MassVoter.com← CantonMunicipal votes · 2021–2022 Board
Canton Select Board
How the Canton Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide. Thomas W. Theodore returned to the board after the April 2021 town election; Mark J. Porter left. On April 13, 2021 the board chose Thomas W. Theodore as Clerk, and on May 25, 2021 it chose Michael C. Loughran as Chair and Lisa R. Lopez as Vice-Chair (John J. Connolly was Chair until then). The town has not posted minutes for June to September 2021 or February to September 2022. Covers 27 meetings, April 13 to March 29, 2022.
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
ChairMichael C. LoughranChair · Elected townwide · at 27 of 27 meetingsVice-ChairLisa R. LopezVice Chair · Elected townwide · at 27 of 27 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.
Mar 1Directing the Town Administrator to sign the Purchase and…Motion: directing the Town Administrator to sign the Purchase and Sale AgreementPassed 3–0 · see note
March 1, 2022 (Special meeting): Directing the Town Administrator to sign the Purchase and Sale Agreement
Directing the Town Administrator to sign the Purchase and Sale Agreement
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. T. Theodore, directing the Town Administrator to sign the Purchase and Sale Agreement, seconded by Ms. L. Lopez Roll call vote was taken Ms. L. Lopez Affirmative Mr. I Connolly Affirmative Mr. T. Theodore Affirmative Mr. M. Loughran Affirmative.” (Motion: Theodore, second: Lopez)
Feb 15Do adopt a uniqueness determination drafted by Town Counsel…Motion: the Board do adopt a uniqueness determination drafted by Town Counsel…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note
February 15, 2022 (Special meeting): Do adopt a uniqueness determination drafted by Town Counsel pursuant to MGL c. 30B Section 16 (e) (2) relative to property located at 1860 Washington St., Canton, MA
The Board do adopt a uniqueness determination drafted by Town Counsel pursuant to MGL c. 30B Section 16 (e) (2) relative to property located at 1860 Washington St., Canton, MA
Michael C. Loughran stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Mr. T. Theodore, that the Board do adopt a uniqueness determination drafted by Town Counsel pursuant to MGL c. 30B Section 16 (e) (2) relative to property located at 1860 Washington St., Canton, MA., seconded by Mr. C. Connolly Roll call vote was taken Ms. L. Lopez Affirmative Mr. J. Connolly Affirmative Mr. C. Connolly Affirmative Mr. T. Theodore Affirmative Mr. M. Loughran Affirmative.” (Motion: Theodore, second: Christopher J. Connolly)
Dec 21Approve AFSCME Side Letter — Parks and Recreation, relative…Motion: the Board Approve AFSCME Side Letter — Parks and Recreation, relative…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Loughran
December 21, 2021: Approve AFSCME Side Letter — Parks and Recreation, relative to the loss of vacation time
The Board Approve AFSCME Side Letter — Parks and Recreation, relative to the loss of vacation time
Yes: Christopher J. Connolly, John J. Connolly, Lopez, TheodoreAbstained: Loughran
From the minutes
“Motion was made that the Board Approve AFSCME Side Letter — Parks and Recreation, relative to the loss of vacation time Motion: Mr. T. Theodore Second: Mr. C. Connolly Vote: 4-0-1 (Mr. Loughran abstain).” (Motion: Theodore, second: Christopher J. Connolly)
Sep 28Approve the Police Superior Officers Agreement as presentedMotion: to approve the Police Superior Officers Agreement as presentedPassed 4–0 · Abstained: Theodore
September 28, 2021 (Special meeting): Approve the Police Superior Officers Agreement as presented
To approve the Police Superior Officers Agreement as presented
Yes: Christopher J. Connolly, John J. Connolly, Lopez, LoughranAbstained: Theodore
From the minutes
“Motion was made to approve the Police Superior Officers Agreement as presented Roll call vote was taken Ms. Lopez Affirmative Mr. J. Connolly Affirmative Mr. C. Connolly Affirmative Mr. T. Theodore Abstain Mr.M. Loughran Affirmative.”
Aug 3Use up to $5000 from mitigation for legal expenses…Motion: to use up to $5000 from mitigation for legal expenses for…Passed 5–0 · see note
August 3, 2021 (Special meeting): Use up to $5000 from mitigation for legal expenses for the purchase of property
To use up to $5000 from mitigation for legal expenses for the purchase of property
The roll call lists Christopher J. Connolly, but the minutes show this member as not present. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Motion was made to use up to $5000 from mitigation for legal expenses for the purchase of property Roll call vote was taken Ms. Lopez Affirmative Mr. J. Connolly Affirmative Mr. C. Connolly Affirmative Mr. T. Theodore Affirmative Mr.M.Loughran — Affirmative.”
