I have to admit, I thought the “New Majority” of the Casco Board of Selectmen would take a little bit longer to begin moving on their agenda regarding the affairs of Casco. Most newcomers to elective office usually take some time to settle in and evaluate the landscape before introducing change – especially in a small town like ours.

This is apparently not the style of Selectmen Ray Grant, Carroll Morton and Mary Fernandes. Fresh off a meeting where the New Majority ushered in two new members, Jeannine Oren and Jen Murray, to the Casco Finance Committee via a process that’s been described as heavy-handed and disrespectful, last week the New Majority moved to fire the town’s attorney, Bill Dale, and the firm for which he works: Jensen, Baird, Gardner & Henry.

Once the agenda item regarding the town’s attorney had been reached, Mr. Grant stated that he wanted Mr. Dale and his firm fired. According to Selectmen Grant, Dale acted in an unprofessional manner at a Selectmen’s meeting earlier in the year. Some say that his alleged offense is that he “aggressively approached” Jeannine Oren, who by all accounts was quite busy during that meeting with her video camera. I’ve heard from others that no such behavior occurred.

Now, I wasn’t at that meeting. I haven’t been able to ascertain if Grant was there, either. I do know that there are conflicting accounts as to what transpired. I also know that Ms. Oren filed a complaint with the Maine Bar Association against Bill Dale, making the same allegations there as Selectman Grant made last night.

The Maine Bar Association Board of Overseers rejected Ms. Oren’s complaint. Apparently, it lacked merit.

After Mr. Grant raised the topic, the night’s main event started in earnest. Many people had their say, some in support of Mr. Grant’s proposal, but seemingly more were against the idea. I was against it. This is the first “behavioral” issue Mr. Dale has ever been accused of during his very long tenure as Casco’s attorney and I see no reason to fire our town’s attorney on such shaky grounds, grounds already rejected by Mr. Dale’s professional peers.

At one point the discussion turned to the costs that would have to be absorbed by the town. Jensen Baird has represented Casco for longer than anyone at that meeting could remember. Many felt that engaging a new firm would burden the town with unnecessary fees while our new representation caught up to speed regarding town affairs.

(An interesting aside: while this topic was under debate, Carroll Morton, the “elder statesman” of this New Majority, lurched to his feet and proclaimed: “We shouldn’t allow ourselves to be blackmailed by them!” I’m not exactly sure what he meant by this, but if you come to these meetings for yourself you’ll find that unclear or meaningless statements are one of Selectman Morton’s specialties.)

This is not, however, what disturbs me the most. During this discussion, Mr. Grant was asked by what criteria he would evaluate new applicants for the position of town attorney. His response: “By the seat of my pants.”

In the end, Selectman Grant made a motion to search for new legal representation for Casco, and to allow Jensen Baird to participate in the process. Applicant qualifications, selection criteria and interview process and venue are unknown at this time. Seat of my pants, indeed. This motion was passed by the Board.

Over the last two meetings, we’ve seen committee appointments needlessly rushed, baseless hysteria over “being blackmailed,” and, best of all, a proud boast about a “seat of my pants” evaluation process when expending taxpayer money.

Is this in the best interests of Casco? I think not.

The use of public office to settle private matters is immoral and unethical, and often illegal. Ms. Oren took her case against Mr. Dale to the Maine Bar Association. The Board of Overseers rejected her allegations. Aside from this incident (in itself questionable), Bill Dale’s record of serving Casco is unblemished. And while this “New Majority” is questioning the behavior of people, why does Ms. Oren’s behavior go unchallenged?

Selectmen Grant, Morton, and Fernandes would do well to remember that they were elected to serve the entire town of Casco, and not pursue their narrow personal agendas and those of their supporters. Or perhaps they are better called “their handlers”?

Meanwhile, come and see the show! The next meeting begins at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 3d at the Casco Community Center. Hope to see you there!

Ted Ropple is a resident of Casco. He welcomes responses, comments and discussion regarding his columns at www.tedropple.com.