Bradford Select Board: Hearing covers proposed recall amendment to town charter

Bradford Select Board · Meeting recap · meeting of Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Note: these minutes are a draft and have not yet been approved by the board.

The board held a public informational hearing on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in BA Building Rm 26. The hearing covered a Charter Amendment that would set up a recall process for elected municipal officers. Board members Carole P. Taylor, Meroa S. Benjamin and Jarrod Kosakowski were present. Jean Carlan and Josh Allen were absent. Chair Meroa Benjamin called the hearing to order and stated some rules to keep order.

Decisions

• The board took no action on the Charter Amendment itself at this hearing.
• Jarrod Kosakowski made a motion to adjourn the hearing at 6:19 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.

Also discussed

• Petitioner's summary: Lead Petitioner Marcey Carver summarized the amendment and said it sets strict criteria for a recall petition. She said voters currently have very little they can do if an elected official does not perform their duties. She also answered comments and concerns from community members.
• Support: Ted Unkles said he first declined to sign the petition because he thought state law might already cover the issue. He said he chose to support the amendment because of how difficult it would be to successfully remove an elected official.
• Statement of cause: Mr. Kosakowski said he thinks a cause should need to be stated. Ms. Carver said requiring a cause would likely be vague and could lead to litigation. She said she does not expect a recall to happen over a single decision or vote, and that the required hearings open dialogue between the lead petitioner and the official named in the petition.
• Chair's position: The Chair said she does not support the amendment because it has no required statement of cause. She encouraged residents to vote 'no.'
• Notice to officials: Mr. Kosakowski asked whether there would be a preliminary conversation before a petition. The Chair said no, and that the official would not know about it until section d of the amendment. Ms. Carver said she believes voters would speak up before a petition if they had concerns.

Jessica Chase, Katie O'Donnell and Nate Brooks joined by Zoom.

This is an automated summary of the town's posted draft minutes. The official record is the original document. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.