|
There will be many
ways to describe the year 2002 in the history of Walpole.
To begin, the politics of representation is changing dramatically
in sundry ways.
1. Last year, the town was divided up into 7 precincts for the
purpose of representation. Locally, the town charter provides for
150 town meeting members. These individuals are elected at the
annual town meeting and represent a particular precinct.
As a result of the census taken in the year 2000, the town has
reapportioned the town such that there will now be 8 precincts.
Thus, in the spring annual election, voters will elect the entire
set of town meeting members – now covering the new precincts.
2. With the new precinct alignment, the Massachusetts legislature
also redefined representation at the state level. Last year, Scott
Brown represented precincts 1-6 and John Rogers represented
precinct 7.
This year, the alignment is vastly different. We in Walpole now
have four state representatives.
The new lineup is as follows:
John Rogers will have precincts 1,2, 6, and 7 – basically the area
referred to as North Walpole and East Walpole.
Louis Kafka, of Sharon, will have precincts 3 and 4 – the downtown
area and South Walpole.
Scott Brown will now have just precinct 5 – that section of town
from the train station out to Medfield.
Finally, Maryanne Lewis, of Dedham, will have precinct 8 – the new
area between precinct 1 and 7.
What might this mean?
Some say that this means more power to the town with four state
representatives arguing the case for Walpole.
Others suggest that each of the four representatives will pay more
attention to their hometown than they will to one section of
Walpole.
Time will tell about this wrinkle.
And, it will be this way until the next census scheduled for 2010.
Feel
free to add your comments to WALPOLEWORDS
top |
