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Stoughton Select Board
How the Stoughton Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide for three-year terms. Debra Roberts joined the board after the 2020 town election, succeeding Michael Sullivan. The reorganization minutes are not online; minutes from September 8, 2020 on list Christine Howe as Chair and Stephen Cavey as Vice Chair, so the start date is a placeholder. Christine Howe resigned in March 2021 (her last meeting was March 23, 2021); Vice Chair Stephen Cavey chaired the March 30, 2021 meeting. Covers 22 meetings, September 8 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 budgetYour Stoughton ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.
Start my ballot →Board years
Coming up
From the agendas Stoughton posts on its official site. Agendas can change; the posted agenda is the official one.
Members
Vice-ChairStephen CaveyVice Chair · Elected townwide · at 21 of 22 meetings
Joseph MokriskyMember · Elected townwide · at 21 of 22 meetingsRobert O'ReganMember · Elected townwide · at 22 of 22 meetings
Debra RobertsMember · Elected townwide · at 22 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: Stoughton Select Board (formerly the Board of Selectmen) minutes from January 2, 2018 through August 28, 2026, from the town’s Agenda Center. Big gap: the town’s website has minutes for only 2 of the board’s 2019 meetings and 13 of its 2020 meetings, plus more than 20 other meetings from 2018 to 2024 that have an agenda but no minutes; MassVoter is asking the town for them. A few files on the website are filed under the wrong date or hold a different meeting’s minutes; we load each file under the meeting it really records and list these for the town. Meetings after August 28, 2026 are not posted yet. Forums and information sessions listed with the board’s agendas have no minutes and are not shown. Nearly every minutes file is a scanned image, which MassVoter read with text recognition and checked by hand. Stoughton’s minutes name who made and seconded each motion and give a count (for example “the motion passed 5 - yes 0 - no”). When the count covers every member present with no one voting no or abstaining, or the minutes say the vote was unanimous, every member present is shown voting yes. When some members voted no or abstained and the minutes do not say who, we show the count only, with a note; we never guess who voted which way from the discussion. Older minutes (2018 to 2021) often list each member’s roll-call vote, and those are shown by name. Where the minutes give no count or names, we show the result only. Votes taken by other boards at joint meetings (for example the School Committee or the Board of Assessors) are left out, and members who recused themselves 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 1Appoint Ms. Carrara to the position of town clerk,…Motion: Mr. O'Regan made the motion to appoint Ms. Carrara to the…Passed 4–0 · see note
March 1, 2021: Appoint Ms. Carrara to the position of town clerk, subject to reaching a mutually agreeable employment agreement
Mr. O'Regan made the motion to appoint Ms. Carrara to the position of town clerk, subject to reaching a mutually agreeable employment agreement. The motion was seconded by Mr. Moktisky. On the motion, Ms. Roberts voted yes, Mr. Mokrisky voted yes, Mr. O'Regan voted yes, Ms. Howe voted yes. The motion carried 4 yes 1 recusal.
Yes: Howe, Mokrisky, O'Regan, RobertsThe minutes record one recusal; the roll call lists the other four members by name, and Stephen Cavey is not listed, so he is not counted.
From the minutes
“Mr. O'Regan made the motion to appoint Ms. Carrara to the position of town clerk, subject to reaching a mutually agreeable employment agreement. The motion was seconded by Mr. Moktisky. On the motion, Ms. Roberts voted yes, Mr. Mokrisky voted yes, Mr. O'Regan voted yes, Ms. Howe voted yes. The motion carried 4 yes 1 recusal..” (Motion: O'Regan, second: Mokrisky)
Mar 1Designate the chair, Ms. Howe and Ms. Roberts to…Motion: Mr. O'Regan made the motion that the Board designate the chair,…Passed 4–0 · see note
March 1, 2021: Designate the chair, Ms. Howe and Ms. Roberts to serve as negotiators with the town manager on the resolution of the contract
Mr. O'Regan made the motion that the Board designate the chair, Ms. Howe and Ms. Roberts to serve as negotiators with the town manager on the resolution of the contract. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mokrisky. On the motion, Ms. Roberts voted yes, Mr. Mokrisky voted yes, Mr. O'Regan voted yes, Ms. Howe voted yes. The motion carried 4 yes 1 recusal.
