Norwell Past Officials Call for Return to 3-Member Select Board
Highway Director Defends Elected Status
NORWELL - Dec 4, 2025 - In a candid public forum aimed at reviewing the town’s governance structure, former and current officials delivered a blunt message to the Government Study Commission: Bigger isn’t always better. Multiple speakers argued that the shift to a five-member Select Board has slowed decision-making and burdened staff, while the Highway Director warned that moving department heads from elected to appointed positions would require a costly administrative overhaul.
The Full Story
The Government Study Commission (GSC), tasked with reviewing Norwell’s charter and bylaws for potential updates in 2026, held its first public forum to gather resident feedback. The commission, chaired by Mary Beth Shea, is revisiting changes made in 2011 to determine if they delivered the intended results.
The Select Board: Three vs. Five The most spirited discussion centered on the size of the Select Board, which expanded from three to five members following the 2011 review. The intent was to allow for subcommittees and better representation, but testimony suggests the change has complicated operations.
Greg McBride, a former Select Board member who served on both three- and five-person boards, was unequivocal. “The three-person board was more effective in that we got to closure more quickly,” McBride said. He described the five-member format as “by definition, more chaotic,” noting that while more voices are heard, it often delays action.
Don Mauch, a former Selectman and current Capital Budget Committee member, supported this view with data. He cited Massachusetts Municipal Association surveys indicating that for towns with populations under 15,000, three-member executive boards operate more efficiently. Mauch noted that five-member boards meet an average of 35% to 50% longer and require significantly more staff time to manage.
“A five-person board is just, by definition, more chaotic. Everybody wishes to be heard... but it takes a long time.” — Greg McBride, Former Select Board Member
Glenn Ferguson, the elected Highway Director, highlighted the strain the larger board places on the Town Administrator. “It’s not fair to a town administrator to have to answer to every single idea and question of a five-person board,” Ferguson stated, observing that Administrator Darleen Sullivan’s workload has effectively doubled.
Elected vs. Appointed Officials The commission also probed whether key positions, such as the Highway Director and Town Clerk, should remain elected or become appointed.
Ferguson defended the elected model, arguing it ensures direct accountability to taxpayers. “I have direct accountability to the public... It’s a democratic way of doing business,” he said. He warned that switching to an appointed director isn’t just a “flick of the switch”.
According to Ferguson, an appointed director would likely lack the “vested interest” of a resident official and would require a support structure Norwell currently lacks, such as assistant superintendents. “You’re going to set him up for failure,” Ferguson cautioned, noting that an appointed official might struggle to fight for budget articles on the Town Meeting floor—a key part of the current job.
Water Independence The Board of Water Commissioners also turned out in force to defend their independent, elected status. Commissioner Fred St. Ours argued against merging the Water Department into a consolidated Department of Public Works (DPW). “We need to be able to just focus on our own problems and not have to worry about competing with people trying to take part of our budget,” St. Ours explained.
Commissioner Peter Dillon described the success of the current system, noting that while neighboring towns like Hingham faced infrastructure failures due to privatization or lack of focus, Norwell has proactively secured grants for PFAS treatment plants.
Why It Matters
This review could fundamentally reshape Norwell’s government in 2026.
Efficiency vs. Representation: A return to a three-member Select Board could streamline decision-making but reduce the diversity of voices at the top.
Cost of Government: Moving from elected to appointed department heads (like Highway) might professionalize the roles but, as Ferguson warned, could necessitate hiring expensive middle-management support staff that the town currently does not pay for.
Infrastructure: The independence of the Water Department ensures water revenues are spent solely on water infrastructure, a critical distinction as the town faces aging pipes and PFAS remediation.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Discussions
Select Board Size: Consensus among speakers (McBride, Mauch, Ferguson) favored a return to a 3-member board for efficiency.
Elected Officials: Strong advocacy for keeping Highway and Water positions elected to maintain direct accountability and protect specific revenue streams.
Town Meeting: Discussion on electronic voting (”clickers”). Chair Shea warned this changes the nature of the vote from public to secret ballot. Town Administrator Sullivan noted it could speed up tabulation.
Public Comment
Greg McBride: Argued three-member boards get to closure faster.
Glenn Ferguson: Stated the current town structure lacks the hierarchy (assistant superintendents) to support an appointed Highway Director.
Fred St. Ours (Water Comm): Argued that a separate Water Board prevents water revenues from being siphoned off for other town needs.
Don Mauch: Highlighted potential conflicts of interest when Select Board members serve on other land-use boards.
What’s Next
Survey & Analysis: The GSC will continue meeting on Thursday mornings at 9:30 AM.
Advisory Board Input: The commission plans to interview the Advisory Board regarding changes to the budget process and appointing authority in the coming weeks.
Final Report: Recommendations will be presented at the May 2026 Annual Town Meeting.