- This event has passed.
Special Town Meeting – October 4 2025
Special Town Meeting — October 4, 2025
A Special Town Meeting has been scheduled by the Select Board for Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 1:00 PM in the ORR High School gymnasium.
The warrant for this meeting includes an article related to the previously approved Select Board expansion. While the May 12, 2025 Town Meeting vote on this matter remains in effect, the October 4 meeting has been called as a “non-binding referendum.”
We objected to this meeting being scheduled at all — the May 12, 2025 Town Meeting already decided the question of expanding our Select Board. That vote was the true referendum. What’s been scheduled for October 4 is, in reality, a taxpayer-funded stunt that will cost the town at least $3,500.
Despite the Select Board labeling it a “non-binding referendum,” this meeting will not change the outcome of the May vote. What it can become, however, is a clear statement about the importance of honoring the will of the people at Town Meeting. If residents show up and overwhelmingly reject this attempt to revisit settled business, we can send a strong message that our community respects the democratic process.
We’ve heard claims of over 280 petition signatures to call this meeting. But signatures aren’t the same as turnout — and it’s unlikely that all those signers will appear on October 4. Even so, we cannot take chances. Every person who supported the Select Board expansion in May, and those who couldn’t be there but agree with the decision, need to attend. Bring friends and neighbors. Encourage them to do the same. Filling the gym with voices that respect the May vote will make the difference.
For us, this isn’t a game. The expansion of our Select Board was the product of months of careful research, drafting, and community education that began back in January. It was taken seriously, and it deserves to be respected.
Opponents may see October 4 as a political exercise. We see it as an opportunity to affirm good governance and to show that Mattapoisett stands by decisions made in open, democratic Town Meetings.
Thank you to everyone who has already reached out with support. It means the world. Together, we can ensure the will of the people is upheld.