Long before the Massachusetts Constitution was written, the fight against arbitrary power established that no presiding officer could trample the voice of the people. When Charles I attempted to dismiss assemblies that challenged him, he crossed a line that cost him his crown. Now, I’m not suggesting an execution, nor am I suggesting we bring out the old stocks that may still be stored at the old DPW garage—but the fundamental lesson of parliamentary democracy remains absolute: the legislative assembly is supreme, and a presiding officer is a servant of the people, not a monarch.
Yet, as Fall Town Meeting approaches on Saturday, October 17, Plymouth faces a severe charter crisis. At last week’s preview meeting, our moderator bound the assembly from hearing critical local matters—specifically the Hedges Pond issue and my Citizen’s Petition Article 25 on airport transparency, backed by over 200 residents. Worse, the moderator indicated he will refuse to entertain a motion to overrule the chair.
Under our Town Charter and state law, Town Meeting is the supreme legislative body, and articles are vetted by the State Attorney General’s Office. Preemptively blocking them strips elected members of their oversight. If a moderator can unilaterally bar articles, Town Meeting becomes an echo chamber. Public comment will be available at the upcoming Select Board meeting and Committee of Precinct Chairs, and I plan on speaking unless this matter is resolved before then.
- Al DiNardo
DiNardo is a Town Meeting Member representing Precinct 17