The School Committee race in the May 16 annual town election is once again crowded this year. Five candidates are running in races for two seats. School Committee member Christine Bryant is running for re-election to a three-year term. She faces Lucca Betti, Michael Condry, Justin Fosdick, and Megan Parker. Voters can choose two candidates. […]
Author Archives: Fred Thys - Independent Staff
Posted inGovernment
Four candidates for two open seats on Select Board
Signs have appeared saying “Can Canty”, referring to Select Board member Kevin Canty, who is running for reelection. Meanwhile candidate Scott Vecchi has targeted rival Betty Cavacco, using an AI-generated image depicting her in a prison suit behind bars, with the label “Betty the Crook.” Four people are competing for two seats in the May […]
Posted inGovernment
Cavacco’s previous tenure at times tumultuous
In this year’s contentious race for the Select Board, Betty Cavacco is trying to reclaim a spot atop town government by touting her experience, her efforts to save taxpayers money, and a return to what she describes as a more collegial relationship on the five-member board. She and her supporters tick off a list of […]
Posted inGovernment
The Philharmonic given 3-year deal at Memorial Hall
The Plymouth Philharmonic is now the official artist in residence at Memorial Hall by a unanimous vote of the Select Board on Tuesday. The Philharmonic asked for the partnership to reduce its costs of operating at Memorial Hall, which have nearly tripled since 2018. “What really threw us in the last year was a huge […]
Posted inPolice & Fire
Afghan teenager ordered released on bond
An Afghan teenager whose detention by federal immigration agents became a national story was ordered released Monday on $1,500 bond from the Plymouth County Correctional Facility. “Rihan is coming home, and that is a win,” said Shawn VanDiver, president of Afghan Evac, a coalition of veterans, national security professionals, human rights advocates, and Afghans. “But […]
Posted inGovernment
Town meeting codifies ICE restrictions, rejects Town Square rehab
By a narrow margin, Town Meeting members on Saturday voted to codify in-town law restrictions on police cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The hour-long ICE discussion was the culmination marathon spring gathering of Plymouth’s legislative body lasting 9 hours. The debate over an ICE bylaw, expected to be the most contentious part of […]
Posted inGovernment
Town Meeting to decide contentious issues
Saturday’s Town Meeting will focus on fiscal restraint, local immigration policy, and the timing of the twice-yearly gathering of 162 residents who will decide each issue. The session is set to begin at 8 a.m. Saturday at Plymouth North High School. On the table are decisions to spend up to $100,000 on July 4 and […]
Posted inGovernment
Schools rehire private bus contractor until 2031
Plymouth Public Schools is signing up for another five years with First Student to provide yellow-bus transportation for students. The School Committee approved the contract by a unanimous 7-0 vote Monday. The contract begins in July and runs through fiscal year 2031. The $6 million a year the schools spend on yellow-bus transportation represents 9.3% […]
Posted inGovernment
Proposal to revamp Town Square unveiled
Ambitious efforts to return Town Square to some of its former pedestrian-friendly charm were unveiled at this week’s meeting of the Select Board. Among the proposed enhancements include nine new trees, cobblestone pavement, and native landscaping, according to town planners. “It is probably the most historical longitude and latitude in North America,” said Select Board […]
Posted inGovernment
Badger seeks second term as State Representative
State Representative Michelle Badger is running for reelection. “It has been a true honor and privilege to serve the residents of the 1st Plymouth District,” said Badger in a press release. “I am seeking re-election to continue delivering responsive leadership and focusing on the issues that directly impact Plymouth residents.” If she wins the Sept. […]