Four years ago, Yarmouth voted to approve a charter amendment preventing town or school employees from serving on the Town Council while employed by the town. Some employees alleged the restriction was unconstitutional. The U.S. District Court disagreed. The court found that a municipality has important reasons for placing restrictions on candidates, including “possible disruptions in the employer-employee relationship, challenges to the command and discipline of a municipal agency,” and the possibility of political bargaining.
Despite the court’s ruling, the council wants voters to amend our charter again, permitting town and school employees to serve on the council. The council clearly lacks an understanding of the history of our charter amendment. A review of the court’s 2021 opinion on the merits of the charter amendment calls into question the council’s wisdom and motives.
Reject the council’s attempt to reverse the will of the voters. Vote no on the charter amendment.
Pat Thompson
Former chairperson,
Yarmouth Town Council
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