Possible Change in Town Government for Seekonk

The Board of Selectmen has been asked to consider placing a non-binding advisory question on the April election ballot. Voters would have the opportunity to show support for a different type of town government.

“I personally believe we have outlived our form of government and would be better served by an elected town council with either an elected Town Manager, Administrator, or Mayor,” said Gary Sagar, a former selectman.

If that were to happen, the Board of Selectmen and town meetings would be eliminated.

The ballot options would include electing a Town Manager and Town Council or a Mayor and Town Council or keeping the current format of Town Administrator, Board of Selectmen, and town meetings.

A newly formed Charter Commission would then recommend whether or not the town’s form of government can be changed.

“I only see benefits, I don’t see any drawbacks,” Selectman Adam Petronio said Wednesday. “Gauging public opinion is a useful tool.”