Saturday, December 31, 2016
Massachusetts general law, chapter 39 - section 10:
The selectmen shall insert in the warrant for the annual meeting all subjects the insertion of which shall be requested of them in writing by ten or more registered voters of the town and in the warrant for every special town meeting all subjects the insertion of which shall be requested of them in writing by one hundred registered voters or by ten per cent of the total number of registered voters of the town whichever number is the lesser. The selectmen shall call a special town meeting upon request in writing, of two hundred registered voters or of twenty per cent of the total number of registered voters of the town, whichever number is the lesser; such meeting to be held not later than forty-five days after the receipt of such request, and shall insert in the warrant therefor all subjects the insertion of which shall be requested by said petition. No action shall be valid unless the subject matter thereof is contained in the warrant. Two or more distinct town meetings for distinct purposes may be called by the same warrant.
Do not blame the lawyer if the wording on a petition is incorrect or illegal. It is the responsibility of the petitioners to ensure what they want or ask for is correct and legal.
Why can’t the Town write citizen petition articles and motions?
While the Town in certain instances can give advice on matters, it is generally not considered appropriate for the Town to write citizen petition articles or motions. Citizen petition articles are the citizens right to petition government. Sometimes they may involve matters which the local government leadership does not support or feel are appropriate. Therefore, to have the Town involve itself too directly in such petitions by writing the article or motion would potentially cause too much intermingling of the government into the citizens’ affairs. This is especially so if there was to be a challenge or dispute over the citizens’ article or motion. In appropriate cases, suggestions can be made.
posted by Jeff Bennett
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possible cat fight between Selectwomen stay tuned
ReplyDeleteIs the "Light company" unofficial rep. going to show her real colors ?
ReplyDeleteThat's funny, cat fight. I don't appreciate sacastic commentary from anyone regarding the unexpected death in my family or my pneumonia for not being at a meeting as a resin that we don't get things done. Inappropriate AND uncalled for.
ReplyDeleteMergers shouldn't be looked at as "let's just get this done". How about the WHY we are in this position and accountability for that.
How about why the rush? Could it be our cash position? Food for thought as I am still getting answers.
And anonymous, why again aren't you sigining your name?