This letter the the editor from the President of Southborough Communications Officers’ union and the Vice President of Southborough Police Officers’ union explains their Citizen Petition Article to keep Emergency Dispatch Services in Southborough and asks voters to support it. Read the full article → from Letter: Vote for Citizen Petition Article to keep Emergency Dispatch Services under Southborough control
Government
Election Update
A dozen residents are running in multiple races for Town offices this spring.
Yesterday was the deadline for filing papers for the upcoming Town election. All of the candidates I previously posted about followed through to file. (And no new ones popped up since my last post.) Read the full article → from Election Update
Annual Town Meeting: Tree Protection, Scenic Roads, and a Tree Fund (Updated)
The Planning Board hopes the third time's the charm for their two proposed bylaws. Another Article will seek to fund removing, maintaining, and replacing trees.
Three Articles on the ATM Warrant are related to how the Town can protect and maintain Southborough’s tree lined streets. Read the full article → from Annual Town Meeting: Tree Protection, Scenic Roads, and a Tree Fund (Updated)
Sign up for Childcare at Town Meeting Saturday
Rec will offer free babysitting for attendees' kids (ages 4+ and potty trained) if you sign up while there is still capacity.
Southborough Recreation will provide free Childcare for the first 4 hour session of Annual Town Meeting, this Saturday, March 25th. There are some restrictions including pre-registration with a limited capacity. Read the full article → from Sign up for Childcare at Town Meeting Saturday
Letter: Fire and Police Chief on Regionalizing Public Safety Dispatch
This letter to the editor from the Southborough Police and Fire Chiefs explains why they “strongly support the transition to a Regional Emergency Communications Center”. Read the full article → from Letter: Fire and Police Chief on Regionalizing Public Safety Dispatch
The week in government
Select Board on sidewalks and Flagg Road truck restriction; ZBA Hearing on Policies and Procedures; Annual Town Meeting
Here is a selection of the committee and board meetings for the week along with my selected highlights from the agendas. Read the full article → from The week in government
Get ready to golf
The Southborough Golf Club is planning to open by April 1st.
It may not look great right now, but the Town’s Golf Course Committee is projecting the Southborough Golf Club will be ready to open by April 1st. Read the full article → from Get ready to golf
Letter: Please Support Much-Needed Algonquin Athletic Complex Upgrades
This letter to the editor is from Co-chairs of the Algonquin Athletic Complex Committee explains the “GonkPlex” project to enhance the school’s outdoor athletic facilities and asks voters to support the Articles at Town Meeting. Read the full article → from Letter: Please Support Much-Needed Algonquin Athletic Complex Upgrades
Annual Town Meeting: Saturday, March 25
Info Sessions for newbies (tonight and Saturday); An overview of the Warrant
The Town’s legislative branch, Town Meeting, will convene in ten days to approve spending, amend local bylaws, and “advise” officials.
For anyone who is new to Town Meeting (or looking for clarification on process), the Town Moderator is holding two Info Sessions this week, starting tonight. Read the full article → from Annual Town Meeting: Saturday, March 25
Election Update
5 potential Select Board Candidates, 2-way race for Planning Board; Deadline to pull papers is Friday
Two more candidates have pulled papers to compete for offices in Southborough’s election this spring. Read the full article → from Election Update
Candidate’s Letter: Al Hamilton for Select Board
[This spring, Southborough voters will be able to choose among five candidates for two seats on the Select Board. To help you make that decision, each candidate is invited to submit one letter to readers promoting their campaign.] Read the full article → from Candidate’s Letter: Al Hamilton for Select Board
The week in government (Updated)
Planning Board Hearings; Regional School Committee Budget Hearing and vote on GonkPlex project
Here is a selection of the committee and board meetings for the week along with my selected highlights from the agendas. Read the full article → from The week in government (Updated)
Election Update: Select Board race becoming competitive; Pull papers by the 17th (Updated)
Two more candidates have pulled papers to run for the Select Board this spring. Read the full article → from Election Update: Select Board race becoming competitive; Pull papers by the 17th (Updated)
Responses to SJC Ruling on Select Board comment policy
Attorneys, a plaintiff, and the ACLU are among those speaking out in reaction to this week's decision by the Mass Supreme Judicial Court on Southborough's public meeting comment policy
Today, I received a press release from the Mass chapter of the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union). They are advising how towns should address this week’s ruling by the state’s Supreme Judicial Court that Southborough’s comment policy is “unconstitutional” Read the full article → from Responses to SJC Ruling on Select Board comment policy