Are two town meetings one too many? That’s the question Town Administrator Dan Nason has raised in proposing that Harvard Town Meeting convene just once a year, not twice.
Given the central role Town Meeting plays in Harvard’s form of government, any such change should be carefully vetted. Reporter Joan Eliyesil has presented 10 years of data in her page 1 story on the matter, searching for the benefits and drawbacks of meeting twice a year instead of once. But perhaps it’s best to ask first what problem we’re trying to solve? Or more specifically, what’s wrong with two meetings a year?
If it’s a matter of saving money, then a single meeting would seem to offer a clear financial advantage and reduced workload for the town clerk and media volunteers whose services are required. But if the problem is poor attendance or lack of interest, would a single meeting hold any advantage?
We encourage you to consider the evidence for and against a single meeting presented in this week’s paper. Then write to Nason and the Select Board and let them know what you think. We’d like to hear from you as well. We welcome letters to the editor.