MassVoter.com← CantonMunicipal votes · 2019–2020 Board
Canton Select Board
How the Canton Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide. Michael C. Loughran joined the board after the April 2019 town election, filling the empty seat. Mark J. Porter stayed Chairman until May 28, 2019, when the board chose Christopher J. Connolly as Chairman, John J. Connolly as Vice Chairman and Thomas W. Theodore as Clerk. Covers 34 meetings, April 9 to June 3, 2020.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
What does the Select Board do? It is the town’s executive board. It prepares the Town Meeting warrant (the list of articles voters decide), appoints members of many town boards, hires the town’s top staff, signs warrants to pay town bills, and grants licenses and permits.
Town Meeting, not the Select Board, votes the town budget and town bylaws.
Sources: Massachusetts Select Board Handbook (MMA) · Mass. Division of Local Services: the town budgetBoard years
Coming up
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Members
Michael C. LoughranMember · Elected townwide · at 33 of 34 meetingsMark J. PorterMember · Elected townwide · at 32 of 34 meetingsThomas W. TheodoreClerk · Elected townwide · at 34 of 34 meetings"At X of Y meetings" counts the members the minutes list as present at the start of each meeting in this record. Members who step out are listed on each meeting page.
Meetings
About missing minutes
Loaded: Select Board minutes (called the Board of Selectmen until 2020) from January 9, 2018 through August 25, 2026, from the town’s Laserfiche records archive, which holds Select Board minutes back to 2002 (MassVoter has loaded 2018 on). The town has not posted open-session minutes for 62 meeting dates from 2021 to August 2026 that are listed in its Agenda Center (most of them from June to December 2021, February to December 2022 and February to September 2023, plus three in 2024, six in 2025 and two in 2026), or for any meeting after August 25, 2026. For 27 of those dates the town has posted only the executive-session minutes; we load those as the record of that meeting and say so. Joint meetings with other boards are included, but only the Select Board’s own votes. The minutes are scanned pages with a text layer; ten 2021 files had no text layer, so MassVoter read them with text recognition. Canton’s minutes give the mover, the seconder and the count for almost every vote (“Motion: Mr. J. McCourt Second: Ms. T. Boyden Vote: 5-0”), and split votes name the members who voted no, abstained or stepped aside in brackets (“Vote: 3-2 (Ms. Harrington and Ms. Boyden opposed)”). Remote meetings in 2020–2021 and executive-session votes use roll calls listing each member’s vote. When the count matches the members present, or every member answered in the affirmative, we show every member present as voting yes; when the minutes name the members who voted no or abstained and the count adds up, everyone else present as voting yes. Where the minutes give a split count without names, a roll call leaves out a member who was there or names one the attendance line does not show, or the count does not match the members present, we show the count only and add a note. Motions written down with no vote are shown with the result only. Two members named Connolly (John J. and Christopher J.) served together until 2023; where the minutes say only “Mr. Connolly” we do not guess which one. Members who stepped aside (recused), had not yet arrived or had left are left out of that vote. We will ask the town to confirm any noted vote.
Votes where members disagreed
Most board votes are unanimous. These are the ones where at least one member voted no or abstained, newest first.
May 26The Board, given the constraints imposed by proper protocols…Motion: the Board, given the constraints imposed by proper protocols to stop…Passed 5–0 · see note
May 26, 2020: The Board, given the constraints imposed by proper protocols to stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus, adopt the Greenlodge Street Parking Sticker Distribution program as outlined by the Finance...
