9/11 Flag Visits Local Fire Stations

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            It has been nearly 22 years since terrorists attacked the World Trade Center, piloting two planes into the towers which subsequently collapsed, taking thousands of people’s lives. Who can forget the images of first responders covered in thick ash and concrete dust, or staggering civilians attempting to flee on bare feet over broken glass? Do those of us who are old enough to remember that day – September 11, 2001 – ever forget those images? No we don’t, nor should we.

            We all have a duty to remember, especially the firefighters and police officers who gave their own lives to save others. To that end, a group called Ground Zero has made it their mission to send a flag and marble cross around the country touring fire stations where ceremonies of remembrance are held.

            Last week, the flag, not the flag that was hoisted above the rubble by firefighters but another that flew near Tower 2 as the massive job of cleaning up, collecting remains and personal effects took place, visited Marion and Mattapoisett. A stop in Rochester is anticipated in September.

            Ceremonies were held on May 2 and May 5 at respective Mattapoisett and Marion Fire stations, where Explorers (junior firefighters) heard, possibly for the first time, the events of that fateful day and the importance of remembering.

            The flag itself is standard issue, but while watching it fly for 9 minutes and 11 seconds from the flagpoles at the fire houses, one sensed the solemnity of the moment. The marble cross was sculpted from stone conserved from a stairwell at the site. The two artifacts have borne witness and now share their story to help teach and to help remember. Traveling with these items is a log book filled with badges, buttons and signatures of those who have attended a ceremony.

            Mattapoisett Fire Chief Andrew Murray commented on Facebook, “The flag and marble cross has made three tours in Iraq, been on a Blackhawk helicopter and on a combat mission in an A-10 Thunderbolt ‘Warhog.’ It has also flown over the Pentagon, on US Navy warships and at Army, Navy and Air Force installations.

            “Now the flag has been traveling around the United States to fly at police and fire stations, municipal buildings and veterans’ associations with a goal to retire the flag on the 25th anniversary of when the flag last flew over the rubble of the WTC.”

            Marion Fire Chief Brian Jackvony stated in a follow-up, “Having the flag and cross here gave us the opportunity to pause and reflect the events of 9/11 … recognizing the sacrifices that were made on that day and our military who fought for our freedom.”

            The Tri-Town Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester Explorer group participated, not only learning about an event that happened before they were born, but the importance of reverential ceremonies. The Explorers in attendance were Dominic Fringuelli, Brendan Foster, Lisa Harrington, Jack Hebert and Kennedy Tripp.

            A few days later, the flag was in Worcester, causing Mattapoisett Fire Captain Brian Connelly to say, “It moves along fast.” Connelly was instrumental in bringing the flag and cross to the area.

By Marilou Newell

MAC & MLT Present Plein Air Days

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The Marion Art Center partners with the Mattapoisett Land Trust to present Plein Air Days at Munro Preserve, scheduled on Friday, May 26 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm and Tuesday, June 13 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm. Munro Preserve is located at the intersection of Main and Water Streets, directly west of the Mattapoisett town wharves and Shipyard Park. Artists are invited to paint, sketch, photograph, write or create in any form on site at Munro Preserve. A representative from Mattapoisett Land Trust will be present to answer questions about the property and provide information to guests as needed. Plein Air Days are free and open to the public, but RSVPs are encouraged (marionartcenter.org/events.) Classes and groups are welcome. This will not be a guided class or meeting but an opportunity to be inspired by the natural landscape and beauty of the property. Artists should bring their own materials and may stay for as little or as long as they like. Limited parking is available at the wharves. Ample additional parking is available nearby at the large public lot on Depot Street.

            Munro is a beautiful one acre waterfront park with lawns, perennial gardens and specimen trees all enjoying spectacular views of Mattapoisett Harbor and Buzzards Bay beyond. There are a number of benches as well as steps into the harbor near the western edge of the property. The stone seawall was reconstructed in 1999 and maintained again in 2015. The Munro property was a gift in 1975 of Ruth Munro, who lived in the big yellow house across the street on the corner of Water and Pearl Streets. Mrs. Munro’s late husband was from a family long associated with Mattapoisett and its whaling history. In fact, this property was part of the site of the town’s first shipyard, acquired in 1752 by shipbuilder Charles Stetson of Scituate. Within 25 years, according to Charles S. Mendell, Jr., no less than eight other shipbuilders established shipyards and wharves, and Mattapoisett became famous as the Whaleship building capital of the world.

