MassVoter.com← Carver Select Board
Carver Chair
Mark Townsend
Elected townwide · 9 terms in this record
Mark E. Townsend
A monthly email on how they voted, starting in November.
Board years
Record at a glance · 2019–2020 Board
How these numbers work
- Counted from the official minutes, for 2019–2020 Board only. Committee meetings and routine votes (adjourning, approving minutes) are not counted.
- Attendance counts the meetings where the minutes list Townsend as present or absent at the start.
- Only votes the minutes record member by member are counted. Voice votes and votes given only as a count (for example 6-3 with no names) are not.
- Percentages are shown only when there are at least 10 meetings or votes to count.
- A split vote is one where at least one member voted yes and another voted no. “In the minority” means on the side with fewer votes; ties are not counted.
- “Whole board” combines every member’s record for the same term.
These numbers describe the record; they are not a grade. A no vote, an abstention or a minority vote is neither good nor bad. MassVoter never rates officials.
In the news
No recent stories found that name Mark Townsend in the headline or opening.
Stories that name Mark Townsend in the headline or opening, newest first, from 25 free news outlets (see the list). Headlines appear as each outlet published them; MassVoter does not write, choose or rate them. Only stories that are free to read are listed.
Disclosure: MassVoter’s founder, Michael Silvia, is the publisher of Fall River Reporter and New Bedford Guide.
Attendance
At the start of 30 of 30 Select Board meetings in 2019–2020 Board.
Missed none.
Every meeting (30)
- Jun 2, 2020 · Regular: Present
- May 19, 2020 · Regular: Present (Mark Townsend recused from one or more items (see the notes on the votes).)
- May 8, 2020 · Regular: Present
- May 5, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Apr 16, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Apr 15, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Apr 10, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Apr 3, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Mar 24, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Mar 17, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Mar 13, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Mar 3, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Feb 25, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Feb 11, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Jan 21, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Jan 7, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Dec 17, 2019 · Regular: Present
- Dec 3, 2019 · Regular: Present
- Nov 19, 2019 · Regular: Present
- Nov 5, 2019 · Joint: Present
- Oct 15, 2019 · Regular: Present
- Sep 26, 2019 · Joint: Present
- Sep 17, 2019 · Regular: Present
- Sep 3, 2019 · Regular: Present
- Aug 6, 2019 · Regular: Present
- Jul 2, 2019 · Regular: Present (Mark Townsend left the table for part of the meeting (see the notes on the votes).)
- Jun 18, 2019 · Regular: Present (Mark Townsend recused from one or more items (see the notes on the votes).)
- Jun 4, 2019 · Regular: Present
- May 21, 2019 · Regular: Present
- May 7, 2019 · Regular: Present
Votes where members disagreed · 2019–2020 Board
May 19Appoint: Town Clerk, Paul Frongillo, Maureen Townsend and Jenn…Motion: appoint: Town Clerk, Paul Frongillo, Maureen Townsend and Jenn Toomey by…Passed Unanimous, 3 present · Townsend: Not recorded
May 19, 2020: Appoint: Town Clerk, Paul Frongillo, Maureen Townsend and Jenn Toomey by Belbin Second
Appoint: Town Clerk, Paul Frongillo, Maureen Townsend and Jenn Toomey by Belbin Second
Mark Townsend recused and did not take part in this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion to appoint: Town Clerk, Paul Frongillo, Maureen Townsend and Jenn Toomey by Belbin Second by Clarke Vote 3-0.” (Motion: Clarke)
May 8Hold Town Election on June 6, 2020, Second by…Motion: hold Town Election on June 6, 2020, Second by ClarkePassed 3–1 · Townsend: Not recorded
May 8, 2020: Hold Town Election on June 6, 2020, Second by Clarke
Hold Town Election on June 6, 2020, Second by Clarke
The minutes give only the count (3-1), not how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Motion by Belbin to hold Town Election on June 6, 2020, Second by Clarke Vote 3-1.” (Motion: Belbin)
May 5Approve the Interim Town Administrator ContractMotion: approve the Interim Town Administrator Contract. Dunham requested to have a…Passed 4–1 · Townsend: Yes