Yes: Howe, Mokrisky, O'Regan, RobertsThe minutes record one recusal; the roll call lists the other four members by name, and Stephen Cavey is not listed, so he is not counted.
From the minutes
“Mr. O'Regan made the motion that the Board designate the chair, Ms. Howe and Ms. Roberts to serve as negotiators with the town manager on the resolution of the contract. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mokrisky. On the motion, Ms. Roberts voted yes, Mr. Mokrisky voted yes, Mr. O'Regan voted yes, Ms. Howe voted yes. The motion carried 4 yes 1 recusal..” (Motion: O'Regan, second: Mokrisky)
Mar 1Recommend to the town manager a redefining of the…Motion: Ms. Howe made the motion to recommend to the town manager…Passed 3–1 · No: Mokrisky
March 1, 2021: Recommend to the town manager a redefining of the position held by Ms. Medeiros-Kowalczykowski
Ms. Howe made the motion to recommend to the town manager a redefining of the position held by Ms. Medeiros-Kowalczykowski. The motion seconded by Mr. O'Regan. On the motion, Ms. Roberts voted yes, Mr. Mokrisky voted no, Mr. O' Regan voted yes, Ms. Howe voted yes. The motion carried 3-1 -1 recusal.
Yes: Howe, O'Regan, RobertsNo: MokriskyThe minutes record “3-1 -1 recusal”; the roll call lists the other four members by name, and Stephen Cavey is not listed, so he is not counted.
From the minutes
“Ms. Howe made the motion to recommend to the town manager a redefining of the position held by Ms. Medeiros-Kowalczykowski. The motion seconded by Mr. O'Regan. On the motion, Ms. Roberts voted yes, Mr. Mokrisky voted no, Mr. O' Regan voted yes, Ms. Howe voted yes. The motion carried 3-1 -1 recusal..” (Motion: Howe, second: O'Regan)
Feb 23Accept the letter as amendedMotion: Ms. Roberts made the motion to accept the letter as amended.…Passed 4–1 · No: Mokrisky
February 23, 2021: Accept the letter as amended
Ms. Roberts made the motion to accept the letter as amended. Mr. Cavey seconded the motion. On the motion, Ms. Roberts voted yes, Mr. Mokrisky voted no, Mr. Cavey voted yes, Mr. O'Regan voted yes, Ms. Howe voted yes. The motion carried 4- 1.
Yes: Cavey, Howe, O'Regan, RobertsNo: Mokrisky
From the minutes
“Ms. Roberts made the motion to accept the letter as amended. Mr. Cavey seconded the motion. On the motion, Ms. Roberts voted yes, Mr. Mokrisky voted no, Mr. Cavey voted yes, Mr. O'Regan voted yes, Ms. Howe voted yes. The motion carried 4- 1..” (Motion: Roberts, second: Cavey)
Feb 16Vote: That the sale of the $29,687.50 Sewer Bond…Motion: Mr. O'Regan made the motion to vote: That the sale of…Passed · see note
February 16, 2021: Vote: That the sale of the $29,687.50 Sewer Bond of the Town dated March 15, 2021, to Massachusetts Water Resources Authority ("the Authority") is hereby approved and the Town Treasurer…
Mr. O'Regan made the motion to vote: That the sale of the $29,687.50 Sewer Bond of the Town dated March 15, 2021, to Massachusetts Water Resources Authority ("the Authority") is hereby approved and the Town Treasurer or other appropriated Town official is authorized to execute on behalf of the Town a Loan Agreement and a Financial Assistance Agreement with the Authority with respect to the bond.
The minutes record the result only, not a count or how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Mr. O'Regan made the motion to vote: That the sale of the $29,687.50 Sewer Bond of the Town dated March 15, 2021, to Massachusetts Water Resources Authority ("the Authority") is hereby approved and the Town Treasurer or other appropriated Town official is authorized to execute on behalf of the Town a Loan Agreement and a Financial Assistance Agreement with the Authority with respect to the bond..” (Motion: O'Regan)
Feb 16Forward the article to the Finance CommitteeMotion: He made the motion to forward the article to the Finance…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note
February 16, 2021: Forward the article to the Finance Committee
He made the motion to forward the article to the Finance Committee. Mr. Cavey seconded the motion. On the motion, Ms. Roberts vote yes, Mr. Mokrisky voted yes, Mr. Cavey voted yes, Mr. O'Regan voted yes, Ms. Howe voted yes. The motion carried 5-0.
