As a former Bangor school board member (1980-1983), I’m still interested in the news reports on the current board’s activity. The recent election of Dan Tremble was of particular interest to me. I find it fascinating that no one raised the question of his eligibility until after his election, in which he tallied the most votes, and after he supported a change in the board’s leadership. In fact, it was several days later that his eligibility was brought to light. No fault on his part – he was never informed of the law stating that he was ineligible due to his wife’s recent appointment at Fairmount School. As I understand it, no one can serve on the school committee if he or she or their spouse is an employee of the Bangor School Department.

As Mr. Tremble explained during his interview on Channel 5, he was surprised that Superintendent Robert Ervin and no one else in the city administration knew that this law existed until this past Wednesday, Nov. 15! As he stated, if he had been told in September, when his wife was hired, he would have given up his place on the ballot and let the two remaining candidates, Martha Newman and David Gallant, run for the two open seats.

I find it incomprehensible that anyone, no matter who they are, would want to be a permanent fixture on any elected board. I actually encouraged Martha Newman to run in 1982, as she was a very effective parent member of the selection committee I appointed when I headed the search for a new Bangor school superintendent after the dismissal of Howard Storm in 1981.

After a 24-year reign I believe it is time for a change. If Dan Tremble had “toed the line,” would his eligibility been challenged, after the fact?

Dawn E. Price

Bangor