To the editor:
A letter in the 2/3/10 Aroostook Republican about the referendum to establish the Caribou City Charter Commission stated that “other than an amendment here and there the Charter has not been wholly looked at since Caribou became a city in 1967.” As Chair of the 1977 Charter Amendment Committee, I have to disagree. In the spring of 1977 the Caribou City Council appointed a Charter Amendment Committee to review the City Charter paying especial attention to any provisions regarding resignations from the Council of officers and members and the appointment of successors.
The Committee carefully reviewed every section of the Caribou City Charter. Our aim was to add sections to correct deficiencies and to change any section that was not in compliance with current practice. We were equally careful to respect the intent of the Charter originators and not needlessly change any part that was serving the City well. The results of our deliberations were seven amendments which the city attorney, Ferris Freme, reviewed; we incorporated his legal refinements into our final product. I can not speak as to how subsequent amendments were crafted, but can assure the people of Caribou that our committee did its assigned task of reviewing the Charter with true diligence.
It was a privilege to serve with the distinguished members of that Committee: Jack Lancaster, Charles Hatch (former city manager), Waldo Hardison (former city councilor), Dr. Leland White and city councilors Wilfred Bell and Herbert Aldrich.
Caribou
