Town Moderator

Welcome to the Town Moderator section of the Hanover website. I’m Doug Thomson, your Town Moderator.

Click here to download the Town Meeting handout entitled "Welcome to Hanover Town Meeting" which provides important background information about Town Meeting (Annual and Special).  I encourage all residents of Hanover to read the information posted here and to participate fully in local government, an important part of which consists of Town Meetings and Elections.

The Town Moderator is most recognized for the role of running the Annual and Special Town Meetings. While this is a key function, the most important role is in the promotion of participation in government through the many permanent and temporary committees that are appointed by the Town Moderator. Currently, these committees include:

• Advisory Committee – This committee studies all town meeting articles and provides recommendations to the town on each article at all annual and special town meetings. It is a nine member committee with members appointed for three year terms.

• Capital Improvement Committee – This committee develops, studies and maintains the long term plan for all capital expenditures of the town. It is a five member committee with members appointed for three year terms.

• Community Preservation Committee – This committee develops and evaluates proposals for the expenditure of town funds from the Community Preservation Act tax surcharge and presents recommended expenditures to town meeting for vote. It is a nine member committee. Members are appointed for three year terms.

• Open Space Committee – This committee is responsible for the protection and enhancement of open space. It is a seven member committee. Members are appointed for three year terms.

• Parks and Recreation Committee – This committee develops and manages recreation facilities and programs. It is a seven member committee. Members are appointed for three year terms.

• Bylaw Review Committee – This committee reviews the bylaws of the town and makes recommendations to town meeting to add, delete or change the bylaws. It is a five member committee with members appointed for three year terms.

• School Building Needs Committee – This temporary committee is studying the need for new or rehabilitated school buildings. It is currently funded to retain design plans for the Hanover High School and Center Elementary School. It is a seven member committee.

• Senior Center Building Committee – This temporary committee is studying the need for a new Senior Center. It is currently funded to retain design plans for a new building to be located on Center Street. It is a five member committee.

• Fire Station Building Committee – This temporary committee is studying the need for new or rehabilitated fire stations. It is a five member committee

• Sign Bylaw Study Committee – This temporary committee is tasked with studying the town’s sign bylaw and making recommendations on changes.  It is a five member committee.
   

I encourage you to look through the list and think about where your interests are best matched. If you are unsure if you have the time to volunteer for a committee, many of them certainly need helpers who can come to their meetings on an informal basis and assist with the work. Please don’t hesitate to fill in a contact note below. I’d be happy to answer questions and help you find the best place to volunteer.

Thanks so much for your interest in helping out in Hanover.
 

Send an Email to the Moderator (moderator@hanover-ma.gov)

Please use the form below to send your interests, comments, or questions to the Town Moderator.  When you are finished click send.  Thank you!