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Selectmen told acting administrator: social media guidance needed after committee member post drew legal concern
Summary
Board members said a committee member’s Facebook post opposing a vote may create a public record and expose the town to litigation; the board directed staff to draft guidance on social‑media communications for appointed and elected members.
Selectmen said they had been warned not to use social media to discuss official business while acting in an appointed or elected capacity and asked staff to prepare clear guidance on allowable communication.
At the meeting, a selectman said consultant Alex Torpey told the board it is “an absolute no‑no” for appointed or elected members to use social media to discuss matters that could constitute municipal business. The board expressed concern that a Facebook post by a committee member named Sherry urging residents “not to vote in favor” had created a record that could be subject to litigation and abatement requests related to a wetlands crossing.
Why it matters: the board said social‑media statements by members can create evidence that may be used in court or administrative proceedings and can create an improperly convened meeting if a quorum of members interact online. The board agreed members may post personal items (for example, a note about boating or weather) but should avoid commentary that appears to represent or influence official action.
Next steps: the board asked staff to meet with the consultant Alex Torpey and draft a written policy clarifying what appointed and elected members may post and how town‑related communications should be routed to avoid creating a record or an unintended quorum.
