Opinion: Expand the Mattapoisett Select Board to five members

To the editor:

I would like to express my opinion on expanding the Mattapoisett Select board from 3 to 5 persons. I have lived in Mattapoisett full time for 27 years. I have seen many changes in those 27 years. However, having a select board that consists of only 3 people makes the select person’s position very difficult.

If a select person is absent from a meeting or must recuse themselves from participation in a specific matter or meeting due to a potential conflict of interest or bias. It narrows the input of the decision. A 5-member board allows for a broader input of information and aids in the decision-making process. It also eases the possible violation of open meeting law and improve better decision making.

A 5-member board allows for 2 select board members to discuss issues and views to help in the decision process. I am in support of the Citizen’s Petition proposing a Warrant Article at Town Meeting on May 12, 2025, voting to expand our Select Board from 3 to 5 members.

It will improve the decision making process for the Town of Mattapoisett and help Mattapoisett to stay as beautiful as it is and grow into the future.

Sincerely, 

Diana Harlfinger   

Mattapoisett