Hampton Selectmen to fill Vacancy Monday

The Hampton Board of Selectmen aims to fill the vacancy created by Ben Moore's resignation at its meeting on June 17. 

Residents interested in the appointment have until 5 p.m. Thursday to express their interest, according to Richard Nichols, board chairman.

The process will be a public discussion, Nichols said at Monday night's meeting.

Selectmen fielded some criticism over last week's meeting, specifically the ouster of Phil Bean as chairman. And there was a unique twist when board members discussed who would serve as chairman and vice chairman.

Mary-Louise Woolsey moved that Nichols serve as chairman. She and Michael Pierce voted in favor of the motion, while Nichols and Bean abstained. When it came to selecting a vice chairman, Nichols moved that Bean–seven days removed from being chairman–become vice chairman.

"I decline that nomination," Bean said. "I will not serve."

Nichols asked, "Can you do that legally?"

Two seconds clicked away. Bean replied, "I really don't want to burden counsel."

The roots of the Bean ouster as chairman were gnarled in part around email Bean sent last month to the law firm that represents the town.

"Ok," Nichols said. "I withdraw my motion."

Pierce was then selected for vice chairman with the support of Woolsey and Nichols. Pierce and Bean abstained from the vote.

The board got an earful from residents during the public comment session.

"What I saw last week was a disgrace," said Bob Preston. "I was embarrassed."

Brian Warburton raised questions, too, but reminded the town leaders that elected or appointed people get removed from boards or resign.

"You're going to get kicked in the head sometimes," he said. "Enough of the conspiracy (talk)."

Rick Griffin, one of those interested in the appointment to succeed Moore, was among residents urging that discussion of appointments remain public.