MassVoter.com← CantonMunicipal votes · 2020–2021 Board
Canton Select Board
How the Canton Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide. Lisa R. Lopez joined the board after the June 2020 town election (held later than usual because of COVID-19); Thomas W. Theodore left. On June 23, 2020 the board chose John J. Connolly as Chair, Michael C. Loughran as Vice Chair and Mark J. Porter as Clerk. The Board of Selectmen became the Select Board in 2020. Covers 22 meetings, June 22 to March 30, 2021.
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
MassVoter can’t read Canton’s meeting calendar automatically yet. See upcoming meetings on the official site →
Members
Vice-ChairMichael C. LoughranVice Chair · Elected townwide · at 21 of 22 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.
Feb 16Approve: Common Victualler Application for Grand Slam Deli Pizza,…Motion: the Board Approve: Common Victualler Application for Grand Slam Deli Pizza,…Passed 5–0 · see note
February 16, 2021: Approve: Common Victualler Application for Grand Slam Deli Pizza, 355 Turnpike St #4, Canton
The Board Approve: Common Victualler Application for Grand Slam Deli Pizza, 355 Turnpike St #4, Canton
The minutes give the count as 5-0, but the roll call reads: Michael C. Loughran yes, Mark J. Porter yes, Christopher J. Connolly yes, John J. Connolly yes. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Mr. Porter, that the Board Approve: Common Victualler Application for Grand Slam Deli Pizza, 355 Turnpike St #4, Canton, seconded by Mr. C. Connolly Roll call vote, 5-0 Mr. M. Loughran Affirmative Mr. M. Porter Affirmative IVIs. L. Lopez Affirmative Mr. C. Connolly Affirmative Mr. J. Connolly Affirmative.” (Motion: Porter, second: Christopher J. Connolly)
Feb 2Approve no change to FY22 medical, dental & basic…Motion: the Board approve no change to FY22 medical, dental & basic…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Christopher J. Connolly
February 2, 2021: Approve no change to FY22 medical, dental & basic life insurance subject to negotiations with the Public Employee Committee
The Board approve no change to FY22 medical, dental & basic life insurance subject to negotiations with the Public Employee Committee
Yes: John J. Connolly, Lopez, Loughran, PorterAbstained: Christopher J. Connolly
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Mr. Porter, that the Board approve no change to FY22 medical, dental & basic life insurance subject to negotiations with the Public Employee Committee, seconded by Mr. Loughran Roll Call was taken, vote 4-0-1 Ms. L. Lopez Affirmative Mr. C. Connolly Abstain Mr. M. Porter Affirmative Mr. M. Loughran Affirmative Mr. J. Connolly Affirmative.” (Motion: Porter, second: Loughran)
Jan 19Appoint Brian Loughran as Grounds Maintenance Worker, Parks and…Motion: the Board appoint Brian Loughran as Grounds Maintenance Worker, Parks and…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Loughran
January 19, 2021: Appoint Brian Loughran as Grounds Maintenance Worker, Parks and Recreation
The Board appoint Brian Loughran as Grounds Maintenance Worker, Parks and Recreation
Yes: Christopher J. Connolly, John J. Connolly, Lopez, PorterAbstained: Loughran
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Mr. Porter that the Board appoint Brian Loughran as Grounds Maintenance Worker, Parks and Recreation, seconded by Mr. C. Connolly. Roll call vote 4-0-1 Mr. M. Porter Affirmative Mr. M. Loughran Abstain Mr. C. Connolly Affirmative Ms. L. Lopez Affirmative Mr. J. Connolly Affirmative.” (Motion: Porter, second: Christopher J. Connolly)
Jan 12The Clerk of the Select Board of the Town…Motion: the Clerk of the Select Board of the Town of Canton,…Passed · see note
January 12, 2021: The Clerk of the Select Board of the Town of Canton, Massachusetts, certify that at a meeting of the board held January 12, 2021, of which meeting all members of…
The Clerk of the Select Board of the Town of Canton, Massachusetts, certify that at a meeting of the board held January 12, 2021, of which meeting all members of the board were duly notified and at which a quorum was present, the following votes were unanimously passed, all of which appear upon the official record of the board in my custody
The minutes record this motion but no vote on it.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Mr. Porter, the Clerk of the Select Board of the Town of Canton, Massachusetts, certify that at a meeting of the board held January 12, 2021, of which meeting all members of the board were duly notified and at which a quorum was present, the following votes were unanimously passed, all of which appear upon the official record of the board in my custody:.” (Motion: Porter)
Dec 7Transition to having town offices open to employees only…Motion: the Board transition to having town offices open to employees only…Passed 5–0 · see note
December 7, 2020: Transition to having town offices open to employees only and that transactions, if they cannot be done via email, mail, web, or telephone, be done by appointment only, and that…
The Board transition to having town offices open to employees only and that transactions, if they cannot be done via email, mail, web, or telephone, be done by appointment only, and that further, the matter be placed on the Select Board's second January 2021 agenda to review with the date of the transition being determined by the Chair of the Board and the Town Administrator
