Lovell's annual Town Meeting was held yesterday, March 2nd, 2013. Anticipating a close election for the Selectman seat held by John Ramsden, the large crowd gathered early to jockey for a seat for the 9am start. John Ramsden was being challenged by Rose McKenzie, owner of the Lovell Village Store (aka Rosie's). Although Rosie ran a strong campaign, focusing on her Lovell roots as well as her strong accounting and business experience, she came up short when the votes were counted. The incumbent John was elected to a new three-year term and we wish him well. The three selectmen do a tremendous job throughout the year by keeping their budget pencils sharp, spending our money wisely and keeping the tax rate as low as possible.
Fire Chief Tommie McKenzie received an extended round of applause for the Department's successful effort in containing the recent Lovell Village fire and preventing it from spreading to other buildings. There was limited discussion on a few articles, questions from the audience as why certain dollars were or were not spent on some programs and the longest discussion was on Article 80 which would amend the Lovell Zoning Ordinance so that the existing 20' building setback on private roads would be increased to 50'. Exciting stuff, no? The change did pass narrowly.
And as always seems to happen, the last vote was done by noon, just in time for lunch!
This year's town report was dedicated to Janice Arsenault and Sherry Bois who have both served the town of Lovell for more than 20 years. Janice is the tax collector and Sherry is the Treasurer and Town Clerk. Together they make the Town Office a friendly place to go for information and they always have a smile and a kind word. Even to folks like me who are Baltimore Ravens' fans. No question that this recognition is long overdue!