Kingston Board of Selectmen Considers Appointing Rather Than Electing Town Clerk
Change would require town meeting approval and special legislation, with current elected town clerk supporting the shift to ensure qualified candidates fill the role.
KINGSTON - July 29 - The Kingston Board of Selectmen voted 4-1 to include a warrant article on the fall 2025 town meeting agenda that would change the town clerk position from elected to appointed.
The proposal aims to ensure qualified candidates fill the specialized role, similar to the change made to the treasurer-collector position. Town Administrator Keith Hickey says the current elected town clerk supports the change.
"Kingston has been exceptionally fortunate in having some very high quality people in those positions who are in the building just like everybody else is, but they don't have to be," Hickey said. "And if it became a popularity contest, we could really have some real problems with the maintenance of our permanent records if the wrong candidate was elected to this position."
The timing is crucial because the current town clerk's term expires at the May 2026 election. If approved by voters at town meeting, the change would require special legislation from the state legislature before taking effect.
Hickey explained the process would mirror what happened with the treasurer-collector position, where the town had to wait until the end of the elected official's term before the appointment could begin.
"You've got to wait until the end of a term for the appointment to actually begin," Hickey said.
Board member Carl Pike cast the lone dissenting vote, 4-1 "with gusto" was how member Kim Emberg described the vote afterwards.
"I think it's important that this goes to the town," Missy Bateman said after the vote. "And if everyone opposes it, that's OK too. Just at least ask the question" said Emberg.
The appointed town clerk would be selected by the Board of Selectmen through the town administrator's recommendation after an extensive interview process, similar to other appointed positions.
Bateman noted there are benefits to both elected and appointed positions but emphasized the specialized nature of the role.
"There are benefits to having elected officials, there are benefits to having appointed officials, and this being a skilled position, so you want to have the right folks," Bateman said. "Like you said, we've had great town clerks. We've been very lucky."
Hickey said he obtained special legislation language from a neighboring community that recently made a similar change, which would serve as a template for Kingston's proposal.
The town administrator emphasized the importance of educating residents about the pros and cons of the change over the next few months before the town meeting vote.
If the warrant article passes at town meeting and the special legislation is approved by the state, there would be no election for town clerk in May 2026, and the position would become appointed going forward.
The discussion came during a lengthy Board of Selectmen meeting that also addressed several other significant items.
The board continued its public hearing on creating a Department of Public Works, with water and sewer superintendents expressing concerns about the proposal. Water Superintendent Chris Veracka and Sewer Commissioner Elaine Fiore argued their departments already collaborate effectively and questioned the need for restructuring.
"We work very, very well together," Veracka said, noting recent collaborative efforts between departments. The board agreed to postpone any DPW decision until spring 2026 to allow more time for research and community input.
The selectmen approved a low-income community solar program that would provide additional savings to qualifying residents participating in the town's municipal aggregation program. The program requires no cost or risk to the town and would save eligible customers about $14 per month.
In a dangerous dog hearing, the board ordered that a Great Dane named Bert be rehomed by Aug. 15 or face euthanization. This marked the third hearing involving the same dog, which was previously determined to be dangerous following multiple incidents.
The board authorized up to $16,000 for engineering and signage to establish a school zone on 2nd Brook Street for the elementary and intermediate schools. Town Administrator Hickey noted the schools have operated for decades without proper school zone designation and hopes the school committee will contribute to the costs.
The selectmen also approved hiring Attorney William Solomon to negotiate cable franchise renewal with Verizon, authorized a one-day liquor license for a charity softball tournament, and discussed ongoing Main Street sidewalk repairs that will cost an estimated $100,000 for full replacement.
The board's next regular meeting date remains to be determined due to a scheduling conflict with National Night Out on Aug. 12.