Observer Corps
The League of Women Voters has been an active champion of openness in government throughout its history. The organization’s principles include the requisite that “government bodies protect the citizen’s right to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings and making public records accessible.”
Observer Corps programs are only one way for Leagues to ensure that “sunshine” or government transparency regulations are followed in their communities.
The LWV of the Plymouth Area has actively engaged its members in observer corps for decades. We currently have the following members who will be attending and reporting on:
Committee/Board |
Observers |
|---|---|
| Affordable Housing Trust | Phoebe Flynn |
| Charter Review Committee | Lyle Lawrence |
| Community Preservation Committee (CPC) | Susan Ferrari-Dwyer and Ginny Davis |
| Plymouth County Executive Committee | Pat Adelmann |
| School Committee | Kate Brown |
Archived: Charter Commission Observer Corps. Reports are available on the are on our Charter Commission Notes and Resources Page.
Affordable Housing Trust Observer Corps
The Affordable Housing Trust assists in identifying housing needs and housing opportunities for all income levels, while at the same time preserving our Town’s character and resources.
LWV member Phoebe Flynn has been attending meetings beginning September, 2023. More information is available on our advocacy webpage on Affordable Housing.
Reports:
Charter Review Committee Observer Corps
The Charter Review Committee, Per Ch. 7 Sec 6 of the Town Charter, is reviewing the Charter and will make a report, with recommendations, to the Town Meeting concerning any proposed amendments which the Committee may determine to be necessary or desirable.
LWV member Lyle Lawrence has been attending meetings beginning August, 2023.
Reports:
Community Preservation Committee (CPC) Observer Corps
The Plymouth CPC is responsible for proposing allocation of the Community Preservation Fund to support affordable housing, historic preservation, and land conservation projects. The League’s position on the Community Preservation Act (CPA) which enabled this committee is available here. Our position is in support of the CPA.
LWV member Ginny Davis attended meetings from December 22, 2022 through March 2024. Susan Dwyer has been observer since May, 2023.
The reports below include articles for discussion prior to Town Meeting in 2023.
Reports:
- December 22, 2022 through January 12, 2023. (This includes additional background about the CPC and the Articles under discussion for Spring Town Meeting.
- January 26 through Februrary 2, 2023.
- February 9, 2023. (Minutes)
- February 23, 2023
- March 9, 2023
- March 14 (Open comment session at Select Board Meeting)
- April 13, 2023
- May 11, 2023
- May 25, 2023
- June 8, 2023
- June 20, 2023 (Select Board Meeting Appointment of CPC Member)
- June 29, 2023 (Open Meeting to Discuss the CPC Application Process)
- July 13, 2023
- July 18, 2023
- July 27, 2023
- August 3, 2023
- August 24, 2023
- September 21, 2023
- November 9, 2023
- November 30, 2023
- December 7, 2023
- January 11, 2024
- January 25, 2024
- February 15, 2024
- March 28, 2024
- April 25, 2024
- June 13, 2024
School Committee Observer Corps
The primary responsibilities of the School Committee are to oversee the annual school budget; develop school system policies; hire and review the performance of the Superintendent of Schools; and advocate for the school system with citizens and Town Government.
LWV member Donna Eddy attended meetings from October, 2023 through January, 2024.
Reports: