With this year’s Town Caucus only six weeks away, the League of Women Voters of Harvard will hold a panel discussion on how to run for office and become a more engaged citizen Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m. in Harvard’s upper Town Hall.
This program is about more than running for office, said Sharon Briggs, the league’s voter services coordinator. “It’s about real citizen engagement.” In a January press release, Briggs said the league wants to help make town government more accessible to new volunteers. “It shouldn’t be scary or intimidating,” she wrote, noting that many elected town positions go uncontested and appointed positions are left unfilled. “That’s not good governance.”
The panel will include Jason Tait, who is the communications director of the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance, Harvard Town Clerk Marlene Kenney, and several town volunteers with experience in running for office and serving as appointed members of town committees.
Prior to the meeting, a 15-minute video segment of “Bromfield Now” will air. In the program, Lucy Wallace, chairwoman of the Board of Selectmen, answers questions from students about the best way to get involved in town government, why she first ran for office, challenges and obstacles in campaigning, and tips about how to get elected. The video is also available on Harvard Cable TV’s website (www.harvardcabletv.com) and is part of a series with community leaders and elected officials.
The panel discussion will end with a question-and-answer period. The League of Women Voters will provide information handouts.
Anyone interested in running for local office or who may seek a committee appointment, as well as campaign managers and treasurers, along with anyone who just wants to know more about the process, is encouraged to attend, said Briggs. The workshop is free and open to the public; refreshments will be served.
Town Caucus, Harvard’s nominating convention, convenes on Saturday, March 24, at 5 p.m. in upper Town Hall. Town Election is Tuesday, May 8.
