LWVMA Study Committee

Home Rule Position 1966

HOME RULE STUDY COMMITTEE

Home rule

The Fiscal Policy Update Committee and several local Leagues proposed this re-study, which was then recommended by the State League Board and approved Convention 2009. The study was proposed to further examine the relationship between the State and municipalities. The League last studied Home Rule in 1966, with the goal being “an effective state government home rule for Massachusetts cities and towns in local matters.” In many cases that is not happening. Local interests are not acted on by the legislature in a timely fashion. The extent to which local governments must gain legislative approval for local changes in some cases is burdening, such as to change the cost of a parking ticket. Local government is at the lowest rung of the ladder, yet it is most responsible for the quality of life we enjoy in Massachusetts. Moreover, the goals the 1966 position supported such as “sharing of functions between all levels of government” and “cost sharing by all levels of government” may not be happening.

A good review of the constraints placed on cities and towns is a report called "Boston Bound", which can be found at:

http://www.tbf.org/uploadedFiles/Boston Bound_8.pdf

How A Study Committee Works:

The Committee will probably meet once per month over next two years, and may meet at the League office. At the beginning, the group will determine a timeline and gather information, with members researching different topics. The committee will eventually determine if position needs to be affirmed or changed based on findings submitted by committee members. Groups may design an informational panel for local Leagues and perhaps fall conference, will create consensus questions as well as information to present to local Leagues.

What will Study Committee members get out of it?

Members will have the chance to delve into a topic crucial to the quality of life in Massachusetts, become an expert, and perhaps initiate change. This is an exercise in honing your leadership skills. A good leader begins by understanding how to be a good committee member. You will have the opportunity to work with a committed volunteer group, develop written materials, present information. The group may volunteer to help at local consensus meetings. Please contact the state League office at 617.523.2999 or lwvma@lwvma.org to sign up!