How will a mayoral form of government be more accountable than our current board of selectmen/town meeting form of government?
Response: The Mayor is chosen by all voters in the general town election, and as such, is accountable to each and every citizen in the town. Since nearly all departments report directly to the Mayor*, the Mayor has authority to set priorities and introduce plans and programs that are in the best interest of all citizens of the town. Therefore, if plans are not implemented, and needed programs not established, it is the Mayor who can be held accountable by the citizens of the town. This notion of having a single person who is accountable to the citizens is a significant change from the existing form of government. Often times under our existing form of government in order for a decision to be made, a budget passed, etc., many boards and bodies, some of whom have conflicting goals and agendas, must be involved. This being the case, when a poor decision is made, or worse, no decision is made, there is not a single board or body that is accountable to the citizens of the town. Under the pr
