Residents in Gorham have voted to maintain the Highway Superintendent as an elected position, rejecting a proposed shift to an appointed role during a special election held Tuesday.
The unofficial results show 354 voters opposed the change, while 325 supported it. The narrow outcome highlights deep divisions within the community over how to manage the town’s largest budgeted department.
The referendum was initiated after the Gorham Town Board voted 4-1 in October to adopt Local Law 3-2024, which would have transitioned the position to an appointed role. Proponents of the change, including Supervisor Dale Stell, argued it would provide increased accountability and operational efficiency.
“If the law passes, the Town Board can later revert to an elected position if necessary,” Stell said during pre-election hearings. He and others noted that recent issues, including budget overruns and mismanagement flagged in a state audit, underscored the need for professional oversight.
Opponents countered that the change would undermine democratic principles by removing direct voter influence over the position. Councilmember Brian Lazarus, the sole dissenting board member, expressed concerns that the special election would fail to capture the will of the electorate due to anticipated low turnout.
Tuesday’s results affirm residents’ preference for preserving their voting power, even as debates over infrastructure delays and equipment purchases continue to swirl around the highway department.
The outcome means Gorham residents will retain the right to choose the person responsible for overseeing critical road maintenance and infrastructure projects. Officials have encouraged residents to remain engaged through monthly board meetings to ensure transparency and accountability in the town’s operations moving forward.
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