Although at $23.6 million the town’s omnibus budget is the fiscal elephant at Town Meeting, the most consequential article on this year’s warrant is arguably Article 33. If it passes, Harvard will embark on a monthslong review of town government that could lead to significant changes in its organization and the responsibilities of its office holders. While passage of Question 3 at Town Election would replace Article 33 and commit the town to a different process, the direction and outcome would likely be the same: a draft charter in 18 months or less.
Opinion is divided on whether the town needs a charter at all and if it does, the best path to creating one. Given that a past Department of Revenue audit and two Master Plan committees have recommended a charter for Harvard, the idea clearly deserves a hearing. Article 33 is the perfect opportunity to put the topic before the town and try for a consensus on how to proceed. While the Press takes no position, we urge everyone with an interest in the future governance of Harvard to attend Town Meeting, join the conversation, and then cast a vote.
Town Meeting works best when turnout is high; turnout is high when there are consequential decisions to be made. This is one of those times.
