By Keith Regan, Contributing Writer
Westborough—Town Moderator John Arnold told the Board of Selectmen April 12 that Town Meeting is working better than some of their recent comments may suggest, but also said he’s in the midst of collecting data and suggestions on possible improvements. The most recent TM was held on March 12.
“I believe Town Meeting continues to work well, but like anything we always need to focus on continuing improvement,” Arnold said, noting that he has recently met with both the Finance Committee and School Committee to discuss this year’s meeting.
Selectmen had previously said the meeting got bogged down and asked Arnold to come before them to discuss ways to keep the meeting on track.
Arnold also sought to dismiss the idea that attendance at TM is declining, citing numerous meetings in recent years that had attendance similar to the average 150 or so voters who completed most of the business at this year’s gathering. He also said the weather may have played a role. Particularly in the Saturday daytime session, he said, “It’s clear that attendance goes down when the weather is nice.”
Fewer voters turning out may also be a sign that most are happy with how the town is being run, he added.
Arnold said he has begun conversations with other town moderators to learn their approaches to moving meetings along and also plans told meetings in town to collect ideas from the public. Other ideas he’s exploring include bringing back babysitting services at the meeting.
“There are things that I’m trying to learn and figure out,” he said.
Selectman Denny Drewry said he recalled meetings in the past that drew as many as 500 voters and said systemic changes in the town’s makeup may be behind the frustrations with the town meeting form of government.
“It was a fun thing to go to Town Meeting back then,” he said. “It was a community get-together. We are competing so much more for people’s time and attention. You can dance and give out free oranges and all that—it’s not going to matter.”
Selectman George Barrette said he was pleased by the ongoing dialogue about the meetings and said his earlier comments, including a suggestion that speakers be put on a timer, were meant to engender discussion.
Ian Johnson, the board’s chair, said while many of those he spoke to felt the meeting went on longer than necessary, he had also heard some positive feedback.
“I had a couple new residents come to me and say it was great,” he added.
