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Planning board outlines candidate filing window and transition to elected board; alternates remain appointed until 2027
Summary
Planning staff announced candidate filing will run Jan. 21–Jan. 30 for seats to appear on the March 10 ballot, and board members discussed governance changes: alternates will remain appointed by the select board until all planning‑board posts are elected (anticipated after the 2027 cycle). The board also set a two‑date community meeting option and discussed outreach videos.
The Plymouth Planning Board discussed procedural items relevant to upcoming elections and community outreach, including candidate filing dates and the timetable to transition the board to an elected body.
Joseph told the board that the candidate filing period begins Wednesday, Jan. 21 and runs through Friday, Jan. 30 at 5 p.m., and that candidates must file with the town clerk to be included on the ballot on Tuesday, March 10. “That’s the gist of it,” Joseph said, urging members to keep the window in mind for seats up for reelection.
Board members discussed the mechanics of which seats candidates may file for and whether the clerk can advise registrants which seats already have filers. Members also raised the prospect that some seats could be uncontested and that write‑in candidates could win if no one files for a seat.
On governance transition, Joseph and other members said alternates will continue to be appointed by the select board until all planning‑board seats are elected. The board discussed that after the 2027 elections, the planning board (as an elected body) would take responsibility for appointing alternates, and members suggested updating rules of procedure next year to reflect that change.
Other business included scheduling a community meeting with Barrett Planning (Judy Barrett) on either Monday, March 2 in the evening or Saturday, March 7 at noon to solicit public input, and a brief discussion about resuming video outreach for public engagement.
Next steps: board members agreed to discuss the community meeting date at the next meeting, candidates should file within the announced window, and staff will prepare any bylaw or rules changes next year to implement the planning‑board transition.
