The Board of Selectmen voted 6-0-1 Monday to appoint Mary Anne Marino to the Inland Wetlands Commission. Marino, a Winchester resident and applicant for the open seat, urged the board to approve her despite concerns about serving on two land-use bodies simultaneously.
Marino told the board she had reviewed meeting minutes and said simultaneous service was allowed by state law and the town charter. “I respectfully request that you vote to approve my appointment, uphold equal treatment of all qualified volunteers under the law, and give me the opportunity to help this place that I love so much,” Marino said during public comment.
Multiple residents spoke in favor of Marino’s appointment, describing her as knowledgeable, dedicated and willing to recuse herself where conflicts arise. Supporters told the selectmen they found no legal prohibition in nearby towns and cited past examples of residents serving on both wetlands and zoning boards.
At the appointment vote, the board moved, seconded and approved Marino’s nomination by a 6-0-1 tally. Selectmen discussed concerns about any single volunteer holding large influence on multiple high-level boards but several members said those concerns would be managed by recusal where appropriate and by the normal review processes.
The record shows letters of support from the wetlands board and other residents were included in meeting packets. No change to town policy was adopted at Monday’s meeting; Marino’s appointment was confirmed and she will serve as a member of the Inland Wetlands Commission.
The board also noted the town attorney had reviewed the legality of dual service. Marino and several supporters said she will recuse herself in any matter that creates a conflict of interest.