Opinion ID: 1952372
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Appointment of an Interim Treasurer

Text: [¶ 8] In December 1995 the newly elected Sanford town treasurer, whose term of office was to begin on January 1, 1996, resigned unexpectedly. On January 2, 1996, the board of selectmen publicly solicited applications for the position of interim treasurer. A special meeting of the board was scheduled for January 9, 1996, for the announced purpose of going into executive session to review applicant resumes. The meeting was convened as scheduled. After retiring to executive session and considering the applications, the board returned to public session and voted to appoint Elizabeth Thayer for the two-year duration of the unexpired treasurer's term. [¶ 9] In his complaint, Daniel Prime alleges that Thayer's appointment was made in a nonpublic proceeding, in violation of the requirement in section 403 that all public proceedings shall be open to the public. Prime also contends that the announcement of the January 9, 1996, special meeting violated the requirements of notice in section 406 because it implied the board would only review applications and not vote on an appointment. Although Prime says he has no complaint about the board's decision to appoint Thayer over the other candidates, he takes issue with the board's decision as to the duration of her appointment. By way of relief, Prime does not seek to have Thayer's appointment declared void pursuant to section 409(2). Instead, he seeks only the imposition on the Town of a nominal monetary penalty pursuant to section 410. [¶ 10] We agree with the trial court that Prime is not entitled to the relief he seeks. As discussed above, only the Attorney General or his representative may enforce the Freedom of Access Act by pursuing the imposition of a fine pursuant to section 410. Cook v. Lisbon School Comm., 682 A.2d at 680. The entry is: Judgments affirmed.