The minutes give the count as 5-0, but the roll call reads: Lisa R. Lopez yes, Mark J. Porter yes, Michael C. Loughran yes, John J. Connolly yes. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Mr. Porter, that the Board transition to having town offices open to employees only and that transactions, if they cannot be done via email, mail, web, or telephone, be done by appointment only, and that further, the matter be placed on the Select Board's second January 2021 agenda to review with the date of the transition being determined by the Chair of the Board and the Town Administrator, seconded by Mr. C. Connolly. Roll Call was taken, vote 5-0 Ms. L. Lopez Affirmative Mr: C. Connolly Affirmative Mr. M. Porter Affirmative Mr. M. Loughran Affirmative Mr. J. Connolly Affirmative.” (Motion: Porter)
Nov 24Accept and Authorize: the use of the gift in…Motion: the Board Accept and Authorize: the use of the gift in…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Lopez
November 24, 2020: Accept and Authorize: the use of the gift in accordance with the terms there of under MGL Ch. 44 § 53A the following donations to the Council on Aging: Victor…
The Board Accept and Authorize: the use of the gift in accordance with the terms there of under MGL Ch. 44 § 53A the following donations to the Council on Aging: Victor Delvecchio and Alicia Lopez Family $1000.00; Virginia Berardi $50.00; Lucy Ronayne $50.00
Yes: Christopher J. Connolly, John J. Connolly, Loughran, PorterAbstained: Lopez
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Mr. Porter, that the Board Accept and Authorize: the use of the gift in accordance with the terms there of under MGL Ch. 44 § 53A the following donations to the Council on Aging: Victor Delvecchio and Alicia Lopez Family $1000.00; Virginia Berardi $50.00; Lucy Ronayne $50.00, ,seconded by Mr. C. Connolly. Roll Call was taken, vote 4-0-1 Ms. L. Lopez Abstain Mr. C. Connolly Affirmative Mr. M. Porter Affirmative Mr. M. Loughran Affirmative M r. J. Connolly Affirmative.” (Motion: Porter, second: Christopher J. Connolly)
Nov 10Approve the application for an All Alcohol Restaurant License…Motion: the Board approve the application for an All Alcohol Restaurant License…Passed 4–0 · see note
November 10, 2020: Approve the application for an All Alcohol Restaurant License for Topgolf USA Canton LLC dba Topgolf located at 777 Dedham Street, Canton, MA
The Board approve the application for an All Alcohol Restaurant License for Topgolf USA Canton LLC dba Topgolf located at 777 Dedham Street, Canton, MA
The roll call does not give a vote for John J. Connolly, who was at the meeting. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Mr. Porter that the Board approve the application for an All Alcohol Restaurant License for Topgolf USA Canton LLC dba Topgolf located at 777 Dedham Street, Canton, MA, seconded by Mr. C. Connolly Roll Call was taken, vote 4-0 Ms. L. Lopez Affirmative Mr. C. Connolly Affirmative Mr. M. Porter Affirmative Mr. M. Loughran Affirmative.” (Motion: Porter, second: Christopher J. Connolly)
Nov 10Approve the application for a Class II Wholesale Only…Motion: the Board approve the application for a Class II Wholesale Only…Passed 4–0 · see note
November 10, 2020: Approve the application for a Class II Wholesale Only Auto Dealer's License for Mass Car Mart, LLC, 499 Sherman Street, Canton, MA
The Board approve the application for a Class II Wholesale Only Auto Dealer's License for Mass Car Mart, LLC, 499 Sherman Street, Canton, MA
The roll call does not give a vote for John J. Connolly, who was at the meeting. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Mr. Porter that the Board approve the application for a Class II Wholesale Only Auto Dealer's License for Mass Car Mart, LLC, 499 Sherman Street, Canton, MA., seconded by Mr. C. Connolly Roll Call was taken, vote 4-0 Ms. L. Lopez Affirmative Mr. C. Connolly Affirmative Mr. M. Porter Affirmative Mr. M. Loughran Affirmative.” (Motion: Porter, second: Christopher J. Connolly)
Oct 6Support the recommendation of the Finance Director and the…Motion: to support the recommendation of the Finance Director and the School…Passed 4–0 · see note
October 6, 2020: Support the recommendation of the Finance Director and the School Committee
To support the recommendation of the Finance Director and the School Committee
The roll call does not give a vote for Christopher J. Connolly, who was at the meeting. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Mr. Porter, to support the recommendation of the Finance Director and the School Committee, seconded by Mr. Loughran. Roll Call was taken, vote 4-0 Ms. L. Lopez Affirmative Mr. M. Loughran Affirmative Mr. M. Porter Affirmative Mr. J. Connolly Affirmative.” (Motion: Porter, second: Loughran)
Oct 6Support the CCPC pre-application submission for Memorial Hall exterior…Motion: the Board support the CCPC pre-application submission for Memorial Hall exterior…Passed 4–0 · see note
October 6, 2020: Support the CCPC pre-application submission for Memorial Hall exterior repairs
The Board support the CCPC pre-application submission for Memorial Hall exterior repairs
The roll call does not give a vote for Christopher J. Connolly, who was at the meeting. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Mr. Porter that the Board support the CCPC pre-application submission for Memorial Hall exterior repairs, seconded by Mr. Loughran. Roll Call was taken, vote 4-0 Ms. L. Lopez Affirmative Mr. M. Loughran Affirmative Mr. M. Porter Affirmative Mr.1. Connolly Affirmative.” (Motion: Porter, second: Loughran)
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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