Allegations of Intimidation, Illegitimacy, Lack of Inclusion, Voter Manipulation Are Leveled

            Last Tuesday evening, at a meeting held at the Millenium School, the Westford Select Board faced a barrage of allegations and complaints from the proponents of Article 9, who remained visibly shaken over the loss of their article. The Select Board was told that the October 16th town meeting was “illegitimate” and that the defeat of the gun zoning bylaw was a decision that was unrepresentative of the community.  Board of Health member Sue Hanley claimed that she felt intimidated by the protesters, who lined the entry way into Westford Academy.  She said that voters should all be required to show identification in the future, implying that nonresidents may have infiltrated the meeting.

            Former Select Board member Bob Jeffries challenged Moderator Angela Harkness claiming that Chief Chamber’s motion to reconsider was inappropriately handled and thus the results of the meeting were in question.  Harkness who attended the meeting and took several questions both from the Board and the public said that the meeting was “lawful and valid”.  She was supported by town counsel, who advised that her discretion superseded the conventional rules of procedure.  He cautioned that the town meeting is governed by “Town Meeting Time” not “Robert’s Rules of Order”.

            Town Manager Chris Las informed the Board and the public that the process for bringing this issue back involved several options.  In its present form, Article 9 cannot come back to town meeting for two years, unless the Planning Board by an overwhelming majority (4 to 1) votes to bring it back.  Information was offered that the Board was not disposed to support a reconsideration.  Las said that if the measure was “substantially modified”, it could be resubmitted to the town meeting in the spring after a simple Planning Board hearing.  Some proponents indicated that they were considering a petition.  Las said that if a petition was signed to bring the measure back, it would still have to go to the Planning Board for their recommendation, and the Select Board would have the discretion of whether to put it on the ballot or not.

            Several comments were expressed suggesting that “Open Town Meeting” had outlived its day.  Meghan O’Connell, a former candidate for school committee said that none of the town’s meetings have been inclusive and representative of the town’s population.  Susan Hanley suggested that the town should consider a Mayoral form of government.  Chris Las informed the residents that the process for changing the town’s charter would require a committee to study changes and offer recommendations. The Select Board would have to review those recommendations and a town meeting vote must be favorable to them. If the town meeting approved a change, the town’s charter would have to be amended and approved by the state legislature.  Westford’s last charter change occurred in 1989 when the town adopted the Town Manager, Select Board and Open Town meeting governance model. George Murray, who was in the audience and Select Board member John Cunningham informed the meeting that they had served on a study committee years ago that looked at representative town government.  They cautioned that changes have their drawbacks.  

             Al Prescott, the head of “Westford Pro 2A” closed the public commentary. He stated that the Westford Sportsman’s Club has served the town as a good citizen for many years.  It manages its property and affairs responsibly and allows the police to train with firearms at no cost.  Despite this, Prescott complained that the members feel their legitimate second amendment rights are constantly under challenge in Westford.  Moderator Angela Harkness reported that 1124 people attended last week’s town meeting.

Editorial

IZON READERS; THANKS FOR KEEPTING DEMOCRACY ALIVE IN WESTFORD

“We Will Either Hang Together or We Will Surely Hang Separately” – Benjamin Franklin

       IZON wishes to commend its readers, for rallying to opposed Article 9.  Many of you were visible in the crowd and represented a substantial component of the opposition.  IZON was conceived as a means of keeping citizens, who cherish their liberties, informed of developments, so that joint action, the sole means of influencing society in a Democracy might be possible.  Last week’s town meeting affirmed and validated that original assumption.   Free information through a free press has always been the lifeblood of Democracy and the bane to tyranny.   There is in this town, a powerful school of political thought that views American traditions as outmoded at best and bigoted and evil at worst.  They are organized and they are committed to have their way.  But confronting them last week, and prevailing were you the IZON readers, and others who believe that there is another message to be considered; that the values of individuality, plurality, freedom, stewardship vs tyranny, and integrity are the keys to a better life. Thank you all. It is an honor and a privilege to be associated with you and to serve you.

Editor 

IZON.