Calais voters to consider city charter amendments Tuesday

CALAIS, Maine — Voters are expected to consider two amendments to the city charter Tuesday, both designed to clearly define an “employee” and what “employment” means, to prevent conflicts if a former employee wants to run for office or if a former elected official applies for a city job.

City Manager Michael Ellis said the amendments “are not directed toward any particular thing that has happened,” but came about after councilors and the city’s attorney recognized the charter does not precisely define “employee” or what city departments would be included as “employment.”

The charter now stipulates that current councilors cannot hold another city office or be employed while serving in an elected role, and that there is a one-year waiting period before a former city councilor can be employ