To the Editor:
After being encouraged to run by our current Moderator, David Coombs, I decided to seek election to continue my service to Southborough. I want to continue to insure the integrity and independence of the position and our annual Town Meeting.
I am interested in no other position in Southborough. This is not a stepping stone, but my desire to give back to our town, that has given so much to my family and me.
I have a strong, principled core, seeking integrity, fairness, reasonableness and transparency. Explaining, educating, maintaining control and insuring decorum and civility are necessary for the TM to conduct town business. Efficiency and clarity are also important.
I am a student of government having been in Public service for more than 40 years, serving in the United States Army, as a police officer in New Hampshire, Special Agent and Managing Agent with the U.S. Department of Justice, and Assistant Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Inspector General. I am now a full-time tenured professor and department chair at Worcester State University
I served for several years on the Southborough Youth Commission and with the Personnel Board after serving for nearly 15 years, most recently as chair.
The Town Moderator serves a role in maintaining checks and balances and separation of powers so that no single element becomes too powerful.
I believe in the institution of Town Meeting. Town Meeting serves as our legislative body. It dates back decades in New England, where we believe in local control. Town Meeting gives citizens the ability to have a voice in running our town and the opportunity to hold their elected officials accountable to provide services and spend limited funds wisely.
Your Town Moderator cannot be an activist, must not take positions on town matters and must stay above the fray.
If elected, I will recommend the establishment of a joint committee with the BOS to explore best practices for Town Meetings. Also, any appointments will be made in an open and forthright manner. I will recommend a Code of Conduct for community members appointed to boards and committees by Town Moderator.
If you have ideas or thoughts please free to reach out to me by e-mail at [email protected]. I ask for your vote, when you enter the voting booth with your ballot on May 9, 2016.
Steve Morreale
Southborough
