The League of Women Voters of Harvard would like to review the parade code of conduct before it is finalized. We are disappointed the Select Board is coordinating the revision of the Fourth of July parade code of conduct with the Fourth of July Committee, but not the parade participants who were wrongly censored. The public of Harvard should be given the opportunity to review this proposed policy. If the Select Board votes to approve the revised code of conduct without discussion or public input, it gives the Fourth of July Committee more power.
The Fourth of July Committee packet for their Sept. 27 meeting did not include the material about the proposed changes before or after the meeting. It is the League’s hope that future discussions around this, and many subjects, will be more transparent with materials available before meetings for review by the public.
Surely it is in the best interest of the Fourth of July Committee, the Select Board, and the town of Harvard to resolve this censorship issue with transparency.
Stephanie Opalka, president
League of Women Voters of Harvard
