Quote:
Originally Posted by upthesaukee
I can only speak for Alton, but at the Town Meetings before SB2 became our way of life  , non-residents were able to speak on an issue or issues that had an effect on them. Occasionly, someone would take advantage of that, but not very often.
Because of other commitments since we have gone to deliberative sessions, I have not been to one, but I would believe that you can also speak there as well.
If memory serves me correctly, you simply needed to register at the door and state which article(s) you wished to address.
Can you vote? No. Can you address your issues? yes. Will it make a difference? Don't know until you make the effort and try.  |
Non-residents have to get a motion to speak at a deliberative session - including just asking a simple question. It's not hard - just go up to the mic, state your name, state you're not a voter and would like permission to ask a question or make a statement. A member of the Board of Selectmen or School Board (depending on whether you're at a town deliberative session or school deliberative session), Budget Committee, or voting members in attendance will motion for you to speak. We've had this happen in the past when the press had questions about a particular warrant article.
Non-residents have a voice at zoning hearings, too, if they're an abutter that's been notified of a change to a property that their property may border, such as when they're a request for a zoning variance by the owner.
You do have to register with the Supervisors of the Checklist when you arrive at the Deliberative Session (whether it's town or school - doesn't matter).