The Board, given the constraints imposed by proper protocols to stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus, adopt the Greenlodge Street Parking Sticker Distribution program as outlined by the Finance Director, Selectmen Porter
The minutes give the count as 5-0, but the roll call reads: Michael C. Loughran yes, John J. Connolly yes, Christopher J. Connolly yes, Thomas W. Theodore yes. Showing the count only. Mark J. Porter stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Selectmen Theodore, that the Board, given the constraints imposed by proper protocols to stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus, adopt the Greenlodge Street Parking Sticker Distribution program as outlined by the Finance Director, Selectmen Porter seconded. Roll Call was taken, vote 5-0 Selectmen Loughran Affirmative Selectmen J. Connolly Affirmative Selectmen C. Connolly Affirmative Selectmen M. Porter Affirmative Selectmen T. Theodore Affirmative.” (Motion: Theodore, second: Porter)
Apr 28Has a level of interest in the planning process…Motion: the Board has a level of interest in the planning process…Passed 4–1 · No: John J. Connolly
April 28, 2020: Has a level of interest in the planning process for the MAPC's Regional Housing Services Office Project and is supportive of the Town Planner to work towards an agreement
The Board has a level of interest in the planning process for the MAPC's Regional Housing Services Office Project and is supportive of the Town Planner to work towards an agreement
Yes: Christopher J. Connolly, Loughran, Porter, TheodoreNo: John J. Connolly
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Selectmen Theodore, that the Board has a level of interest in the planning process for the MAPC's Regional Housing Services Office Project and is supportive of the Town Planner to work towards an agreement, seconded by Selectmen Porter. Roll Call was taken, vote 4-1, Selectmen Connolly opposed Selectmen Loughran Affirmative Selectmen J. Connolly Opposed Selectmen C. Connolly Affirmative Selectmen M. Porter Affirmative Selectmen T. Theodore Affirmative.” (Motion: Theodore, second: Porter)
Mar 31Approve a 4% increase for Blue Cross Blue Shield…Motion: the Board approve a 4% increase for Blue Cross Blue Shield…Passed 3–0 · Abstained: Christopher J. Connolly, Theodore
March 31, 2020: Approve a 4% increase for Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO Plan, an 8% increase for Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plan and a 2% increase for the Blue Cross Blue…
The Board approve a 4% increase for Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO Plan, an 8% increase for Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plan and a 2% increase for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Medex for FY 21 as recommended by the Human Resource Director and our Health Insurance Broker Cook and Company
Yes: John J. Connolly, Loughran, PorterAbstained: Christopher J. Connolly, Theodore
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Selectmen Theodore, that the Board approve a 4% increase for Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO Plan, an 8% increase for Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plan and a 2% increase for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Medex for FY 21 as recommended by the Human Resource Director and our Health Insurance Broker Cook and Company, seconded by Selectmen Porter. Roll Call was taken, vote 3-0-2 Selectmen J.Connolly Affirmative Selectmen M.Porter Affirmative Selectmen M.Loughran Affirmative Selectmen C.Connolly Abstain Selectmen T.Theodore Abstain.” (Motion: Theodore, second: Porter)
Mar 31Pursuant to Section 1 of Chapter 45 of the…Motion: Pursuant to Section 1 of Chapter 45 of the Acts of…Passed Unanimous, 3 present · see note
March 31, 2020: Pursuant to Section 1 of Chapter 45 of the Acts of 2020 and because of the state of emergency declared by the Governor pursuant to executive order 591, Declaration of…
Pursuant to Section 1 of Chapter 45 of the Acts of 2020 and because of the state of emergency declared by the Governor pursuant to executive order 591, Declaration of a State of Emergency to Respond to Covid-19, the Town Election scheduled for April 7th, 2020 is hereby postponed. The election will be rescheduled to June 16, 2020
Christopher J. Connolly stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote. Thomas W. Theodore stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Selectmen J. Connolly that Pursuant to Section 1 of Chapter 45 of the Acts of 2020 and because of the state of emergency declared by the Governor pursuant to executive order 591, Declaration of a State of Emergency to Respond to Covid-19, the Town Election scheduled for April 7th, 2020 is hereby postponed. The election will be rescheduled to June 16, 2020, seconded by Selectmen Porter. Resident Lisa Lopez asked for the specific plan for voting and how the voters will be educated with this change, she continued to ask about mail in ballots, mail in and early voting. Selectmen J. Connolly noted that the Board will support the Town Clerk, to which this falls under, they will do a reverse 911, update the website. Tracy Kenney, Town Clerk, noted that the ballots are printed with the April 7, 2020 date and that early voting will be offered. It must be requested by mail and allow can be submitted until election day of June 16, 2020. The early voting any voter may request by mail, submit, ballots returned in mail or in person. Roll Call was taken, vote 3-0-2 Selectmen M. Loughran Affirmative Selectmen J. Connolly Affirmative Selectmen C. Connolly Abstain Selectmen Theodore Abstain Selectmen M. Porter Affirmative.” (Motion: John J. Connolly, second: Porter)
Mar 23Reserve the authority to allow Town Counsel to file…Motion: to reserve the authority to allow Town Counsel to file law…Passed 3–0 · Abstained: Christopher J. Connolly, John J. Connolly
March 23, 2020: Reserve the authority to allow Town Counsel to file law suit on behalf of Town, if necessary, regarding moving the date of election
To reserve the authority to allow Town Counsel to file law suit on behalf of Town, if necessary, regarding moving the date of election
Yes: Loughran, Porter, TheodoreAbstained: Christopher J. Connolly, John J. Connolly
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Mr. Porter, to reserve the authority to allow Town Counsel to file law suit on behalf of Town, if necessary, regarding moving the date of election, seconded Mr. Loughran, vote: 3-0-2 Roll Call Vote Mr. M. Porter Affirmative Mr. M. Loughran Affirmative Mr. J. Connolly Abstain Mr. T. Theodore Affirmative Mr. C. Connolly Abstain.” (Motion: Porter, second: Loughran)
Mar 17Petition Representative Galvin to petition the State Legislature to…Motion: to petition Representative Galvin to petition the State Legislature to allow…Passed 2–0 · see note
March 17, 2020: Petition Representative Galvin to petition the State Legislature to allow the town to move the Town Election
To petition Representative Galvin to petition the State Legislature to allow the town to move the Town Election
The minutes give only the count (2-0-1), not how each member voted. 4 members were present.
