| Don’t shoot the messenger just because you don’t like the message. Debate on the merits.
Sent from my iPad Yes, that was my impression. The majority of similarly sized towns have the Moderator appoint the FinCom. I have received several one-on-one replies, one of which has a thought which is correct in my mind: “…. keeping the appt separate from the select board provides some separation of powers similar to exec and legislative branch.” I’ve also learned that it is not the Select Board that initiated this change, but it was by petition, driven, allegedly, by an individual who wanted to be appointed but was not, and also that most people did not know who appointed this committee. I have no idea if this is true (would whoever initiated the petition please step forward and confirm or deny?) but based on this information, I think we should vote against this. Anne Warner - Sent from iPhone. Typed by thumb. Excuse misspellings! I asked Claude, an AI, how the Massachusetts towns close in size to Lincoln select their Finance Committee members.
Towns Close in Size to Lincoln (population 6,996 based on the 2024 census)
Finance Committee Selection Methods
|
Town
|
Population
|
Finance Committee Selection Method
|
|
Shirley
|
~6,851
|
Appointed by Town Moderator
|
|
Berkley
|
~6,822
|
Appointed by Select Board
|
|
Harvard
|
~6,900
|
Appointed by Town Moderator
|
|
Berlin
|
~6,700
|
Appointed by Town Moderator
|
|
Boylston
|
~7,100
|
Appointed by Town Moderator
|
|
Sherborn
|
~7,400
|
Appointed by Town Moderator
|
|
Stow
|
~7,200
|
Appointed by Town Moderator
|
|
Dunstable
|
~7,200
|
Appointed by Select Board
|
|
Boxford
|
~7,800
|
Appointed by Town Moderator
|
|
Mendon
|
~6,100
|
Appointed by Select Board
|
|
Bolton
|
~5,800
|
Appointed by Town Moderator
|
|
Boxborough
|
~6,000
|
Appointed by Town Moderator
|
|
Carlisle
|
~5,900
|
Appointed by Town Moderator
|
|
Dover
|
~6,200
|
Appointed by Town Moderator
|
|
Hamilton
|
~7,600
|
Appointed by Town Moderator
|
|
Plympton
|
~6,300
|
Elected by Town Meeting
|
|
Petersham
|
~6,500
|
Appointed by Town Moderator
|
|
Hardwick
|
~6,400
|
Appointed by Select Board
|
|
Ayer
|
~8,100
|
Appointed by Town Moderator
|
|
Norwell
|
~7,900
|
Appointed by Town Moderator
|
|
Westford
|
~8,200
|
Appointed by Town Moderator
|
|
Lancaster
|
~8,100
|
Appointed by Town Moderator
|
Margaret
Several weeks ago, 130 residents signed a Citizens' Petition asking that our Special Town Meeting consider an amendment to the General Bylaws of the Town. If adopted, the amendment would grant authority to the Select Board to appoint the members of the Town's
Finance Committee. That authority is currently held by the Town Moderator.
The Finance Committee (FinCom) is one of Lincoln's most important volunteer committees. Its work is complex and its analysis and recommendations have a decisive impact on town operations and residents' taxes. Despite its importance, FinCom receives limited
direct engagement from residents.
As signatures were gathered for the Petition, the vast majority of residents said they did not know how the members of FinCom were chosen. They thought that the Moderator's role was limited to presiding over Town Meeting. No one could recall a contested election
for the position of Moderator, and no one could recall that a Moderator had ever expressed a viewpoint on Town finances or FinCom appointments.
The disconnect between FinCom and residents has been compounded by the current practice of relying on FinCom to screen potential candidates for membership. Vacant positions have not been advertised, and public interviews have not been held.
If endorsed by Town Meeting, the Citizens' Petition will make the Select Board the appointing authority for FinCom. Residents look to the Select Board for overall management of the Town. It seems natural that they ought to be the authority that appoints FinCom.
The Town usually has a contested race for Select Board, and candidates differentiate themselves based on their views and policy preferences. That process helps align our Select Board with residents. Adoption of this amendment will empower the Select Board
to solicit and publicly interview volunteers for FinCom, following the same public process they use for other committees that they appoint. Appointment by the Select Board will therefore create a clear link between residents and FinCom.
Although many Massachusetts towns continue the tradition of a moderator-appointed finance committee, the trend is toward other methods of appointment. A substantial minority of towns now rely on appointment by Select Boards, direct election by residents, or
appointment by a committee composed of various town officials.
By considering this amendment, the Town has an opportunity to strengthen transparency, accountability, and resident engagement in a vital part of our local government. Embracing best practices that encourage diverse perspectives and open public participation
will not only enhance the Finance Committee’s effectiveness but also foster greater trust and collaboration within our community. Together, we can ensure that Lincoln’s financial decisions reflect the voices and values of all its residents, building a stronger,
more inclusive future for our Town.
Bob Domnitz, on behalf of the Petitioners
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