To the editor:
Massachusetts General Law defines the following as the responsibilities of Select Boards:
“In Massachusetts, Select Board members, as the chief executive and policy-making body of a town, are responsible for overseeing the town’s affairs, preparing the Town Meeting warrant, making appointments, employing staff, signing warrants for payments, and granting licenses and permits”.
This complex job is done throughout the Commonwealth by unpaid, part time elected volunteers who serve staggered 3 year terms. The Swampscott Select Board is no different in structure. This year, 3 candidates have chosen to run for 2 open seats.
KATIE PHELAN, one of 2 incumbents, is seeking her second term as a Select Board member. I offer the list of the above-named responsibilities to remind voters of the seriousness of this job, especially at this juncture in our town’s governance.
As a resident and frequent Swampscott voter, I have regularly observed the Swampscott Select Board meetings in person and streamed live online.
Select Board member Phelan’s many competencies match the above-named demands of the job. Mrs. Phelan has provided a level-headed approach to past and current problems facing Swampscott. She is consistent in her demeanor toward those who come before the Select Board as well as demonstrating respect towards her colleagues during meetings.
In her first three years on the board, Mrs. Phelan’s learning curve has expanded and deepened on a variety of topics. Most notable is her significant, robust capacity to differentiate the substance of a discussion from “the noise” by working to find more helpful, cogent, and effective arguments surrounding an issue. She does not grandstand, filibuster, or engage in personal attacks.
With her training and experience as a lawyer, she offers crucial observations during discussions. She is effective at asking questions to get further clarity for herself and the committee prior to taking a committee vote. So much of any Select Board’s work involves understanding and application of the law (including working with Town Counsel), that having a lawyer as a Board member can be a valuable asset.
However, Select Board Member Phelan does not dominate with her legal expertise, rather she understands that each Select Board member brings distinct and complementary contributions to the board.
Some in opposition to her re-election have tried to make much of the composition of the current Select Board as having a “3 Women Majority”—a pejorative inference that they are not independent agents. The fact that gender is even raised is an insult to Mrs. Phelan and to the two other female Select Board members.
I haven’t agreed with all Mrs. Phelan’s choices, yet I have understood her own rationale in making them.
Town elections matter in both the short term and the long term. Mrs. Phelan is ready to honor your affirmative vote with honesty, hard work, and a desire to balance the needs of all the town’ residents.
Mary Hobbins DeChillo
Town Meeting Member (Precinct 4)
Swampscott
