Dear Editor:

Article 4 on Alna’s Dec. 14 referendum ballot would change the terms and equalize the responsibilities of Alna’s selectboard members. While some opponents have suggested that it has legal flaws, the truth is that, if adopted, Article 4 would strengthen Alna’s adherence to state law.

Both the Maine Municipal Association’s Director of Legal Services, Susanne Pilgrim, and the town’s lawyers at the law firm of Drummond Woodsum have reviewed Article 4. Both have decades of experience in municipal law, and both confirmed that Article 4 is consistent with—and reinforces—state law.

As the town’s attorney noted, “I could find no specific statute on point that contradicts any of these [Article 4’s] policies, and in several cases, the statute calls on the Town to set these policies.”

In contrast to the independent and unbiased analyses offered by MMA and Drummond Woodsum, a former selectman submitted a letter from a private attorney, Kristen Collins. That letter was simply an argument to support his opposing position, not a legal analysis.

As MMA’s Director of Legal Services wrote, “The board should remember that Attorney Collins is not the selectboard’s or the Town of Alna’s attorney. She represents, and advocates for, the private citizen(s) who engaged her.”

The bottom line: two independent and unbiased analyses by actual experts in municipal law find that Article 4 is consistent with state law. It’s a good policy that would improve continuity, stability and cooperation in Alna’s town government. I urge everyone to vote “yes” for Article 4.

Cathy Johnson

Alna