To the editor:
I am in disagreement with the Times' opinion that the vote against the nonbinding referendum to make the clerk's position an appointed one rather than elected should be considered binding (Editorial, Friday, May 11).
My reasons for this opinion are as follows:
Any uninformed citizen would probably vote against turning a position from an elected position to an appointed position — it appeals to our democratic senses.
The Rockport town meeting only had a few hundred attendees. I don't recall the attendees voting against making the position an appointed one. So most voters, I believe, were not informed on the issue.
The town made no effort on its own to publicize this referendum ahead of time. I think that seeing it on the ballot caught many off-guard, not knowing much about the issue.
I for one, had no idea what Pat Brown's position was on this matter — let alone the opinion of her opponent, John Arnold.
I think that Rockport voters are conservative and reluctant to change the status quo.
I think that the real lesson learned here is that if the town wants to change a tradition, then the town must make its case for change — which it did not.
JACK REED
Mount Locust Avenue, Rockport
