ROME — The town of Rome, Maine, is gearing up for a special election on August 9th following the unexpected death of Board of Selectmen member Robert “Bob” Hudson in April. Only one candidate, Budget Committee member Philip Burnworth, 65, is on the ballot for the position. Burnworth, however, did not respond to requests for an interview.
Hudson had only been on the board for a few months before his passing, and due to the one-year terms of the Rome Board of Selectmen, he would have been up for reelection in March next year. Described as a dedicated and valuable member of the community, Hudson was known for his willingness to help others and his instrumental role in various community projects.
Town Clerk Julie Morrison expressed uncertainty about the outcome of the special election so close to the end of the term, but noted that Burnworth is the only candidate who submitted nomination paperwork. If no successful write-in campaign emerges, Burnworth will secure the position.
Board member Larry DiPietro Jr. highlighted the challenges of finding individuals willing to commit the time and effort required for the role, as the position comes with a salary of $6,000 annually for the first selectmen. With a population of just over 1,000 people, Rome grapples with low political engagement, exemplified by the limited interest in running for the board.
The upcoming special election and the annual re-election process in March reflect the town’s unique approach to municipal governance, where each board member must be voted on every year. It remains to be seen if any additional candidates will come forward to challenge Burnworth, DiPietro, and Selectwoman Kelly Archer in the upcoming election.
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Photo credit www.centralmaine.com
