May 18, 2021 by Glenn Mangurian
Saturday is Hingham town election day. Please vote!
Last November’s Presidential election attracted over 16,000 Hingham voters yet last April’s town elections drew 2,300 voters. That’s about only 12% of the Hingham registered voters. Sure, Saturday is a popular day to run errands, take the kids to sporting events, plant your garden and do other activities that crowd out going to the polls. Also, many citizens are reluctant to vote for candidates for whom they are unfamiliar and whose qualifications they don’t know. Although friends and neighbors may make suggestions, investing some time to learn directly about the candidates and the issues will help you make an informed choice.
These days modern technology makes it easy to learn about those running for elected offices and their respective positions. You might start by going to the town website to learn about the responsibilities of each elected office. Many candidates have websites or Facebook pages where voters can find out contenders’ views on relevant topics as well as their qualifications. The Hingham has published candidates’ responses to relevant questions. Also, the Hingham Anchor (“Hingham ‘Cast”), Hingham League of Women Voters and the Hingham Unity Council held virtual candidate forums that can be viewed on their web sites. It might be worth your taking a few minutes to hear from the aspirants in their own words.
Remember, for all races, except Town Clerk, your fellow citizens are volunteers who are offering their skills to be part of the town’s governance. While we may think of Hingham as a small town, our annual budget now exceeds $130 million. Public service involves understanding the complexities of issues, overseeing town services and making financial and policy recommendations to the town meeting. We are fortunate to have many talented residents who are willing to give their time to act as stewards of our wonderful town.
Today, Hingham remains true to its tradition of its citizens being directly involved in what kind of town it is. You are democracy in action. Don’t be indifferent. Your vote matters.
Glenn Mangurian has been a resident of Hingham for 35 years. He is a retired business leader with more than four decades of experience driving innovation and results with his clients. Glenn remains active with his writing, speaking, family, and community.
In May 2001, Glenn suffered an injury to his spinal cord, resulting in the paralysis of his lower body. Drawing on his personal experience, he authored an article titled “Realizing What You’re Made Of,” which was published in March 2007 in the Harvard Business Review. In May 2017 he published his first book, Pushing the Edge of Thought, Possibility and Action – Questions and Insights from Everyday Life.
Glenn Mangurian can be reached at: glenn@glennmangurian.com