This story appears as part of a collaboration to strengthen investigative journalism in Maine between the BDN and The Maine Monitor. Read more about the partnership.
CALAIS, Maine — Voters adopted two proposed charter amendments Tuesday to clearly define the waiting periods between when elected officials can become city employees and when employees can seek office.
The changes passed 696-172, a margin that City Manager Michael Ellis described as “overwhelming.”
The amendments define “employment” and “employee,” and are intended to prevent conflicts when a former employee runs for office or a former elected official seeks a city job.
Before Tuesday’s vote, Ellis said the proposals were “not directed toward any particular thing that has happened,” but stemmed from concerns raised by city councilors and the city attorney that the charter lacked clear definitions for “employee” and what departments qualify as “employment.”
He said the language mirrors what officials have seen in other municipal charters, and was reviewed by the city attorney before being presented to voters.
The first amendment, added under Section 2 of the charter, defines city employment as including, but not limited to, positions in the school, water, sewer, police, fire, public works and recreation departments; the Calais Free Library; and the city administration.
The second amendment, under Section 4, governs school committee qualifications, elections and terms. It mirrors Section 2, but applies the language in reverse: Current and former city employees will be prohibited from serving on the School Committee or City Council for at least a year after their last day of city employment. Section 4 uses the same definition of city employment as Section 2.
Ellis said the amendments are meant to “avoid putting anyone — employees or public officials — in a bad situation” by establishing clear timeframes between city employment and holding elected office.
The new language is also expected to help clerks verify nomination papers by clarifying employment and service dates, ensuring candidates meet eligibility requirements. It will also guide human resources staff in determining when former school committee or City Council members are eligible for city employment.
The charter changes could take effect as early as Nov. 20, the date of the next City Council meeting.
