Roads Update

Our Road Agent, Scott Sanborn writes:

With warmer weather in the forecast (for which I'm sure we're all ready  ... is it me or does it seem like several weeks since we've seen the sun??) our town roads will be getting posted with the usual 6 ton weight limit over the next day or two.

Essential service and emergency vehicles are excluded of course, and  if conditions permit, a temporary waiver MAY be granted by the Road Agent upon request. 667-8237 or scsanborn@myfairpoint.net.

Also, apologies for the slick roads last week ... while the rest of the world was warm enough to melt off our daily flurries it was cold enough up here on the mountain to pack them all down into a nice bed of ice which sort of snuck up on us!  We've been out & about and I trust you'll find all is back to normal!

Hope to see you all at town Meeting tomorrow!

February 22 Select Board Minutes and Budget Report

You'll find the official minutes of the double meeting--Select Board and Budget Committee--here. 

Scroll down a detailed list of revenues and budget. And see the discussion of the Welfare Officer's expenses: "The Budget Committee suggested that the 2012 Welfare budget was out of balance, $1224.10 for administration and training, and $472 in direct assistance."

As always, feel free to comment or post a discussion.

Town Report

Here's the officers' report for 2012, in advance of Town Meeting. It's a big file, so it may take a while to download.

Don't forget, we vote March 12 and hold Town Meeting March 13. Potluck dinner 5:30, meeting at 7. 

Candidates' Night

Dorothy Heinrichs gave us her notes from the Monday night forum. Don't forget to vote on March 12! Meanwhile, feel free to start a discussion or comment on the post.

While there are a number of names on the ballot, several people decided to run after the filing deadline had passed.  Their names are not on the ballot but they wish to be considered as write-in candidates.

SELECTBOARD

Both of the candidates, Bob Ells and George White, are on the ballot.

Bob Ells is currently serving on the selectboard.  He was appointed by the Board last spring to fill the remaining six months of Linda Giner's term. Bob's family starting coming to Orange in the summers when he was 11 years old and he has known Orange since there were only 30 residents. He and  his family have lived in Orange since 1976. He served 35 years on the planning board and was chair for many years.  He also served as Road Agent for several years. He worked for Trumbull Nelson for 38 years, 37 of them as a superintendent.  He said he ran his jobs on common sense and promises to continue to bring common sense to the board.  One of his goals is to bring the Town House into compliance with safety standards to satisfy our insurers.  

George White and his family moved to Orange in 1995.  He has served on the planning board, as a cemetery trustee and as Road Agent.  George says he would like to see if he can help get the town to work together without conflict.  He also believes that state regulations are a burden to tiny towns like ours and he would like to find ways to get around them. George said he is 'go to' guy if you need a rug put down on the Town House ramp, a sign painted or any odd jobs.  In closing, he said there is a lot of unfinished business that has been set aside because no one has answers.  He thinks he can get answers.

BUDGET COMMITTEE

Colin Higbie and Dave Stacy are candidates, but neither is on the ballot. You will need to write in your choice.

Colin Higbie and his family moved to Orange two years ago.  He was a member of the mileage committee.  He has had a successful career as a senior executive with biotech, videogame, and startup companies.  He has been in charge of overseeing profit and loss for a company with 1 billion dollars in sales.  His interest in running is in controlling expenses and making recommendations on the best use of the town's limited resources.  He would like to explore creative financing as a way to deploy funds.  

Dave Stacy and his family have lived in Orange since 1974.  He has served as Town Treasurer, Road Agent, Selectman and on the planning board.  He is an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts and the American Legion. Dave says serving on the budget committee is a weighty responsibility.  He would like to work with the selectboard on checks and balances. 

PLANNING BOARD

Albert Emerson is the only candidate, and he's not on the ballot. Again, you will have to write him in. 

Albert and his family have lived in Orange since 1994.  He has worked at Timkin Aerospace for 29 years as a certified auditor.  He has also served on the board of the Indian River Preschool and as a Cub Scout leader. He decided to step up and run in order to help the town.

SUPERVISOR OF THE CHECK LIST

Laurie Sanborn is the only candidate, and she's not on the ballot.

Laurie and her husband Scott have raised three children in Orange.  She has been a teacher at Mascoma High for many years and now that her youngest child is a senior, she felt it was time to work for the good of the town.

TAX COLLECTOR

Sharon Proulx is the only candidate. Her name is on the ballot.

Sharon  has been Orange's tax collector for 25 years. She was a math teacher at Lebanon High for many years. She said that the position requires her to work with lawyers, the state Department of Revenue Administration and with tax payers. It is interesting work but requires a lot of time. Sharon says she is reliable and diligent with strong math and computer skills. She asked those present to vote for her on March 12.

ROAD AGENT

Scott Sanborn is the only candidate, and his name is on the ballot.

Scott and his family have lived in Orange for 20 years. He has served as a town auditor, as a member of the Select Board, zoning board, and planning board, which he currently chairs.  Scott says he thinks he is doing a good job for the town and would like to continue to do the same.  He was brought up to give back to his community.  

CEMETERY TRUSTEE

Anita Watson is the only candidate, and she is listed on the ballot.

Anita would like to continue as a cemetery trustee to see that the work the trustees have been doing to clean up and restore the cemeteries is completed. Work on the French Cemetery is complete and the trustees will be working on the Town Common Cemetery this year.

TREASURER

Tessa Michetti  is the only candidate--a write-in candidate not listed on the ballot. Tessa was unable to attend candidates' night. She has been serving as the town's treasurer for the past year.

OVERSEER OF PUBLIC WELFARE

Two candidates, Pat Mercer and Don Pfaefflin, are running. Pat is listed on the ballot. Don is not listed; if you want to vote for him, you'll need to write in his name. Neither could make it to candidates' night. 

Pat has served as welfare officer for two years. She also served briefly on the Select Board.

Don held the position for many years. In addition, he serves as the Town's building inspector and health officer.

Town Meeting Warrant

Here's what we'll be discussing and voting on in Town Meeting, March 13.  The meeting starts at 7 pm in the Orange Town House. As always, folks will gather at 5:30 for a potluck supper before the meeting.

And don't forget voting day, March 12. Town House polls open at 11 am and close at 7 pm.  

You'll find these dates and times on the Orange Google calendar.