Hanover Selectmen Vote to Change Unofficial Title to Select Board

by | Jul 21, 2021 | News

Hanover Town Hall

Hanover resident Corrine Crissinger, who will be attending South Shore Vocational Technical School, met with the Board of Selectmen to discuss the board’s title.

Crissinger said the Massachusetts Select Board Association has changed its name over the past year. Plymouth and Scituate are among 60 towns that have changed to gender-neutral titles.

“This year in school, I’ve been learning about civics, and I found some very interesting concepts,” said Crissinger. “The most puzzling one to me is the name of the Board of Selectmen and how it does not equal an inclusive name. I suspect a lot of you have the same concerns for you who are on this board, because there are not only men who have been elected to these positions.”

The board quickly reached a consensus to change its unofficial title, and voted unanimously to change it to the Hanover Select Board.

“I’d like to thank Corrine for coming in and speaking with us tonight. It was really great speaking with her class a few weeks ago,” said board member Vanessa O’Connor. “My view would be that we move forward with the process before we make the change.”

Town Meeting approval is needed for the change to Select Board to be official. Hanover Town Manager Joe Colangelo said the measure would need to be voted at the ballot box as well.

The board is moving forward with that process.

“It’s a topic that has been long overdue for discussion,” board member Rhonda Nyman said to Crissinger. “Because of your efforts, that’s why we’re here tonight having this discussion.”

Board member John Tuzik made the motion for the unofficial renaming of the board.

“It seems like we’re in a very unique position this evening, where unlike most things in municipal government, we can actually get something done rather rapidly,” said Tuzik.

Crissinger said movements towards equality and inclusivity are taking place around the country. 

“The more diverse our board is, the more likely it is to understand certain problems that your constituents are faced with,” said Crissinger. “Changing our name will also encourage more people to become more active within our great town, making it a better place for generations to come.” 

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