To the editor:

Please vote April 9 in the Town of Westport election

I am a retired town accountant, having served three 3 communities including Westport with a total of 24 years. I find that our election process no longer works with an elected treasurer. I was at fault with all other voters that voted for our current treasurer. He could not do the job.

The Board of Selectmen had to bring in a consultant at the cost of $65,000 to catch up 17 months work in the treasurer office all the while paying the treasurer a annual salary for FY19 of $67,626. In voters’ defense, no one ran against him so he gets in no matter how many votes he gets. Anyone can run for an elected position and needs no qualifications if no one runs against him. He gets a three year term.

Now the only people that can get rid of him are the voters at the next election. If again no one runs against him, he will get in even if he cannot do the job.

What makes you think after spending $65,000 he will know how to do the job? He does not have to do anything. The only control is the voters. Even the Board of Selectmen, all they can do is call him on the carpet over and over again, but they have no legal power to do anything — only the taxpayers at the end of a three-year term have that authority.

Please, it is time for an appointed Tteasurer so that there are controls in place.

Please vote yes on Question 1 to make the position of treasurer an appointed position.

Muriel Kokoszka

Westport