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Needham Select Board narrows committee requirements after conflict-of-interest concerns
Summary
The Select Board voted to change two appointed seats on the Stephen Palmer advisory committee to at-large positions with experience preferred but not required after legal counsel warned of potential conflicts under Massachusetts conflict-of-interest law.
The Needham Select Board on March 28 voted to change two committee seats on the town’s Stephen Palmer advisory group from required development-industry appointments to at-large positions with experience preferred but not required.
Town counsel told the board the issue revolves around Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 268A, noting both an in-service prohibition and a post-service prohibition that could prevent committee volunteers or their employers from later financially benefiting from work on a town matter. "There are really two sets of conflicts…" the counsel said, explaining Sections 18 and 19 of Chapter 268A and options for curing those conflicts.
The move follows board discussion about whether appointing development professionals to a…
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