Weston governance panel sets March 27 public forum on Select Board size

WESTON — February 5, 2025 — Weston governance panel sets March 27 forum and rejects claims it has picked a side. The Town Governance Study Committee, meeting Feb. 5 with Chair Harvey Boshart absent and Michael Harrity acting as chair, confirmed the Select Board will include a three-versus-five article on the May 5 Annual Town Meeting warrant under a path that would route through special legislation and a May 2026 ballot. Member Kara Fleming reported annual town elections average 12 percent turnout, rising to 14 percent in contested races, and that Select Board races have been contested about half the time over the past decade. Town Manager Leon Gaumond said a five-member board would not require additional staff but would bring "a lot more outreach" and "hand holding"; Fleming, citing 11 years in the office, called the existing workload "pretty insane." A working vote on a formal recommendation is planned for early April.