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Town clerk proposes switch from elected to appointed post, citing complexity and continuity risks
Summary
Incumbent Town Clerk Jim Higgerty told the Select Board he supports a charter change (Article 25) to make the clerk an appointed position, citing the job’s growing legal complexity and continuity risks if an elected clerk were suddenly unable to serve. The Select Board voiced support to put the question to voters.
Jim Higgerty, the incumbent town clerk, asked the Select Board to support Article 25 at Town Meeting to convert the town clerk position from elected to appointed. Speaking at the March 10 meeting, Higgerty said the job has become substantially more complex and that he has seen firsthand the risks when the office lacks experienced staffing.
“There are over 400 sections of the Massachusetts General Laws that refer to actions of the clerks,” Higgerty told the board, arguing the legal scope requires professional continuity and training. He described a recent five-day hospitalization that left the office relying on a deputy and retired clerks and said that moving to an appointed model would expand the pool of qualified candidates and allow the town to ensure continuity.
Higgerty explained the statutory process: change must pass both Town Meeting and a ballot question at the annual election. He said the statute, as written, gives appointment authority to the Select Board unless the article specifies otherwise. He also said he would be willing to serve as a transitional, appointed clerk if voters approved the change.
Select Board members praised Higgerty’s stewardship and moved to support Article 25; advisory indicated it would take up its endorsement at its next meeting when quorum issues are resolved. The board noted the process requires clear ballot language and town counsel review to ensure statutory compliance.
Next steps: Article 25 will be placed on the warrant and appear on the election ballot if Town Meeting approves; the Select Board will prepare appointment procedures in the event voters support the change.
