I support this proposal.

I only want to comment, for those new to town meeting form of government, that this is NOT a virtual, perpetual or continuation of Town Meeting in any legal sense. It is a discussion forum. Town Meeting has specific legal authority, powers and ramifications. This forum has none.

This discussion MAY or MAY NOT inform our discussion or decisions at Town Meeting or town board meetings. The Board of Selectman legally has authority to act on decisions made by the whole community at town meeting.

I am not trying to turn the topic of this discussion, but the words TOWN MEETING have been thrown around a lot in our society lately (presidential candidates and others). Given the relative importance of this DISCUSSION FORUM, let’s make the appropriate distinction.