The Select Board serves as a town’s chief executive body. They have overall responsibility for the general operations of town government. They set policy and strategic direction for the town, coordinates the activities of other boards, and hears appeals and resolves problems that have not been settled at lower levels. They play an active role in the financial management of the town.

Boards of Health are responsible for promoting a healthy community. Boards of Health do this through disease prevention and control, as well as environmental protection.

Library trustees are powerful advocates for libraries! In general, the Library Board of Trustees has a role in: determining the mission and goals of the library, setting the policy that governs the library, hiring and evaluating a library director, promoting and advocating for the library in the community and overseeing the general management of the library, including the budget process. Library trustees are committed to providing the best possible library service for the community. They are collaborative, effective communicators, and have an abiding interest in the library and the community.

The Planning Board is responsible for protecting the health and safety of residents while balancing the rights of property owners through the consideration of project submittals, public testimony, and city department comments in conjunction with Zoning laws. Members of the Planning Board are responsible for how their community grows and develops. They develop and oversee their town’s Master Plan and ensure that changes to land use are aligned with the community’s vision and goals. Responsibilities include reviewing site plans, visiting sites, subdivisions, zoning, and permitting. Strong Planning Boards require a range of diverse perspectives and skill sets, including backgrounds in architecture, engineering, construction, law, and public health.

Visionary School Committee members understand and advocate for education as the foundation for community development. They work collaboratively with other elected officials and leaders to support to schools to develop students who are the “human capital” to build a robust community. The School Committee is responsible for setting policy, approving and monitoring their district’s budget, and hiring and supervising the superintendent. While candidates need not have special expertise in education, they should be prepared to be continuous learners to better understand the issues before them, and act in ways that set a positive example for our future leaders, the students, and for the school district teachers, staff, and administrators. Great School Committee members put children first, ask probing questions, and seek to inform decisions with data and the voices of students, their teachers, and families. They recognize that their purpose is to ensure that educational opportunities and achievement extends equitably to all students.

The Finance Committee member is a critical role responsible for overseeing the financial health and fiscal policies of the municipality. This positon involves reviewing budgets, evaluating financial plans, providing recommendations on fiscal matters, and ensuring the efficient use of public funds.

The Finance Committee member works collaboratively with other committee members, municipal officials and the public to promote transparency, accountability, and financial sustainability.

Tasks include: 1) analyzing and reviewing the annual budget proposals for various departments; 2) provide recommendations to the Finance Committee regarding budget allocations and adjustments; and 3) evaluating capital improvement plans and debt management strategies.