From the minutes
“Motion was made to petition Representative Galvin to petition the State Legislature to allow the town to move the Town Election Motion: Mr. M. Porter Second: Mr. M. Loughran abstaining Motion was made to declare an Emergency. Motion: Mr. T. Theodore Second: Mr. M. Porter Vote: 2-0-1 Chairman.” (Motion: Porter, second: Loughran)
Feb 4Approve an application to obtain a (special) license to…Motion: to approve an application to obtain a (special) license to serve…Passed · see note
February 4, 2020: Approve an application to obtain a (special) license to serve alcoholic beverages at a one-day event at Trinity Episcopal Church, One Blue Hill River Road, to be held from July…
To approve an application to obtain a (special) license to serve alcoholic beverages at a one-day event at Trinity Episcopal Church, One Blue Hill River Road, to be held from July 24, 2020 at 5:00 PM to July 25, 2020 at 12:30 am contingent upon Building Commissioner and Fire Chief approval
The minutes record this motion but no vote on it.
From the minutes
“Motion was made to approve an application to obtain a (special) license to serve alcoholic beverages at a one-day event at Trinity Episcopal Church, One Blue Hill River Road, to be held from July 24, 2020 at 5:00 PM to July 25, 2020 at 12:30 am contingent upon Building Commissioner and Fire Chief approval..”
Oct 29Approve the current Memorial Hall hours as permanent hoursMotion: the Board vote to approve the current Memorial Hall hours as…Passed 3–2 · No: John J. Connolly, Loughran
October 29, 2019: Approve the current Memorial Hall hours as permanent hours
The Board vote to approve the current Memorial Hall hours as permanent hours
Yes: Christopher J. Connolly, Porter, TheodoreNo: John J. Connolly, Loughran
From the minutes
“Motion was made that the Board vote to approve the current Memorial Hall hours as permanent hours. Motion: Mr. T. Theodore Second: Mr. M. Porter Vote: 3-2 Mr. J. Connolly and.” (Motion: Theodore, second: Porter)
Aug 27Extend the trial hours at Memorial Hall to November…Motion: to extend the trial hours at Memorial Hall to November 1,…Passed 4–1 · No: John J. Connolly
August 27, 2019: Extend the trial hours at Memorial Hall to November 1, 2019
To extend the trial hours at Memorial Hall to November 1, 2019
Yes: Christopher J. Connolly, Loughran, Porter, TheodoreNo: John J. Connolly
From the minutes
“Motion was made to extend the trial hours at Memorial Hall to November 1, 2019. Motion: Mr. T. Theodore Second: Mr. M. Porter Vote: 4-1 (Mr. J. Connolly opposed).” (Motion: Theodore, second: Porter)
Aug 27Approve the Personnel Board Compensation PolicyMotion: to approve the Personnel Board Compensation PolicyPassed 4–0 · Abstained: Loughran
August 27, 2019: Approve the Personnel Board Compensation Policy
To approve the Personnel Board Compensation Policy
Yes: Christopher J. Connolly, John J. Connolly, Porter, TheodoreAbstained: Loughran
From the minutes
“Motion was made to approve the Personnel Board Compensation Policy Motion: Mr. T. Theodore Second: Mr. M. Porter Vote: 4-0-1 (Mr. Loughran abstained).” (Motion: Theodore, second: Porter)
From the Canton Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Laserfiche records archive. We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: The Canton Citizen (Susan M. Harrington, John R. McCourt, Michael C. Loughran and Julie Beckham, from their candidacy announcements; Patricia M. Boyden cropped from a captioned photo of the board by Moira Sweetland, February 2026).
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