NEWS: Solutions To Town Meeting Participation Problem Elusive

Groton voters indicated that they had very little interest in changing from an open Town Meeting form of government to a representative town meeting, according to results from input at public meetings and a questionnaire distributed and returned to the Town Meeting Study Committee.

Committee Chairman Bob Collins reported to Selectmen that it is also clear that the town needs to generate interest from younger voters and look to streamline the meeting itself making it "less of drudgery" and more easily attended by those with responsibilities at home.

It was also evident that the Town should make necessary accommodations to allow those with disabilities to have easy accessibility, not only to seats, but also to the microphones to more easily make comments.

In addition, the Committee suggested that there should be some exploration of transportation for people who find it difficult to attend, look at potential for daycare, and possibly have some food available in the hall. They also recommended that a liaison be established between the Accessibility Committee and the Groton-Dunstable Regional School District.

There was also a strong recommendation that the Town explore the use of technology for voting at town meeting, where people will have privacy in how they vote. One of the issues that came out clearly is that voters feel constrained by this lack of privacy and expressed frustration at the time lost in vote counts.

There are examples of other towns using electronic voting, generally leasing the equipment and the experience with these devices has been positive. The technology would also facilitate the work of the Moderator and Town Clerk. Currently the law requires that a voter be present at Town Meeting in order to vote.

Other towns surveyed by the Committee are having challenges with attendance and Groton compares favorably in general.

One town that stands out, however, is Lincoln that boasts a 10 percent or better turnout. That town provides transportation for elderly and disabled in coordination with the over 55 housing facility, provides daycare and offers refreshments for sale by the Boy Scouts.

In a unique approach, a class at the Middle School shepherds an article through the process from start to finish, a program that provides both an educational component and ensures participation by parents of the students. The report comments that none of the efforts being done in Lincoln require significant expenditures, just coordination and volunteers.

Other miscellaneous comments included a change in meeting space as the Performing Art Center does not promote an interactive meeting; voters want to see Board and Committee reports and positions on articles before rather than at Town Meeting; more rigorous limitation on debate; implications of the budget on households clearly stated; clear statement whether a vote is binding or advisory; structure all monetary warrant articles in descending order with the largest first; and send all monetary Warrant articles that require bonding to a town-wide ballot for an override debt exclusion.

Collins advised that there are a few more polishes to the full report and it will be available shortly.