Three articles on the March 26th Annual Town Meeting warrant would eliminate the required mailing of the Finance Committee Reports and Special Town Meeting printed summaries to all households in Westford. Articles 24, 25, and 26, which are on the warrant “to reduce printing and distribution costs,” would require only that the reports be published on the town website and summaries be made available at Town Hall, the library, and the Cameron Senior Center. This means all residents would no longer receive direct notification of upcoming Town Meetings.

The League of Women Voters of Westford urges you to vote no on all three articles.

It seems odd that we are asking people in these financially challenging times to vote against a proposal that will save the town money. But let’s put it in perspective. The proposed budget for the next fiscal year totals $92 million. The three proposed bylaw changes would save about $5,500, or 0.006%. That’s like saving 60 cents on a $10,000 annual household budget!

Balance that small cost savings against how essential it is to ensure that residents know when Town Meetings will be held and have easy access to the facts they need to become knowledgeable voters at the meetings. Town Meeting is the legislative branch of Westford’s government, and all voters should be encouraged, in all ways possible, to attend, participate, and vote at Town Meetings. We should not be instituting bylaw changes that will make it more difficult for residents to become informed and active participants in Town Meeting.

Please come to the March 26th Annual Town Meeting and join us in voting no on Articles 24, 25, and 26.

Chris Kandianis
President, League of Women Voters of Westford