Category: Your View

Those advocating for Plymouth to switch to a mayor/council form of government argue that the 162-member Town Meeting format is unwieldy, slow, and inefficient.  On the surface, it is difficult to refute this argument, but Town Meeting can provide something important that is not readily available to a mayor/council – a careful, thorough examination of […]

When 162 minds come together to deliberate on the issues facing Plymouth, they bring 162 different perspectives. Some focus on the fine details, while others concentrate on the big picture. Each contributes valuable insight, helping to ensure that decisions are thoughtful, comprehensive, and inclusive. Longtime residents and newcomers serve side by side, alongside advocates for […]

Saturday is No Kings Day in Plymouth and in the entire country.  This day is focused on ensuring people vote in the November 3rd midterm election, but I would like to discuss the period between November 3rd and January 3rd when elected congressional members are scheduled to be seated. In a half-empty GOP convention, the […]

Plymouth Public Schools has an obligation to identify any child who is a resident of Plymouth who may have a disability which impacts their education. As part of our on-going child find procedures, you, any member of your staff or the child’s parents may refer the student for an evaluation. It is the responsibility of […]

On April 1, 2026, the Airport Commission filed suit against the Town Manager seeking a declaratory judgment that the Commission, and not the Town Manager, has authority over the care, custody and management of the airport by virtue of the Massachusetts Airport Act. On April 9, the Superior Court issued a preliminary injunction against the […]

I was very hopeful and excited to attend the inaugural Seafood Festival this past Saturday in downtown Plymouth. I like to support events that bring good food, fun and a boost to local tourism. However, the Festival was a total waste of time and a lot of money. Having worked on organizational gatherings for much […]

At a time when debates over constitutional rights dominate national headlines, Plymouth faces a fundamental democratic challenge right here at home: protecting local legislative authority. ​Under Section 3-2-1 of the Plymouth Town Charter, explicit authority over the town’s legislative process is vested directly in Town Meeting. The Charter makes it unequivocally clear that Town Meeting […]

There’s nothing like it. It’s free, but you paid for it. It’s moving, aggravating, often frustrating and never fully satisfying – but worth the effort. It’s the best of its kind, and nearly the oldest. You can prepare for weeks and fail to impress. You can just show up and still make a difference. It’s […]

(Below is a copy of an email I sent this morning to the Plymouth Select Board Chair and members.) Madam Chair and Select Board Members, This proposed MGL 40B Comprehensive Permit For Affordable Housing Project, to be known as Darby Farms containing 392 Housing Units, is being discussed by your Select Board with the developer […]

Hello. Please allow me to begin by telling you I am a big supporter of The Plymouth Independent. Your news site is one of my 4 home pages on Firefox. I gladly support your work. I begin every day by reading The Independent. I should also tell you that we relocated from Pennsylvania to Plymouth […]