It is over, kind of, sort of, maybe.

What does the Judge's decision issued yesterday mean as far as the Board of Health race?

It means a new election, absent a successful appeal.  If an appeal happens, I am not sure it will change that and in fact I would bet against it.

The focus at this point should be when the election happens. If I am reading all the various sections of the law correctly, the absolute soonest any such election could occur would be a month from yesterday and I think that might be technically too soon).  Might be wrong on that one, because I am not sure if I am in fact reading all the laws.

Why am I not sure you might ask?  While I have must of the requisite inclination to be sure, I don't have the time.  In the end it is not my decision, nor in the relative scheme of my life is it of paramount importance.

There is a push to hold the "new" election the same day as the senate election on June 25, 2013. If the law allowed a new B of H election to be limited to just the two prior candidates, this might be possible in the theoretical realm II have however believe it may become a wide open race).

Though we do have to deal with the fact that "Part II" of the lawsuit is still progressing.   This being the process is so tainted, its integrity so flawed, the results cannot be trusted.  Not sure I understand the endgame for this part.

The declaration of a tie should force a new election.  There is only one purpose to be served by pushing forward with the case that I can see, and that is tossing the entire election process out.  

Where is may be going will certainly make for interesting subject matter, but what will it accomplish?  If that endgame is in fact to throw out the election entirely, just how much gets thrown out, and what gets re-done?

To say all the allegations only cast doubt on the B of H race is to truly limit the area painted by the broad brush of the "integrity of the process".  Doesn't it? 

Anyway, one ballot was tossed.  After a look at the entire ballot, you can argue either way you want, for me I can't say I would disagree with the decision.

Pending an election, we now have to deal with the vacant seat issue.  Least we forget, there is still a working majority for the Board of Health.  It exist. It can function.  Certainly no reason the less than nitty gritty stuff can't be dealt with. No legitimate reason that is.

Will there be a temporary appointment pending an election?  Can there be a temporary appointment?

Not sure, and I believe so.  

Should there be?

Depends on who you want and what you expect to be done.  

If let's say you could get an election scheduled and held by sometime in July, even mid-August, as pressing as some issues are, do you want a temporary appointed official to be a swing vote on a matter, that may see the pendulum swing the other way after an election?

Do you want to be involved in making such a temporary appointment (would be the three selectmen and the two remaining B of H members if I am correct)?

Everyone seems to loath the "politics", but the "politics" will absolutely be what drives such an appointment, all high moral statements to be forthcoming notwithstanding.  

Such an appointment will have long term, significant ramifications.  Such an appointee will certainly be an interim swing vote, perhaps even have a leg up if the race in the new elections is thrown wide open (and the law will decide that, not your preference or mine, just as the "law" decided the ballot).

Do you want a caretaker for the seat, a reactionary or an activist appointment?

Listened to someone yesterday afternoon make the statement that the position needs to be filled.  I truly wonder if that same statement would be made if the individual was anticipating someone being appointed who did not go along with his views?

Want to rip this town apart even further?  Fill the seat on a temporary basis.  

Was at the selectmen's meeting last night, for parts of it anyway.  Originally planned on going to here some discussion on the "correspondence section".  Also was hoping to hear some discussion early on about the decision, but there wasn't any.  When I returned home and tried to watch the remainder on cable access, I either missed it, or it happened after I fell asleep.

Well have to wait for the tape I guess.  

Anyway, that's enough for today.  Be safe.