As some Paris residents may already know, a runoff election is being held on July 23. Absentee ballots are available at the Town Office.

I am endorsing Mike Risica for Paris selectman. He has served on the Budget Committee and is a member of the Planning Board. He is a frequent face at selectmen’s meetings and is always interested and engaged.

Risica’s opponent is an employee of the town. While he says he is willing to recuse himself from decisions affecting the department in which he is employed, I still have grave concerns about his ability to say “no” to his employer. The town’s employee handbook does not preclude someone from holding public office, but does imply that the idea needs to be carefully considered.

That employee has not found time to sit on any other board or committee. Maybe now is not the right time, either.

Janet Jamison, Paris