Message from Town Moderator
Town Moderator Michael Puzo, who presides over Hingham's annual Town Meeting, encourages all citizens who are registered voters to attend on April 22, offering a message for first-time participants and all who plan to attend.
"Every year, every Hingham voter is called to take part in Town Meeting. More than just a 'meeting,' Town Meeting is Hingham’s legislature. It’s where we citizens gather as 'the meeting' to decide questions of importance to the town [in the form of warrant articles]: zoning and land use, the budget, open space, [schools, public safety, historic preservation], and many others.
This year’s agenda includes the questions of whether to purchase the water company, whether to ban single-use plastic bags, and much more. It’s your town and it’s your meeting.
"Ours is an 'open' town meeting, where all registered voters are encouraged to take part. Whether this is your 20th Town Meeting or your first, participate. Read the warrant booklet that arrived with your mail. Read each article and each question. Read the comments on each and the recommended motion on each and, in doing so, remember that Town Meeting votes on motions, not on articles.
Unlike our national and state governments, which are representative in nature, here in Hingham we take on that responsibility ourselves as 'town meeting,' where all voters have 'voice and vote.' Contrast that with our national and state legislatures, where lawmaking is someone else’s job.
Without question, our continuing commitment to open town meeting is at the core of Hingham’s character.