May 5, 2020: Approve the Interim Town Administrator Contract
Approve the Interim Town Administrator Contract. Dunham requested to have a roll call vote
Voted: Yes
Yes: Clarke, Dunham, Hewins, TownsendNo: Belbin
From the minutes
“Motion to approve the Interim Town Administrator Contract by Clarke, second by Hewins. Dunham requested to have a roll call vote. Roll Call: Affirmative: Hewins, Clarke, Dunham, Townsend Negative: Belbin Vote 4-1.” (Motion: Clarke, second: Hewins)
May 5Approve Article 5 part A 1Motion: approve Article 5 part A 1. Hewins withdrew her 2nd. Second…Passed 3–2 · Townsend: Not recorded
May 5, 2020: Approve Article 5 part A 1
Approve Article 5 part A 1. Hewins withdrew her 2nd. Second by Dunham
The minutes give only the count (3-2), not how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Motion by Clarke to approve Article 5 part A 1, second by Hewins. Hewins withdrew her 2nd. Second by Dunham. Vote 3-2.” (Motion: Clarke, second: Hewins)
May 5Authorize Town Counsel to respond to the Open Meeting…Motion: authorize Town Counsel to respond to the Open Meeting Law complaints…Passed 4–1 · Townsend: Not recorded
May 5, 2020: Authorize Town Counsel to respond to the Open Meeting Law complaints received by the Board on April 13 and April 17, 2020
Authorize Town Counsel to respond to the Open Meeting Law complaints received by the Board on April 13 and April 17, 2020. Belbin questioned why we needed Town Counsel to draft the response. Clarke feels that if we are subject to the Atty. General and the Open Meeting Law he would like to adequately defend it to avoid fines, etc. Townsend agrees that the Board acted appropriately but feels that Counsel should respond in the event of an appeal, Counsel's response would be on record. Second by Dunham
The minutes give only the count (4-1), not how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Motion by Clarke to authorize Town Counsel to respond to the Open Meeting Law complaints received by the Board on April 13 and April 17, 2020. Belbin questioned why we needed Town Counsel to draft the response. Clarke feels that if we are subject to the Atty. General and the Open Meeting Law he would like to adequately defend it to avoid fines, etc. Townsend agrees that the Board acted appropriately but feels that Counsel should respond in the event of an appeal, Counsel's response would be on record. Second by Dunham. Vote 4-1.” (Motion: Clarke)
Apr 16Approve contract by Dunham, SecondMotion: approve contract by Dunham, Second. Dunham asked for a roll call…Passed 4–1 · Townsend: Not recorded
April 16, 2020: Approve contract by Dunham, Second
Approve contract by Dunham, Second. Dunham asked for a roll call vote. Affirmative: Dunham, Hewins, Townsend & Clarke Negative: Belbin
The minutes give only the count (4-1), not how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to approve contract by Dunham, Second by Hewins. Dunham asked for a roll call vote. Affirmative: Dunham, Hewins, Townsend & Clarke Negative: Belbin Vote 4-1.” (Motion: Hewins)
Apr 15Approve contract offer to LaFond pending acceptance by LaFond…Motion: approve contract offer to LaFond pending acceptance by LaFond and review…Passed 4–1 · Townsend: Not recorded
April 15, 2020: Approve contract offer to LaFond pending acceptance by LaFond and review of legal counsel
Approve contract offer to LaFond pending acceptance by LaFond and review of legal counsel
The minutes give only the count (4-1), not how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to approve contract offer to LaFond pending acceptance by LaFond and review of legal counsel by Dunham, second by Hewins. Vote 4-1.” (Motion: Dunham, second: Hewins)
Apr 10Appoint Richard LaFond as Town AdministratorMotion: appoint Richard LaFond as Town Administrator. Belbin feels when LaFond left…Passed 4–1 · Townsend: Not recorded
April 10, 2020: Appoint Richard LaFond as Town Administrator
Appoint Richard LaFond as Town Administrator. Belbin feels when LaFond left that he didn't leave the Town in good shape and feels a better option would be to have a fresh set of eyes. Clarke stated that when LaFond left the town was still in a financial crisis from the 2008 recession, state aid funding to the school went down and the Board at the time has an effect on the Town Administrator and given those circumstances, feels that is unfair. Townsend: Feels given the unusual circumstances of the pandemic, this will continue and we don't know how long and we need experience at this particular time. Dunham strongly supports LaFond and feels he needs to understand and be prepared that some people may be resistant to his return
