South Shore News...letter: Plymouth and Hanover Select Board drama, and Region Grapples with Budget Pressures
Plymouth reorganizes the Select Board amid turmoil, while Hanover Select Board member refuses to resign: Here's what happened
A dramatic week across the South Shore saw significant municipal leadership changes, major infrastructure decisions, and ongoing budget pressures. Plymouth’s Select Board ousted its chair in a contentious 3-2 vote, while Hanover weathered a political firestorm over a member’s social media activity. Meanwhile, communities continue grappling with substantial infrastructure investments, from Rockland’s $26.1 million fire station approval to Norwell’s rejection of a $36-50 million regional water project.
The education sector remains under intense fiscal pressure, with Kingston projecting a potential $1 million override for FY2027 and multiple districts implementing strategic planning processes amid staffing cuts and operational challenges.
Municipal Leadership & Governance
Plymouth Select Board Removes Chair in Dramatic Reorganization
Original Story
David Golden replaced Kevin Canty as chair in a 3-2 vote after community concerns about board dysfunction. Golden cited “dozens of calls” from community leaders expressing concerns about agenda control and lack of collegiality.
Hanover Select Board Member Defies Resignation Calls Over Social Media Post
Original Story
Vanessa O’Connor refused to resign after sharing a Facebook post calling slain political activist Charlie Kirk “a racist, homophobic, transphobic, misogynistic, xenophobic hateful bigot.” Over 25 residents spoke during a 90-minute public comment period, with O’Connor categorically refusing to step down.
Hull Advances Light Plant Management Change to State Legislature
Original Story
In a 4-1 vote reversal, the Select Board directed Town Counsel to submit Article 37 as a home rule petition, potentially removing the town manager from municipal light plant oversight and restoring full authority to Light Board commissioners.
Pembroke Select Board Modifies Entertainment Hours Amid Noise Complaints
Original Story
Board voted 4-1 to reduce Somewhere Else Tavern’s outdoor entertainment hours from 6:30-9:30 p.m. to 6-9 p.m., with an October 8 public hearing scheduled to consider suspending the permit entirely.
Education & School Committees
Kingston Faces Potential $1 Million Override for FY2027 Budget
Original Story
Joint meeting of municipal boards revealed sobering financial forecasts, with projected $989,000 override need driven by lost state funding and rising education costs. School department alone faces $800,000 loss in shelter funds.
Weymouth Adopts New Lottery-Based CTE Admissions Process
Original Story
Career Technical Education programs will use weighted lottery system replacing grade-based selection, giving all qualified students equal chance at 190 seats despite receiving 295-300 applications annually.
Pembroke Advances Plan to Join South Shore Vocational Technical High School
Original Story
School Committee moving forward with three-part plan providing access to up to 84 vocational seats. Fall town meeting vote scheduled for October 21st, with estimated $450 annual tax impact for average homeowner.
Scituate Appoints Dr. Thomas Raab as Interim Superintendent
Original Story
Director of Business and Finance Dr. Thomas Raab unanimously appointed as interim superintendent following Bill Burkhead’s retirement and planned medical leave.
Duxbury School Committee Adopts Strategic Goals
Original Story
Committee established three comprehensive goals prioritizing budget transparency, strategic planning engagement, and operational improvements, including requirement for four public budget forums.
Kingston School Committee Approves Teacher Contract Amendment
Original Story
Unanimous approval of memorandum of agreement with teachers’ union, while addressing safety concerns about inadequate staff identification protocols and dangerous bus stop conditions.
Norwell School Committee Approves New CTE Policy
Original Story
First reading approval of Policy LBA establishing formal communication protocols with South Shore Vocational Technical High School for eighth-grade students, mandated by new state regulations.
East Bridgewater School Committee Approves Pay Increases for Substitute Teachers
Original Story
Daily substitute rates increased from $90 to $125, building-based rates from $125 to $175, effective immediately to address widespread staffing shortages.
Infrastructure & Municipal Projects
Rockland Fire Station Passes With 55% Support in Special Election
Original Story
Over 2,100 voters approved both $2 million fire truck purchase and $26.1 million fire station construction by decisive 55-45 margins. Tax increases begin FY2026.
Duxbury Select Board Continues Powder Point Bridge Project
Original Story
Board voted unanimously to hire consultant for MassDOT collaboration on $170 million bridge replacement while declining to appeal federal non-historic designation. Community forums scheduled for October and November.
Cohasset Plans $1.9 Million for School Roof Project
Original Story
Board authorized moving forward with $5.8 million elementary school roof replacement (town share $1.9 million after state reimbursement). Also approved licenses for new gourmet grocery store Three Sisters Provisions.
Norwell Rejects $36-50 Million MWRA Water Connection
Original Story
Water commissioners presented analysis showing connection costs between $36-50 million for participation in multi-community MWRA study. Board unanimously voted against pursuing regional connection.
Budget & Finance
Pembroke Approves $48.9 Million Bond and Borrowing Package
Original Story
Board unanimously approved $40.8 million in bonds for public safety building and municipal projects, plus $8.38 million in short-term borrowing for infrastructure improvements. Town received double-A stable credit rating.
Plymouth County Secures $76,450 Settlement with Verizon
Original Story
Comprehensive three-part agreement includes immediate $76,450 termination fee, ongoing monthly rent payments, 15-year Hanson tower lease extension, and county ownership of Plymouth telecommunications tower.
Housing & Development
Hanson Officials Discuss MBTA Housing Zone as Grant Losses Mount
Original Story
Informational forum addressed over $1.1 million in lost grant funding due to non-compliance with MBTA Communities Act. Proposed 50-acre zone could theoretically allow up to 750 housing units. October 6 town meeting vote scheduled.
Hingham Approves Letter Supporting Regional Electric Vehicle Microtransit Pilot
Original Story
Board unanimously supported grant application for innovative electric vehicle service connecting Hingham, Hull, and Cohasset. $1.25 million project could operate at no municipal cost through grants and user fees.
Public Safety & Health
Weymouth Council Debates Dogs on Beach Proposal
Original Story
Public hearing on ordinance amendment allowing leashed dogs on George Lane Beach and Wessagusset Beach during off-season. Health Director raised concerns about water contamination while residents advocated for access.
Compiled from South Shore News coverage, September 16-22, 2025. For daily updates and full meeting coverage, visit www.southshore.news