MATTREC Girls Lacrosse

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MATTREC is thrilled to announce we have added a Girls Lacrosse clinic this summer. The clinic will be run by Jim Maxwell and John Jacobsen, both coach for the ORR Lacrosse program. The clinic is July 31-August 4 from 9:00-12:00 at ORR High School front field.  Girls Grades 3-8 are welcome to attend the clinics which will focus on Stickwork, Shooting, Defense, Footwork/Speed and Team play. Sign up online at www.mattrec.net.

Mattapoisett School Committee

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            Editor’s note: Two (2) candidates are on the ballot for one (1) open seat on the Mattapoisett School Committee.

Carly Lavin, Incumbent

            My name is Carly Lavin, and I am seeking reelection to the Mattapoisett School Committee to ensure that all students get the best education this town can responsibly afford to offer. I believe that my professional skills garnered through my current role as head of operations for a financial software company as well as former career as an actuary would be a continued asset to the Mattapoisett School District. In my career as well as my past service to our schools, I have always been willing to ask questions, listen, and synthesize information. I accept the responsibility that comes with making decisions. I know how to compromise and reach decisions based on the merits of issues. I have a vested interest in the quality of that education that we provide, as I am a mother to four young children ranging from pre-K to Grade 5. If reelected, these are the three core areas I will continue to focus on: 1. Advocate for a science-based literacy curriculum from Pre-K through Grade 6 and ensure funding is appropriated towards the critical needs of literacy; 2. Financial transparency to the townspeople on the cost of education per pupil, including working with Town Hall to ensure the costs of our shared-use building are allocated appropriately. Having represented the School Committee in serving on the town Capital Planning Committee for the last year as well as my involvement in the School Consolidation study, I am well versed on the town’s aging infrastructure and upcoming needs. As far as the school consolidation study, I look forward to helping inform the community of all the pertinent facts after the final school consolidation presentation on May 15; 3. Ensure our buildings provide a safe environment for both students and educators. I am running for reelection for the Mattapoisett School Committee to make sure that my children, my neighbors’ children and grandchildren, as well as the next generation of learners, get the best education this town can responsibly afford to offer. I will keep the education of and welfare of Mattapoisett’s children as my primary concern while representing the best interest of all constituents.

David F. Pierre Jr., Challenger

            I am running for the Mattapoisett School Committee because I care deeply about the education that children receive in our town. I know I would bring a unique perspective to the committee because I have been a teacher for over 20 years. I began my teaching career in South Central Los Angeles, where I taught for eight years, and I now teach middle school math in New Bedford. My wife is a teacher as well, a first-grade teacher in Acushnet. Our daughter is a freshman at Old Rochester Regional High School. Mattapoisett is a wonderful town, and you see its strength in its families. We feel lucky to have moved here when we did in 2009. I am a lector and parishioner at St. Anthony’s Parish, and I assist in teaching a Confirmation class there. As I’ve gone to doors and talked with members of the community, I have been very encouraged by the positive reception I’ve received. I have also realized that I am not alone in believing that our School Committee is in need of a fresh pair of eyes – and, most notable, some balance – to the issues facing our schools today. The issue of a possible consolidation of Center School and Old Hammondtown is an extremely important one, as it would have a profound effect on the overall fabric of our town. It is crucial that this entire discussion be as transparent and deliberate as possible. I look forward to the upcoming presentation from the Collins Center from UMass to see what their long-awaited study has uncovered. Another concern is the continued trend downward in enrollment in ORR, and this is surely a point of focus when it comes to budgeting in the future. The increase in utilities cost is also a concern, as well as the loss of ESSER funds which will probably expire soon. But what remains is the top priority to provide children the best education possible in Mattapoisett.

Join Our Planter Angel Team

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The Marion Garden Group planter boxes are again out and placed about our town. We would love to have your help to help us keep these planters looking their best throughout the summer.

            Would you be willing to join our Planter Angel Team?

            As a Planter Angel, you will be assigned to one planter. We ask that you work with your team to make sure the planter is properly watered, and the planter is always looking its best.

            What a great way to get involved in keeping Marion looking beautiful. This would even be a great family project.

