Pembroke voters delivered a firm no to Article 3, which sought to convert the Town Clerk from an elected role to an appointed position. The Select Board proposed the change as a modernization effort, arguing that the complexities of modern elections and record-keeping require a professionalized staff member rather than a candidate in a popularity contest.

Select Board member Dan Tribuko argued that an appointed clerk would be more accountable to the Town Manager on a daily basis. Assistant Town Manager Sabrina Chilcott supported this view, stating, An elected official is only accountable to you every three years. If they miss a deadline or make a mistake that renders an election invalid, there is no immediate recourse. An appointee is accountable every day.

However, the proposal met stiff resistance from residents who viewed the move as an erosion of democratic oversight. Former Town Clerk Peg Strus urged a no vote, suggesting that qualified candidates might be overlooked in an appointment process. Resident Bob Demarzo added, A free and fair election is one of our most important rights. You will be giving it up. Others raised concerns about potential nepotism, with resident Ian Murphy asking what safeguards would exist to prevent the position from becoming part of a political club. Despite Town Manager Bill Chenard’s assurance that the process would be professional, the motion failed to gain majority support.

Motion: To authorize the Select Board to petition for special legislation to convert the elected town clerk to an appointed town clerk.

Vote: Failed - Majority opposed