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In the coming months amendments to our Town Charter may arise. Should the Select Board propose, or support, any amendment to Sudbury Town Charter, our Constitution, an essential component of such an article must include a provision requiring the proposed amendment to be approved by a majority of voters at a town-wide ballot. Approval at a Town Meeting alone is not sufficient because it deprives many residents of having a voice in Sudbury’s governance. Also, ballot votes are broader based, ensuring no one is left out of the decision-making process, and all residents have an opportunity to be heard.
As we witnessed at the May 20 Special Town Meeting, disruptive behavior can make it difficult or impossible for speakers to deliver their remarks. Presenters, Town officials, and civic leaders were interrupted and shouted down. Debate was cut off prematurely, and the constitutional right of free speech was chilled by unruly residents in a brazen display of incivility. Law enforcement officers were called up to restore order.
The fairest and surest way to ensure all voters are heard is to provide each one with a ballot. Anything less creates an ‘uneven playing field’ and diminishes their rights.
The surrounding towns of Stow, Maynard and Hudson require ballot box approval of town charter amendments. Sudbury should, too. There is no good reason to deny that right to our residents.
The United States Constitution was drafted by the Constitutional Convention of 1787 which was composed of representatives from the states. Then, a ratification vote by a majority of the states was required. Over 200 years later amending the US Constitution still requires ratification by a majority of the states.
Our democratic traditions of self-governance through ballot box voting, has withstood the test of time. In the recent federal election we again learned that expressing our will through voting is fundamental to preserving our rights and freedoms. These days, it means giving all Sudbury residents access to the ballot box so they can have a say in any changes to the Town Charter. As Americans we treasure our voting rights and oppose forfeiting them for expediency or any illusory benefit.
Ratification of Town Charter changes by town residents is essential for legitimacy.
I ask you to join me in steadfastly requiring a town wide vote at the ballot box to change Sudbury’s Town Charter.