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Holding Power Accountable: Why Your Voice Matters In Local Government
Accountability in local government, boards, and committees ensures transparency and prevents mismanagement. This vital guide explains why citizens must speak up and take action when concerns arise, even when facing deflection or personal attacks from officials who would rather blame the messenger. Learn practical ways to document concerns, build community alliances, and utilize your democratic power to compel integrity and competence, ensuring your community thrives under responsible leadership.
Millbury Planning Board Faces Attorney General Review Over Claims Of Silencing Public Debate
Millbury Planning Board and town faces major transparency crisis. Read the summary of the formal Open Meeting Law complaint appeal against the Millbury Planning Board Chair Bruce Devault for allegedly silencing public comment. Find out why residents are demanding an Attorney General review, mandatory board training, and new, fair public comment rules after the Board seemingly "rubber-stamped" its defense.
Planning Board Open Meeting Law Complaints Stack Up
Explore systemic transparency and accountability issues within the Millbury Planning Board. Discover how repeated violations of the Open Meeting Law—including silencing public voices, withholding public records, and limiting participation—have eroded public trust and democratic governance. Learn about specific incidents from August and September 2025, detailed in formal complaints, highlighting unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination, denial of access to critical documents, and a pattern of secrecy. Understand the requested remedies, from mandatory training to compliance monitoring, aimed at restoring fairness and openness in Millbury's local government. Essential reading for residents demanding transparency and accountability.
The Locked Doors Of Millbury: A Call For Transparency And Respect
Millbury residents are calling out locked doors, hidden records, and disrespect from local officials. Democracy depends on transparency, yet residents often face obstacles just to access public records or participate in meetings. Massachusetts laws like the Open Meeting Law and Public Records Law guarantee openness, but they are only the floor—not the ceiling. Millbury should strive to exceed the bare minimum by proactively sharing records, posting meeting materials, and treating residents with dignity. Public records aren’t just documents; they are tools for accountability, informed participation, and preserving community history. The choice is clear: continue with secrecy and legal disputes, or embrace openness, efficiency, and respect. By choosing transparency, Millbury can restore trust and set a higher standard for local government.
Millbury’s Closed Government In Plain Sight
Millbury residents are speaking out against a troubling pattern of closed government practices, including silenced public input, removed records, and evasive leadership. This in-depth report explores the growing demand for transparency, accountability, and meaningful public participation—and how the community is mobilizing for real change in the face of obstruction and poor governance.
Minimum Compliance, Maximum Distrust: The Cost Of Closed Government
Millbury residents challenge Town Manager Karyn E. Clark and Town Planner Conor McCormack’s statements on transparency, exposing how the town has the tools—but not the will—to provide timely public access to records before meetings.