Kathy Lynch, Westford resident
This Monday, October 21st at 7:00 PM, Westford will hold a Special Town Meeting at Westford Academy. Registration begins at 5:30 PM.
Article 10 proposes two ways to change our town’s legislative process (aka, Westford Town Meeting). Neither way is adequate — warranting a NO vote. Read why….
1) A proponent in a letter to the editor for WestfordCAT wrote, “Have the meeting as usual, and, instead of having final votes at the meeting, put the warrant articles on a paper ballot and let people vote on them subsequently at the polls.”
It is much better to have people vote, right then and there, with immediate results. No more extra work for the staff at Town Hall. No mail ballots, drop boxes, and election officer hours which end up being paid by you, the taxpayer. After all, we bought those pricey clickers for calculating votes. Right?
2) The proponent then wrote, “Have voters attend remotely and vote by electronic means.”
While this may seem enticing, Town Meeting is an opportunity to meet with fellow citizens to deliberate on important issues. Following Town Meeting Time rulebook allows for testimony, more information, amendments etc. that are best done on the spot, in person. You see the voters present – no mystery online voters.
The proponent continued, “We, Westford, cannot decide this ourselves. Massachusetts law requires people to be physically present at the Open Town Meeting to be able to vote, and any change must be made by the State Legislature.” This process could take years.
While these proposed changes may have been well intentioned, they miss the mark. What we need are efficient, fair meetings that are run competently. Meetings should start on time, run smoothly, and be in a location capable of holding the people. Westford Academy football field works.
Our Founding Fathers sacrificed so much for our freedoms. Bring your friends and enjoy a tradition that keeps government closest to We the People.
Disclaimer: If you would like to submit a letter to the editor, contact managing editor Ben Domaingue at bdomaingue@westfordcat.org. Letters to the editor are reviewed and published at the discretion of the editor. Letters to the editor represent the opinion of the reader who submits it and do not necessarily represent the opinions of WestfordCAT or its employees. WestfordCAT retains the right to refuse any letter to the editor for publication as it deems necessary.
Letters should be 750 words or less. Letters should include the name, address, phone number, email of the individual submitting it. Only name and town will be published. Submissions do not necessarily have to be from Westford residents, however, those with Westford ties will have priority. Letters that contain direct personal attacks against an individual will not be published. Letters that contain libelous content will not be published. Readers may only submit one letter per 30-day period.