            Can you give an hour a week to help keep Marion looking its best? If so, please email us at mariongardengroup@gmail.com, or call Suzy Taylor at 774-271-0457.

Town Counsel Seeks More Information in Job Dispute

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            Does the Rochester Select Board have the right to eliminate one of the new, better-paying job classifications that the Personnel Board was formed to create?

            A week after the Select Board did just that regarding an Executive Assistant position that was proposed for the FY24 budget, Rochester Personnel Board Chairman Adam Murphy on Monday afternoon posed the important question to Town Counsel labor expert Jane Medeiros Friedman.

            Friedman said, unfortunately, she didn’t know enough about the circumstances surrounding the matter to provide an immediate answer.

            Murphy concluded he will have to email her the specifics to get her answer, but not before exploring the scope of the problem. “Can the Board of Selectmen hand select and strike out our reclassification vote?” he asked.

            Friedman responded that it depends on whose control the position falls under and other details.

            Murphy pointed out the Executive Assistant position is a reclassification of a job that already exists and is already occupied by a town employee. It is one of two existing positions that the Personnel Board reclassified because of evolving job duties that were undercompensated. The other job, Administrative Assistant to the Select Board, Murphy noted, was not similarly eliminated from the FY24 budget, and he found that strange.

            At a May 1 meeting, Select Board members Woody Hartley and Brad Morse argued no one had discussed the plan for the new position with them in advance, and they wanted more time and needed more funding than budgeted to consider a new job that would be under the Select Board’s jurisdiction.

            Murphy said then that the new Personnel Board’s mission is to categorize job descriptions to be financially compensated in a like manner. Now someone will keep doing the duties in the Executive Assistant job description for less compensation.

            At the May 8 meeting, Friedman said she needed more information before offering an opinion.

            After the meeting, Murphy acknowledged that the Executive Assistant position could be reinserted into the town budget that will be voted by citizens on the May 22 Town Meeting floor. “A citizen could do that,” he said.

            Murphy declined to say whether he himself would make that motion. “That’s not a fair question,” he said. “That will not be my role.”

            The Personnel Board set its next meeting for Thursday, June 1, at 5:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Personnel Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Marathoner Inspired by Motherhood

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            Teresa Firth’s 33-marathon history bears witness to the running community’s traditional message to its newcomers: one step at a time and never say never.

            Publicly congratulated on Tuesday afternoon by Marion Town Administrator Geoff Gorman for completing her 16th Boston Marathon just three weeks ago, Firth has a day job as a secretary for the town’s Department of Public Works. The workday, however, is often the prelude to a second wave of energy when she takes part in a track workout at Fairhaven’s Cushman Park. There, she trains with a group of runners working on different aspects as directed by a coach.

            “Every week is a different thing, sometimes it’s speed,” she said.

            The Fairhaven resident was no distance-running prodigy, the catalyst for this high-achieving activity arriving in her adult life.

            “No, not at all. I started running when my daughter was born, like 36 years ago,” said Firth, 59. “I just started running like the 5K’s and 10K’s.”

            Raised in New Bedford, Firth took up running and joined the Greater New Bedford Track Club, eventually completing her first marathon in 2001 in Hartford, Connecticut. The event was more than a milestone in that her performance qualified her to run Boston.

            “I’ve been qualifying every year,” she said.

            Firth ran the 2023 BAA Marathon in honor of her father, whom she lost a year and a half ago. “I put his name on my arm and think about him along the way,” she said. Her time on April 17 was three hours and 52 minutes.

            “Completing a marathon is no easy feat, and her dedication and perseverance are inspiring,” stated Gorman in a press release.

            The Boston course is famous for Heartbreak Hill, the incline just inside Brookline that runners often struggle to scale, but Firth has discovered many other difficult hills on the 26.2-mile course.

            “It’s where it comes in the race,” she said, alluding to Miles 17-21. “But they say the last 10K is the hardest … you’re tired …” It’s not only the last 6 miles, however. “Especially in the beginning, too, there are rolling hills and a couple (of hills) right in front of Fenway (Park.)”

            Firth’s youngest daughter has caught the bug, having run three marathons.

            “We’re doing one in New York, that’ll be her fourth,” said Firth.

            Scheduled for Sunday, October 1, the Guthrie Wineglass Marathon, New York state’s second largest, is a BAA qualifier situated in the Southern Finger Lakes region and headquartered in Corning, New York.

