Barrington leaders supported by town voters after dispute with firearms dealer
BARRINGTON — A special town meeting vote on Tuesday affirmed support for Town Administrator Connor MacIver and Treasurer Peter Royce after a business owner had sought their removal.
2A Tactical firearms dealer Rob Russell's initial warrant article, seeking to remove the town officials from office, had been previously gutted in a town deliberative session in August.
The firearms dealer's proposal to remove MacIver and Royce from their jobs was changed by voters completely. The article on the ballot read, "To see if the Town will vote to encourage the Select Board to continue the employment of Conner MacIver and Peter Royce in their current positions with the Town of Barrington, and to recognize the many contributions the two have made to the Town throughout their tenures."
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This non-binding article was approved by voters Tuesday with 499 "yes" votes to 127 "no" votes.
Russell, who has battled with the town over relocating his business, had accused MacIver and Royce of bias toward his business and improper handling of dealings he had with the town.
After the vote, Russell stated he was encouraged by the voter turnout and disappointed the vote at the deliberative session in August could eviscerate his warrant article, signed by 178 people. He acknowledged, however, the process was "completely legal."
He added, "That being said, my work is not done on this important matter.”
The town administrator was pleased with Tuesday's result.
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"I am humbled by the overwhelming vote of confidence from Barrington residents at the recent petitioned special town meeting," MacIver said in a prepared statement. "I am honored to serve as town administrator, and I am proud to call Barrington home. It is rewarding for me to help facilitate a form of government which is so close to the people. New Hampshire’s democratic process is rooted in history and notwithstanding the advisory nature, the recent petitioned special town meeting was democracy in action. I want to thank the residents, staff, and Select Board for their continued support. "
Dannen Mannschreck, chair of the Board of Selectmen added his comments.
"With their votes yesterday the citizens of Barrington demonstrated their confidence in the leadership of town and, specifically, confidence in and appreciation for the service of Mr. Royce and Mr. MacIver," said Mannschreck. "The misguided charges against them and the allegations of corruption in the governance of the town have unnecessarily diverted attention from other pressing problems in the town. Hopefully, we now can put this behind us and turn our attention to the future of our town."
This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Barrington NH leaders backed ed by voters after dispute
