To the editor:


The treasurer plays a significant roll in the financial stability in the Town of Westport.Overall the position is responsible for cash, investments, disbursements, payroll and employee benefits, debt/bonding overall responsibility for the safeguarding of our taxpayer dollars.

The treasurer must possess the necessary knowledge, abilities and skills to effectively be able to perform these functions, and must do so in accordance with state statute and professional standards.  Due to the nature of these functions, there must be oversight and accountability (proper checks and balances) to ensure all of these duties of the office are carried out properly.
I believe the treasurer should be an appointed/hired position, which will allow the best opportunity to ensure a qualified individual holds this important office. 

The hiring/recruiting process allows for a larger pool of potential candidates, along with an interview process to ensure the candidate has the proper qualifications for the position.  Appointed/hired positions are subject to minimum performance standards, and are held accountable to perform the position’s required functions.

Both the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and Westport’s independent financial auditors recommend that the position of treasurer should be appointed one.  In fact, 281 of 351 Massachusetts communities currently have appointed treasurers, and there is a clear trend toward more communities moving to appointed.

Please join me at the ballot on April 9 and vote yes for this position to become appointed.


Karen Raus

CPA and Finance Committee vice chairperson

Westport