By Mick Colageo

New Exhibit at the Marion Art Center

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The Marion Art Center is pleased to announce its newest exhibit featuring paintings by Anne Carrozza Remick and Stephen Remick, on display May 12-June 24, with an artists’ reception scheduled Friday, May 12 from 5:00-7:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public, one of many SouthCoast Spring Arts events at the MAC. See Anne Remick’s still life paintings which celebrate the beauty found in “the solitude of simple objects” through her use of expressive color and unexpected composition. Paintings by Stephen Remick include landscapes, plein air paintings and some figurative works that capture the “backyard and beyond.” Anne and Steve both graduated from Swain School of Design and currently live together in Dartmouth, MA. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists and ask questions at the reception. The Marion Art Center is located at 80 Pleasant Street in Marion. Learn more and see all upcoming events at marionartcenter.org/events.

ORR School Committee

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            Editor’s note: The Old Rochester Regional School Committee will see races this month between incumbents and challengers in all three of the Tri-Towns. This week we present the candidates for one open seat in Marion and one open seat in Mattapoisett. The Rochester candidates will appear in the May 18 issue of The Wanderer.

Frances-Feliz Kearns, Mattapoisett Incumbent

            I am running for reelection to the Old Rochester Regional District School Committee as the Mattapoisett representative. Over the past year, I have established myself as a trusted leader, valued colleague and dedicated student advocate. As an engineer with over 20 years of experience in the aerospace, military and life sciences industries, I believe in the power of STEM education and the opportunities it can provide for our students. I have helped secure thousands of dollars in STEM funding for our schools, and I believe that education is a gateway to a better life for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances. During the pandemic, I worked tirelessly to support diverse learning options to meet the individual needs of students and their families. I was instrumental in transitioning from remote to hybrid and eventually in-person learning, and I served on the committee for safely reopening schools. As a director of engineering, quality assurance at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, I understand the importance of communication, collaboration and critical thinking, and I bring those skills to my work on the school committee. I have negotiated fair and equitable teacher contracts while maintaining high-quality educators and extracurricular programs. Outside of my work on the school committee, I am an active member of the Mattapoisett PTA and a former Cub Master. I have received numerous awards and recognitions for my work and dedication to our community including recognition from the New Bedford NAACP, the Jewish War Veterans of the USA and the Massachusetts State Senate and House of Representatives. I am also a sought-after public speaker and have been recognized as one of the 2023 South Coast Women in Leadership. I am running for reelection because I believe in the power of education and the promise of a better future for all students. I am committed to working hard and making sure that our schools continue to provide the best possible education for all of our students. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, including my two children who attend Old Hammondtown and Old Rochester Regional Junior High School.

Richard Reilly, Mattapoisett Challenger

            I am running for ORR School Committee for four reasons. First, I am very concerned that our educational standards are slipping. One of my businesses, FME Technologies, conducts business throughout the world. I’ve discovered that U.S. students are having a tough time competing against international students for college entrance and job opportunities. A primary reason is because U.S. education has fallen behind. I want to do all I can to see to it that ORR School District has high educational standards so our graduates can compete in the global marketplace. Second, I want to be sure we are using our educational tax dollars efficiently. That means we must have budget accountability. As the owner of two businesses in town, I understand and know how to ensure we are spending our resources wisely. Third, I will work to encourage family involvement and increase the Bulldog Spirit in our schools. I believe that family involvement and transparency into the classroom and the curriculum is critical to high educational outcomes. Fourth, a safe and secure school must be taken as a high priority. Having served seven years in the Marine Corps and specializing in security, I look forward to helping achieve this as I have with my local Church. Finally, I am a 62-year resident of Mattapoisett, a graduate of ORR and an ORR Hall of Fame Inductee. My wife Melanie and I have three children, who went to ORR schools, and six grandchildren, two who are presently in our school system. ORRHS gave me a top-notch education that put me on a path to a successful career. I would like to give back to the community and school system that gave me and my family so much by serving on the ORR School Committee. I humbly ask for your vote on Tuesday, May 16. Thank you.

