Plympton Board of Selectmen Debates Name Change to "Select Board"

Board votes to put name change on town meeting warrant

PLYMPTON, MA - September 9 - The Plympton Board of Selectmen voted Wednesday to put a potential name change to "Select Board" on the annual town meeting agenda after a spirited debate.

Board Chair John Traynor initiated the discussion, noting that over half of the 292 towns in Massachusetts have already made the switch. He cited the Mass Municipal Association and state government's adoption of "Select Board" in official communications.

"I don't think this is a politically correct thing to do," Traynor said. "I think it's just recognition that we have more women than men right now in town departments."

Traynor highlighted the prevalence of women in leadership roles at state and local levels, including Plympton's town administrator, accountant, treasurer, clerk, and fire chief.

Board member Mark Russo strongly opposed the change. "I enjoy being a called a Selectman," Russo said. "I particularly enjoy being connected with a tradition that goes back to 1707."

Dana Smith suggested the decision should be left to town voters. "I think it would be something that the town should decide on how they want to be governed," Smith said.

Town Administrator Elizabeth Dennehy noted potential costs associated with updating town bylaws if the name were changed. "Anywhere in our bylaws where it states Board of Selectmen, that would need to be changed to whatever the new name is," Dennehy explained.

The board voted 2-1 to place the name change question as an article at the annual town meeting. Russo opposed.

In opening the meeting, a discussion emerged with a member of the public over whether video recordings of meetings constitute official public records under open meeting law.

Traynor stated that the video "is not to be considered an official public record" and that approved minutes serve as the official record by state law.

Audience member Nancy strongly disagreed, arguing that publicly available videos on platforms like YouTube are indeed public records.

Dennehy supported Traynor's position, citing guidance from town counsel and the state attorney general's office that minutes, not recordings, serve as the official record.

In other business, the board approved one-day liquor licenses for upcoming events at Sauchuk Farm and appointed a temporary registrar for an upcoming State Senate election recount.

The next regular Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for Sept. 23 at 2 p.m.