SOUTHWICK – Southwick town governance got an update at the Annual Town Meeting when its name was changed from the Board of Selectmen to the Select Board at the Annual Town Meeting.
Hands were raised for a vote count for the name change, which succeeded 74 to 56. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Resident Ruth Preston, who is the administrative assistant for the Planning Board, put the question to voters last year, but the article failed. This year, Preston asked to have the question placed on the election ballot. The Board chose to include it in the Annual Town Meeting instead.
One of the concerns about the measure was the cost of changing the name and what documents would need to be changed.
At the meeting, Preston said that 45 towns have changed from Selectmen to Select Boards. She said she spoke to towns that have made the change, and they reported no expense and no problems. One of the reasons she said is that towns rely less on printed materials, and can make a lot of changes online. She said printed materials that do have the former name can be used as is until they’re used up.
Preston said many other public offices have undergone name changes. Firemen are now firefighters, policemen, police officers, and mailmen, mail carriers.
A question was asked as to what individual select people would be called after a name change.
“Members of the Select Board,” Preston replied.
“We’re going to leave it up to the voters,” said Russell S. Fox, vice-chair of the Selectmen. “Selectmen, Select Board – we’ve been called a lot worse than that.” Fox said according to his review, there are 296 Boards of Selectmen, and 18 operating as Select Boards.
“I would be proud if Southwick changed that. Why not be a leader rather than a follower,” said another resident from the floor.
A majority vote was needed to pass the Article. After an audible vote was inconclusive, a vote count was taken from the floor with hands raised. The name change passed 74 to 56.
After the meeting, Preston said she has been pushing for the name change for three years.
“It’s been a long battle,” she said with a smile.