The minutes give only the count (4-1), not how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Motion by Hewins to appoint Richard LaFond as Town Administrator, second by Townsend. Belbin feels when LaFond left that he didn't leave the Town in good shape and feels a better option would be to have a fresh set of eyes. Clarke stated that when LaFond left the town was still in a financial crisis from the 2008 recession, state aid funding to the school went down and the Board at the time has an effect on the Town Administrator and given those circumstances, feels that is unfair. Townsend: Feels given the unusual circumstances of the pandemic, this will continue and we don't know how long and we need experience at this particular time. Dunham strongly supports LaFond and feels he needs to understand and be prepared that some people may be resistant to his return. Vote: 4-1.” (Motion: Hewins, second: Townsend)
Apr 10Offer a two-year contract with a one-year optionMotion: offer a two-year contract with a one-year option. Belbin feels that…Passed 4–1 · Townsend: Not recorded
April 10, 2020: Offer a two-year contract with a one-year option
Offer a two-year contract with a one-year option. Belbin feels that a one-year contract with an extension is more appropriate and it gives the town an opportunity to do a search and this can be negotiated further. Dunham stated that there may be budget shortfalls during the first year and the town will still be paying the current TA contract so there needs to be room in the budget. Clarke stated that Guerino wanted the same salary as the current TA. Dunham stated that the Board may need to come back for another vote
The minutes give only the count (4-1), not how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Motion by Dunham to offer a two-year contract with a one-year option, second by Townsend. Belbin feels that a one-year contract with an extension is more appropriate and it gives the town an opportunity to do a search and this can be negotiated further. Dunham stated that there may be budget shortfalls during the first year and the town will still be paying the current TA contract so there needs to be room in the budget. Clarke stated that Guerino wanted the same salary as the current TA. Dunham stated that the Board may need to come back for another vote. Vote 4-1.” (Motion: Dunham, second: Townsend)
Mar 17Approve change of running Town Building operations and the…Motion: approve change of running Town Building operations and the Board fully…Passed 4–1 · Townsend: Not recorded
March 17, 2020: Approve change of running Town Building operations and the Board fully supports the plan laid out
Approve change of running Town Building operations and the Board fully supports the plan laid out. Belbin is in disagreement and would like employees to sign a statement that they won't socialize. Dunham disagrees and residents need the opportunity to come in the door. Townsend agrees with Dunham. There will be practices to keep employees safe, but their needs to be the ability to have some sort of access. Discussion on handling as much as possible remotely and urging the public to do things remotely as much as possible
The minutes give only the count (4-1), not how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to approve change of running Town Building operations and the Board fully supports the plan laid out by Dunham, second by Townsend. Belbin is in disagreement and would like employees to sign a statement that they won't socialize. Dunham disagrees and residents need the opportunity to come in the door. Townsend agrees with Dunham. There will be practices to keep employees safe, but their needs to be the ability to have some sort of access. Discussion on handling as much as possible remotely and urging the public to do things remotely as much as possible. Vote 4-1..” (Motion: Dunham, second: Townsend)
Votes with no disagreement (177)
From the Carver Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center (2025 on) and its Document Center archive (earlier years). We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos of current members: Mark Townsend and Sarah Hewins from Wareham Week (January 2026); Jim Elliman from Area 58 video of the October 6, 2026 Select Board meeting (identified by the nameplate in front of each member). Members without a photo show initials.
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