Margaret McSweeny, Marion Incumbent

            My name is Margaret McSweeny, and I am running for reelection to the ORR School Committee. I am a life-long resident of Marion and have served in my school committee role for the last three years. I have an M.A. in Education and have worked in both public and private schools in the area for more than 15 years. I am also a mother to three children and an active member of YWCA Southeastern MA and the Women’s Alliance of Southeastern Massachusetts. In my role as school committee member, I serve on the ORR School Committee and the Joint School Committee. I am also a member of the Policy Subcommittee, the Tri-Town Education Foundation and a founding member of the Equity Subcommittee. I am running for reelection because I believe that it is important to be an active and engaged member of my community. I care deeply about the social and emotional health of young people, and I want to ensure the best educational outcomes for all students in our district. I want to continue to help create and maintain a safe, inclusive and equitable school system, one that celebrates diversity and condemns racism in all its forms. If reelected, I will continue to be a prepared, engaged and present school committee member, working collaboratively with my colleagues and listening to the needs and concerns of my constituents.

Jennifer Marie-Zora Stewart, Marion Challenger

            My name is Jennifer Zora Stewart and I’m running for the ORR School Committee in Marion. ORR is special to me, and I want to give back to our future generations. I’m a 1997 graduate with a three-generation history within the school system. As a parent that pays very close attention, I feel it is time for change, and I want to offer our community a choice. I have identified three initial focuses: (1) School Safety and Security, (2) Family Communication and Transparency, (3) Education. School Safety and Security: We need to support our school resource officers and local police departments that keep our children safe and protected at school. We need to reevaluate safety among students. All students need to feel safe and free from any targeted harassment and intimidation. Family Communication and Transparency: On February 15, 2022, during the school committee meeting on unmasking, parents won’t forget the three hours and the many initial “No” votes. The data was clear, yet students, teachers and parents were still not being heard. We need to remove politics from our schools. Our community has diverse ideas and beliefs. Unfortunately, politics have found their way into our classrooms creating distraction and friction. Education: A significant focus has been on Social Emotional Learning, meanwhile our Massachusetts standardized test scores are down. The honor roll needs to be brought back to Junior High. We need to help students focus on achieving their own academic excellence. In closing, I’m offering our community a choice for change. I’m a college graduate with a career as a Senior Registration manager. In my 16-plus years of experience, I have demonstrated my team-oriented skills. I’m an excellent problem solver, fast learner and trusted leader. I’m a parent to a 14-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son and I believe my most important job is being a mom. I feel parents and families know what is best for their children and should always have a voice when it comes to their children’s education. Please help support me by voting in Marion on May 12. Thank you for your consideration!

CPA Funding Impact Disputed

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            While the FY24 Operating Budget and Water and Sewer Enterprise funds garnered relatively routine voter approval, projects recommended by the Community Preservation Committee drew the lion’s share of citizen commentary extending Marion’s Annual Town Meeting to nearly two hours.

            The spring-season meeting, held on Monday night at Sippican Elementary School, saw all 34 articles of the Warrant carry, albeit some only after substantial discussion.

            Articles 8-21 were all related to Community Preservation Act funding as recommended by Marion’s CPC, which met on several occasions to vet, sift and otherwise shape and condition proposals in accordance with its mission.

            Resident Jonathan Henry, who has a long-standing involvement in Marion’s municipal government, took issue with the Finance Committee’s abiding stance of “no recommendation” on CPC articles, especially as they cite “no financial impact.”

            Henry’s emerging question was where does the money come from? He knew the answer but insisted taxpayers attending Town Meeting have it spelled out for them. In Marion, CPA funds are generated by a 2% surcharge on property tax after the first $100,000 of valuation. The state matches 25% of the funding.

            Finance Committee Chairman Shay Assad explained that CPC articles, being general appropriations made on an annual basis as dictated by law, pose no financial impact in the context of one year versus another.

            “This is all very murky,” said Henry. “We’re appropriating money, and we’re entitled to know where it’s coming from.”

            Marion Finance Director Judy Mooney said the only way to change the impact is to vote to wipe out the CPC, something that was not on Town Meeting floor.

            “It’s not carte blanche … without the deliberation or exposition … it’s not clear. … It needs to be improved,” argued Henry.

            Resident Andrew Santos asked for the fund’s balance prior to FY24 appropriations and asked if the plan is to use it all. According to Select Board Chairman Randy Parker, the CPC has never emptied the account which, at one point, had $1,000,000 in it.

