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Keeping your community covered. We're committed to producing high-quality, fact-based news and information that gives you the facts in this community we call home. If our work has helped you stay informed, take action, or feel more connected to Windham County – please give now to help us reach our goal of raising $150,000 by December 31st.
I am writing regarding your excellent article about Jamaica and specifically about the office of Town Clerk [“Jamaica voters give the nod to town charter,” Feb. 2].
First, however, I congratulate Bonnie West for her devoted and excellent performance in that office. Later in this letter, I will surprise the reader with a remark made by the Town Clerk whom Bonnie followed.
Let's go back about 50-plus years - 1957 to be exact - when I was Town clerk and Treasurer of Jamaica. My family and I lived in a large house in town next door to Ray Wilder, the then-Town Clerk and Treasurer. He was unmarried and lived with his sister. His office was in his home.
In February 1957, Ray passed away suddenly. The selectmen asked if I would take over his duties until Town Meeting in March. I did so. At the March Town Meeting, I was elected Town Clerk and Treasurer with the stipulation that my salary would be doubled to $800 per year plus 1 percent of the taxes collected.
