Everything You Always Wanted to Know About . . .
Vermont Town Meeting
Central Vermont Adult Basic Education ran two informational workshops focusing on Vermont Town Meetings. One session was offered to parents involved in the Lamoille County Even Start Program. Another session, open to anyone in the community, was offered at the CVABE Learning Center in Morrisville. At that session J. B. McKinley, editor of the News and Citizen, came to lend his knowledge and experience. J. B. offered a unique perspective on the format and formalities of the Morristown Town Meeting, not only from a news-gathering view, but also as an elected official currently serving as a Library Trustee and Grand Juror.
The community members who attended the workshops had never been to a town meeting and had lots of questions. Could anyone attend or only residents who are registered voters? Who runs the town meeting? Can new motions be made from the floor?
All the participants left with a clearer understanding of what to expect at town meeting, and a desire to attend their first town meetings on March 3. One student even envisioned his own name on the ballot at a future town meeting. We thank J. B. McKinley for volunteering his time and expertise, and helping to make this workshop a rich, comfortable and informative experience for all who attended. |
