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Stephen Connolly's motion to reopen Article 33 fails after residents debate turnout and expert witnesses
Summary
A motion by resident Stephen Connolly to reconsider Article 33 — citing low turnout and concerns about nonresident expert testimony — failed at town meeting when proponents could not muster the two-thirds majority required; the exchange drew several residents into a debate about public participation and procedural fairness.
A member of the public, Stephen Connolly of 11 Cary Circle, stood at the microphone and moved to reconsider Article 33. Connolly said he did not believe a reason was required under current town bylaws but proceeded to argue that fewer than 200 people were present for the prior vote near midnight and that outside "experts" had not been properly identified or had not provided materials in advance for residents to review.
Tom Birmingham, chair of the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan committee and sponsor of Article 33, asked the moderator to require the proponent explain what new information had come to light since Monday's vote; the moderator said it was within his prerogative to ask for a rationale. Connolly urged moving the vote to Monday to allow wider participation, saying "For 200 people to decide this important article is unnecessary."
Opponents, including Lisa Lopez and Michael Albert, said the original meeting had been publicized months in advance and had allowed a robust discussion; Lopez urged members to "vote no," adding that late-hour debate alone did not justify reopening the article. Finance Committee Chair Emilio noted Article 2 Motion 2 on Monday had lawfully allowed two outside speakers to speak (so long as they did not vote) and warned there was no guarantee a future meeting would attract more voters.
After limited further debate, a resident moved the question to close debate; the moderator called for a vote on reconsideration and concluded two-thirds support was not present, declaring the reconsideration motion failed.
The meeting then proceeded to budget items. There was no formal amendment or follow-up direction recorded to change how outside experts are vetted; some speakers asked the bylaws committee to consider procedural changes going forward.
