Leaving comments on this blog is one way to communicate with the candidates in this year’s town election, but an even better way is to attend a candidate night and hear from those running for office live and in-person. This year you’ll have two opportunities to do so. Read the full article → from Two chances to meet the candidates
Government
Gubernatorial candidate to campaign in Southborough on Tuesday
A reader just let me know that Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker will be at Mauro’s Cafe on Tuesday at 9:30 am to talk local government health care relief, among other topics. Anyone is welcome to attend. Read the full article → from Gubernatorial candidate to campaign in Southborough on Tuesday
Catch the replay of town meeting
If you weren’t able to attend town meeting this year — or if you were and you just want to relive all the fun — you can catch a reply either online or on public access cable. Read the full article → from Catch the replay of town meeting
The week in government
A list of department and committee meetings for the week. Read the full article → from The week in government
Breaking news: Southborough town workers investigated for comments about police chief
The Metrowest Daily News has uncovered details about an internal investigation launched by Southborough selectmen against a collection of town employees. My own investigation (limited as it has been) backs up the story. Read the full article → from Breaking news: Southborough town workers investigated for comments about police chief
Annual town meeting: What did you think?
At town meeting this year, I sat near a town meeting virgin. This person has lived in Southborough for many years, but this was his first time attending town meeting. I suspect many of you were in the same boat. Read the full article → from Annual town meeting: What did you think?
Photos: Southborough town meeting
From Southborough photographer Chris Wraight, here is a collection of photos from Southborough’s town meeting this week. Read the full article → from Photos: Southborough town meeting
Meet the candidate: Sal Giorlandino (Board of Selectmen)
Sal Giorlandino is running for re-election to the Board of Selectmen. Here’s what he wants you to know about his record and qualifications. Read the full article → from Meet the candidate: Sal Giorlandino (Board of Selectmen)
Affordable house on Parkerville nears completion
Cardboard covers the floor of the modest Cape at 209 Parkerville Road. Tools line the walls. Sawhorses are scattered throughout the room. The buzz of a table saw competes with the sound of hammering. It’s a scene Town Planner Vera Kolias surveys with obvious pride. Read the full article → from Affordable house on Parkerville nears completion
Town Meeting rejects article to control use of civilian flaggers
What was billed as a bylaw change to modernize outdated language in the town’s traffic code at town meeting on Tuesday night, became a debate about civilian flaggers versus police details. And when all was said and done, Town Meeting opted to stick with the old language and voted down the article. Read the full article → from Town Meeting rejects article to control use of civilian flaggers
Town meeting day 2: Voters stand by decision to reduce Quinn Bill funding
There was a bit of procedural drama at town meeting last night just to keep things interesting. You may remember me mentioning that just because a budget is approved on the first night of town meeting doesn’t mean it can’t be reopened on subsequent nights. And that’s exactly what one resident attempted to do. Read the full article → from Town meeting day 2: Voters stand by decision to reduce Quinn Bill funding
Town meeting day 2: Voters approve $43M budget, dip into rainy day fund
It’s a debate that’s taken place every year for at least the past five years, so when it came time to talk about spending down the town’s stabilization fund, town meeting voters knew the drill. With limited discussion to supplement presentations by the Selectmen and Advisory Committee, Town Meeting voted overwhelmingly to use $417K from stabilization to fund town budgets. Read the full article → from Town meeting day 2: Voters approve $43M budget, dip into rainy day fund
Town meeting continues tonight – what’s on tap
We actually got through more of the warrant last night than I thought we might, but there are still plenty of questions left on the table when town meeting continues tonight. While it’s historically less well attended, day two is just as important as day one, and this year is no exception. Read the full article → from Town meeting continues tonight – what’s on tap
Town meeting day 1: School, library budgets approved; police budget cut
Town Meeting last night voted to approve the K-8 and regional school budgets at their full amount, and defeated a motion that would have cut the library budget by 4%. On the flip side, voters decided to reduce the proposed police budget by an additional $50K. Read the full article → from Town meeting day 1: School, library budgets approved; police budget cut