It’s in large part an issue of transparency. Look at how other towns mentioned in the search actually conduct their candidate selection. Positions are posted and advertised, and public interviews are conducted. In Lincoln, the process happens behind closed doors, no positions are posted and candidate selection is largely delegated to the Chair of Fincom, making the Lincoln Fincom a self-appointed body in essence.
>From Harvard’s website: Vacancies and Reappointment: Upon the occurrence of any vacancy or conclusion of a given term, the Board of Selectmen will publicize the opening and invite candidates to submit a letter of interest and qualifications to the Town Administrator. The Moderator shall present the candidates at a meeting of the Board of Selectmen allowing time for public participation during the meeting. The Moderator shall make the appointment no later than sixty days after public notice of the vacancy or conclusion of a given term. https://www.harvard-ma.gov/finance-committee > > ---------- Forwarded message --------- > From: Margaret Olson <[email protected]> > Date: Sun, Jun 8, 2025 at 12:50 PM > Subject: Re: [LincolnTalk] Citizens' Petition at the Special Town Meeting: > Finance Committee Appointments > To: Robert Domnitz <[email protected]> > CC: Lincoln Talk <[email protected]> > > > I asked Claude, an AI, how the Massachusetts towns close in size to > Lincoln select their Finance Committee members. > > *Towns Close in Size to Lincoln (*population 6,996 based on the 2024 > census > <https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/lincolntownmiddlesexcountymassachusetts/PST045224> > *)* > > *Finance Committee Selection Methods* > > *Town* > > *Population* > > *Finance Committee Selection Method* > > *Shirley* > > ~6,851 > > Appointed by Town Moderator > > *Berkley* > > ~6,822 > > Appointed by Select Board > > *Harvard* > > ~6,900 > > Appointed by Town Moderator > > *Berlin* > > ~6,700 > > Appointed by Town Moderator > > *Boylston* > > ~7,100 > > Appointed by Town Moderator > > *Sherborn* > > ~7,400 > > Appointed by Town Moderator > > *Stow* > > ~7,200 > > Appointed by Town Moderator > > *Dunstable* > > ~7,200 > > Appointed by Select Board > > *Boxford* > > ~7,800 > > Appointed by Town Moderator > > *Mendon* > > ~6,100 > > Appointed by Select Board > > *Bolton* > > ~5,800 > > Appointed by Town Moderator > > *Boxborough* > > ~6,000 > > Appointed by Town Moderator > > *Carlisle* > > ~5,900 > > Appointed by Town Moderator > > *Dover* > > ~6,200 > > Appointed by Town Moderator > > *Hamilton* > > ~7,600 > > Appointed by Town Moderator > > *Plympton* > > ~6,300 > > Elected by Town Meeting > > *Petersham* > > ~6,500 > > Appointed by Town Moderator > > *Hardwick* > > ~6,400 > > Appointed by Select Board > > *Ayer* > > ~8,100 > > Appointed by Town Moderator > > *Norwell* > > ~7,900 > > Appointed by Town Moderator > > *Westford* > > ~8,200 > > Appointed by Town Moderator > > *Lancaster* > > ~8,100 > > Appointed by Town Moderator > > Margaret > > > On Sun, Jun 8, 2025 at 12:01 PM Robert Domnitz <[email protected]> > wrote: > >> Several weeks ago, 130 residents signed a Citizens' Petition asking that >> our Special Town Meeting consider an amendment to the General Bylaws of the >> Town. If adopted, the amendment would grant authority to the Select Board >> to appoint the members of the Town's Finance Committee. That authority is >> currently held by the Town Moderator. >> The Finance Committee (FinCom) is one of Lincoln's most important >> volunteer committees. Its work is complex and its analysis and >> recommendations have a decisive impact on town operations and residents' >> taxes. Despite its importance, FinCom receives limited direct engagement >> from residents. >> As signatures were gathered for the Petition, the vast majority of >> residents said they did not know how the members of FinCom were chosen. >> They thought that the Moderator's role was limited to presiding over Town >> Meeting. No one could recall a contested election for the position of >> Moderator, and no one could recall that a Moderator had ever expressed a >> viewpoint on Town finances or FinCom appointments. >> The disconnect between FinCom and residents has been compounded by the >> current practice of relying on FinCom to screen potential candidates for >> membership. Vacant positions have not been advertised, and public >> interviews have not been held. >> If endorsed by Town Meeting, the Citizens' Petition will make the Select >> Board the appointing authority for FinCom. Residents look to the Select >> Board for overall management of the Town. It seems natural that they ought >> to be the authority that appoints FinCom. The Town usually has a contested >> race for Select Board, and candidates differentiate themselves based on >> their views and policy preferences. That process helps align our Select >> Board with residents. Adoption of this amendment will empower the Select >> Board to solicit and publicly interview volunteers for FinCom, following >> the same public process they use for other committees that they appoint. >> Appointment by the Select Board will therefore create a clear link between >> residents and FinCom. >> Although many Massachusetts towns continue the tradition of a >> moderator-appointed finance committee, the trend is toward other methods of >> appointment. A substantial minority of towns now rely on appointment by >> Select Boards, direct election by residents, or appointment by a committee >> composed of various town officials. >> By considering this amendment, the Town has an opportunity to strengthen >> transparency, accountability, and resident engagement in a vital part of >> our local government. Embracing best practices that encourage diverse >> perspectives and open public participation will not only enhance the >> Finance Committee’s effectiveness but also foster greater trust and >> collaboration within our community. Together, we can ensure that Lincoln’s >> financial decisions reflect the voices and values of all its residents, >> building a stronger, more inclusive future for our Town. >> Bob Domnitz, on behalf of the Petitioners >> > >> -- >> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >> To post, send mail to [email protected]. >> Browse the archives at >> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. >> Change your subscription settings at >> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. >> >> -- > The LincolnTalk mailing list. > To post, send mail to [email protected]. > Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/ > . > Change your subscription settings at > https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. > >
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