            Finance Committee member Peter Winters noted that he was among those who at one point attempted to institute a “sunset” plan, but the measure failed.

            “If we want to cease the fund or change the amount of the surtax, we should take action to do that. That’s why there’s no financial impact, because we made that decision long ago,” said Assad.

            More CPC-related articles, including $26,928 to enhance school-based gardens featuring the one at Sippican School and $75,000 for four pickleball courts on a Point Road tennis court that has fallen into disrepair, received comments but carried.

            The FY24 operating budget of $27,516,635 (Article 2), a 4.6% increase over FY23, was approved without dissent, as were Water ($2,494,655, a 2.83% increase) and Sewer ($3,620,404, a 2.79% increase) Enterprise funds (Articles 3 and 4.)

            Mooney explained that public safety went up 5.5%, due in part to Sippican School’s new patrol and the effects of statewide police reform the Harbormaster Department.

            Developer Sherman Briggs asked how the town plans to make up the deficit from Marion Village Estates. Town Administrator Geoff Gorman said the town has started the next round of discussion of Water/Sewer rates with the Select Board and that the Capital Improvements Planning Committee would be the next step. Briggs noted that the town just lost an appeal case that will allow Steen Realty to install 60 water meters at Marion Village Estates. He projected the outcome will result in a shortfall between $120,000 and $160,000 in lost revenue per year.

            Asked to explain Item 210 Police Cruiser, Chief of Police Richard Nighelli told the meeting that historically, the Police Department purchased a cruiser annually or, in some cases, two cruisers every three years, triggered by a mileage threshold when it becomes cost effective to trade it in or declare it surplus equipment.

            Asked if the department was considering an electric-powered cruiser, Nighelli said, “No.”

            Alanna Nelson, a member of Marion’s Energy Management Committee, went to the microphone and simply asked, “Why not?”

            Nighelli said the department has ordered two hybrid cruisers within the past three years. “It worked out well, but I don’t know if we want to go any further with the hybrid,” he said, citing complications with the retrofitting of aftermarket equipment. “We’re not totally opposed, but don’t have equipment.” Nighelli also noted that when he had looked into a solar-powered carport, he was told that was not an “advantageous” project.

            Included was Marion’s acceptance of the Old Rochester Regional FY24 $5,274,891 assessment, ORR’s capital stabilization fund, Upper Cape Tech’s $466,078 assessment and capital stabilization fund. Mooney explained the 28% increase in the FY24 UCT assessment is mainly driven by five additional students enrolled.

            Article 7 Capital projects at $2,879,536 ($2,042,536 from Free Cash, $287,000 from Water retained earnings and $550,000 from Sewer retained earnings) were scrutinized by residents, but the article carried.

            Briggs revisited his long-held argument for better oversight of the Creek Road Water main Replacement, for which $120,000 has been budgeted for FY24. He also addressed the Infiltration and Inflow (I/I) project, comparing Marion’s FY24 investment of $200,000 to using a paint brush to tackle the Bourne Bridge. “The system is over 50 years old … we’ve already had a scare with the force main that let go. … We really have to step up the process to maintain this system,” he said.

            Resident Manny DeCosta said he sought out Department of Public Works engineer Meghan Davis to discuss Point Road drainage issues and insisted he has ideas for solutions that “are extremely less costly.”

            Gorman clarified that the $111,600 in the FY24 budget is earmarked for engineering estimates. “When going to bid, the price we don’t know. We wanted to make sure we had enough money to do it,” he said. “Kicking the can down the road is going to make things more expensive next year.”

            Addressing the $1,200,000 Fire Ladder Truck, resident William Washburn asked if anybody has approached Tabor Academy “to see if they were willing to throw a little in.” Gorman said no but that he would be “more than happy to have that conversation.”

            Article 28 applies the Mullin Rule to all boards, commissions and committees, whereas up until now, only the Planning Board had afforded its members the latitude to miss a single session of a public hearing and not lose their eligibility to deliberate and vote on such a case.

            Requiring a two-thirds majority vote, Article 32 easily passed but with a few nays after residents commented on the authority the Select Board now has “to sell or transfer any taxation possession property held by the Town.”

            The Marion Town Election will be held on Friday, May 12, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm at the Cushing Community Center on Route 6.

Marion Annual Town Meeting

By Mick Colageo