In This Election, We Need New People To Stand Up And Volunteer

Charlestown is a gem. We cherish our high quality of life and value our low tax rate. But, will future generations experience what we have known?

The answer can definitely be “Yes!” if people who are passionate about our beautiful, natural character volunteer to guide our town into the future by either running for elected office or helping to elect those individuals who share these values.

Below are just a few of the ways that the jewel that is Charlestown was made to shine:

• Our diverse coastal and inland natural resources, including rivers, ponds, wetlands, forests, star-filled skies, prized beaches, and parks, were stewarded well and have provided some of the best recreational opportunities on the East Coast.
• Low-density residential development and conserving land were prioritized and have protected our drinking water resources from contamination, sustained our natural resources, and kept our community healthy and beautiful.
• Our Zoning Ordinance has protected our small independent businesses and our town’s character by discouraging both small-box stores like Dollar General and big-box stores like Walmart.
• Our tax rates were reduced through wise financial management to become the third lowest in the state for both residents and businesses, and Charlestown’s financial savings were built to a level that positioned the town well to withstand emergencies and to protect our taxpayers from needing to cover large, unanticipated expenditures.
• Our community was brought together to defend our values and defeat threats coming from outside our town.

This year Charlestown voters will elect the individuals who will lead our town into the future, and it matters who is elected to town government. Much of what has been created and protected is at risk if people who cherish Charlestown’s beautiful, natural character do not stand up and volunteer to guide our town.

Needed are individuals who understand that protecting our environment and preserving our natural resources are critical to maintaining our quality of life and our low tax rate. Needed are individuals who will act in the best interest of all the citizens of the town.

Please consider serving your community. The following positions will be on the ballot in November.

• Town Council—The Town Council sets policy for the town and administers, through its Town Administrator, town government. Terms are two years, and there are five positions to be filled.
• Planning Commission—The Planning Commission is charged with shaping the landscape and character of the town through coordinating long-range plans, growth management, and environmental preservation. There are two regular positions (six-year terms) and two alternate positions (two-year terms) on the ballot.
• District School Committee—Charlestown belongs to a regional school district comprised of Charlestown, Richmond, and Hopkington (CHARIHO), and the schools are run by the District School Committee. Each town has four representatives on the Committee, and there is one Charlestown position to be filled (four-year term).
• Town Moderator—The Moderator runs the financial town meeting. Term is two years.

CCA makes it easy to run for office and supports candidates throughout the campaign. You do not need to be a politician. You need only share a dedication to civil and open government and a passion for preserving and protecting those assets that make Charlestown such a unique and treasured place to live. In consultation with you, we will prepare and mail important information to voters and canvas on your behalf. We will help with all the required paperwork, and we do the fundraising and make sure candidates we endorse are following all campaign laws.

Candidates must declare for local office in June. Please email us at mail@charlestowncitizens.org if you would consider running, know someone who would be a good candidate, or would like to work to support those who do run for public office.