May 25Confirm Mr. M. Loughran as the Chair of the…Motion: to confirm Mr. M. Loughran as the Chair of the Select…Passed 5–0 · see note
May 25, 2021: Confirm Mr. M. Loughran as the Chair of the Select Board
To confirm Mr. M. Loughran as the Chair of the Select Board
The minutes give the count as 5-0, but the roll call reads: Lisa R. Lopez yes, John J. Connolly yes, Christopher J. Connolly yes, Thomas W. Theodore yes. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Mr. J. Connolly to confirm Mr. M. Loughran as the Chair of the Select Board, seconded by Mr. Chris Connolly Roll Call was taken, vote 5-0 Ms. L. Lopez Affirmative Mr.J. Connolly Affirmative Mr. C. Connolly Affirmative Mr. T. Theodore Affirmative.” (Motion: John J. Connolly, second: Christopher J. Connolly)
May 25End state of emergency in Town of Canton, related…Motion: to end state of emergency in Town of Canton, related to…Passed · see note
May 25, 2021: End state of emergency in Town of Canton, related to Covid in Canton, to end on June 15, 2021
To end state of emergency in Town of Canton, related to Covid in Canton, to end on June 15, 2021
The minutes record this motion but no vote on it.
From the minutes
“Motion made by Mr. Theodore, to end state of emergency in Town of Canton, related to Covid in Canton, to end on June 15, 2021, seconded by Mr. C. Connally,.” (Motion: Theodore, second: Christopher J. Connolly)
May 25Appoint the Summer Seasonal Workers for Parks and Recreation…Motion: the Board appoint the Summer Seasonal Workers for Parks and Recreation…Passed · see note
May 25, 2021: Appoint the Summer Seasonal Workers for Parks and Recreation as recommended by Human Resource Director
The Board appoint the Summer Seasonal Workers for Parks and Recreation as recommended by Human Resource Director
The minutes record this motion but no vote on it.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Mr. Theodore, that the Board appoint the Summer Seasonal Workers for Parks and Recreation as recommended by Human Resource Director,.” (Motion: Theodore, second: Christopher J. Connolly)
May 25Appoint: Jennifer Caplain as Member to the Diversity, Equity,…Motion: the Board appoint: Jennifer Caplain as Member to the Diversity, Equity,…Passed 5–0 · see note
May 25, 2021: Appoint: Jennifer Caplain as Member to the Diversity, Equity, inclusion Committee
The Board appoint: Jennifer Caplain as Member to the Diversity, Equity, inclusion Committee
The roll call lists a member twice. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Mr. Theodore, that the Board appoint: Jennifer Caplain as Member to the Diversity, Equity, inclusion Committee, seconded by Mr. C. Connolly, Roll Call was taken, vote 5-0 Ms. L. Lopez Affirmative Mr, J. Connolly Affirmative Mr.C. Connolly Affirmative Mr. T. Theodore Affirmative Mr. Loughran Affirmative Motion was made by Mr. Theodore, that the Board appoint: Joseph Veneto (Member at large} ; Michael Loughran (Select Board Rep Alternate); Robert Maddestra (Member at large Alternate); Jill B. Juran (Member at large alternate) as Members to the Traffic Committee, seconded by Mr. C. Connolly Ro]! Call was taken, vote 5-0 Ms. L. Lopez Affirmative Mr.J. Connolly Affirmative Mr.C. Connolly Affirmative Mr. T. Theodore Affirmative Mr. Loughran — Affirmative.” (Motion: Theodore, second: Christopher J. Connolly)
May 25Appoint: Joseph Veneto (Member at large} ; Michael Loughran…Motion: the Board appoint: Joseph Veneto (Member at large} ; Michael Loughran…Passed · see note
May 25, 2021: Appoint: Joseph Veneto (Member at large} ; Michael Loughran (Select Board Rep Alternate); Robert Maddestra (Member at large Alternate); Jill B. Juran (Member at large alternate) as Members to the...
The Board appoint: Joseph Veneto (Member at large} ; Michael Loughran (Select Board Rep Alternate); Robert Maddestra (Member at large Alternate); Jill B. Juran (Member at large alternate) as Members to the Traffic Committee
The minutes record this motion but no vote on it.
From the minutes
“Motion was made by Mr. Theodore, that the Board appoint: Joseph Veneto (Member at large} ; Michael Loughran (Select Board Rep Alternate); Robert Maddestra (Member at large Alternate); Jill B. Juran (Member at large alternate) as Members to the Traffic Committee, seconded by Mr. C. Connolly.” (Motion: Theodore, second: Christopher J. Connolly)
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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