amicable as time went on.

Dorothy asked George and Henry what their three top priorities would be. George answered, "My top thing would be to get people to work together." He said he didn't have any specific items. Henry answered with his record as former chair of the Board, improving record keeping and increasing the efficiency of government. Pat Mercer spoke, reporting that George had been studying state statues for the past year.

When it came time for the Board to choose, Dorothy mentioned the criteria that the Board had agreed to use. The new member, she said, should be practical, experienced, and committed to the drama-free running of the town. She noted that all three candidates are qualified, and she thanked each for stepping up. She also also said that the chosen candidate would be filling a "caretaker" role, serving just nine months, and that she wasn't looking for someone with an agenda. She said that, given these criteria, Bob Ells would be the best person for the slot.

Betty spoke to each of the candidates, saying to Henry that their different outlook on life would make it difficult to work together. She told George that, while his experience as road agent would be valuable on the board, she found him too "angry" sometimes. She said she didn't know Bob as well. "Are you willing to serve?" she asked him. "I'll do my best," Bob replied. And Betty said she chose Bob. He'll be sworn in at the end of the next meeting, June 26.

If you were at the meeting and want to report a different angle, feel free to comment.