Our time-tested town meeting provides citizens with an opportunity to come together to discuss important issues which affect all of us. At town meeting we are free to ask any questions we might have about warrant articles, and we receive the accurate information we need to make an informed vote. Once an article has been discussed to everyone’s satisfaction, we vote either by voice or by ballot. A ballot vote is taken whenever five citizens request it. In an SB2 town a deliberative session is scheduled. The warrant is presented and amendments to the warrant articles can be made. Attendance at SB2 deliberative sessions varies, but in many SB2 towns, attendance has declined. After the deliberative session ends, several weeks may go by before voters go to the polls to vote on the amended warrant articles. During this period if any misinformation, either deliberate or inadvertent is circulated, there is no effective way to address it.
At town meeting inaccurate information is addressed immediately and accurate information is provided. In SB2 towns many voters may vote without sufficient and accurate information. For generations Hopkinton voters have been well served by coming together at town meeting to make important decisions together. Please attend town meeting Thursday evening, March 21, at 6 p.m. at Hopkinton Middle High School and vote against SB2.
Janet Ward
Hopkinton