The minutes say “He made the motion” right after Mr. O'Regan's comment.
From the minutes
“He made the motion to forward the article to the Finance Committee. Mr. Cavey seconded the motion. On the motion, Ms. Roberts vote yes, Mr. Mokrisky voted yes, Mr. Cavey voted yes, Mr. O'Regan voted yes, Ms. Howe voted yes. The motion carried 5-0..” (Motion: O'Regan, second: Cavey)
Feb 9Upon the mailing of the letterMotion: He made a motion that upon the mailing of the letter…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note
February 9, 2021 (Special meeting): Upon the mailing of the letter
He made a motion that upon the mailing of the letter by Ms. McCarthy, the matter of releasing all materials from executive session material will be discussed. Mr. Cavey seconded Mr. Mokrisky's motion. Mr. Cavey did want to know, if after the letter is sent, the matter will be discussed at the next executive session. He was told yes it would be on for discussion at the next executive session. Ms. Howe called for a vote. Ms. Roberts voted yes, Mr. Mokrisky voted yes, Mr. O'Regan voted yes, Mr. Cavey voted yes, Ms. Howe voted yes. Motion passed 5-0.
The minutes say “He made a motion” and then “Mr. Cavey seconded Mr. Mokrisky's motion.” The minutes name Mr. Mokrisky's as seconding the motion; Mr. Mokrisky's is not a Select Board member, so no seconder is shown.
From the minutes
“He made a motion that upon the mailing of the letter by Ms. McCarthy, the matter of releasing all materials from executive session material will be discussed. Mr. Cavey seconded Mr. Mokrisky's motion. Mr. Cavey did want to know, if after the letter is sent, the matter will be discussed at the next executive session. He was told yes it would be on for discussion at the next executive session. Ms. Howe called for a vote. Ms. Roberts voted yes, Mr. Mokrisky voted yes, Mr. O'Regan voted yes, Mr. Cavey voted yes, Ms. Howe voted yes. Motion passed 5-0..” (Motion: Mokrisky)
Jan 19Approve the applicationMotion: Mr. Mokrisky made the motion to approve the application. Ms. Roberts…Passed 4–0 · see note
January 19, 2021: Approve the application
Mr. Mokrisky made the motion to approve the application. Ms. Roberts seconded. Ms. Roberts voted yes, Mr. Mokrisky voted yes, Mr. O'Regan voted yes, Mr. Cavey voted yes. The motion passed 4-0, Mr. Cavey thanked Mr. McGovern and wished him well.
Yes: Cavey, Mokrisky, O'Regan, RobertsChristine Howe arrived late because of work (the minutes say so) and the minutes do not show whether she was there for this vote, so she is not counted.
From the minutes
“Mr. Mokrisky made the motion to approve the application. Ms. Roberts seconded. Ms. Roberts voted yes, Mr. Mokrisky voted yes, Mr. O'Regan voted yes, Mr. Cavey voted yes. The motion passed 4-0, Mr. Cavey thanked Mr. McGovern and wished him well..” (Motion: Mokrisky, second: Roberts)
Jan 19Forward the budget draftMotion: He made the motion to forward the budget draft. Ms. Roberts…Passed 4–0 · see note
January 19, 2021: Forward the budget draft
He made the motion to forward the budget draft. Ms. Roberts seconded the motion. Mr. Cavey asked for discussion. Ms. Roberts acknowledged the effort to be conservative with the budget. She asked if they could revisit the budget after people begin to be vaccinated, or after potential new Covid relief. Open Session Minutes - January 19, 2021 Dr. Grimm stated that that would be challenging, as revenues to the Town are connected to Covid relief, citing revenues from hotel and restaurants receipts. She asked that they focus on the low increase of 1.5% to the budget. She stressed that this was excellent, considering the impact of the pandemic. She also was optimistic that the shortfall of $140,000 was small and might very well be lessened by funding from chapter 70. Mr. O'Regan wanted not to stress Town employees about the health of their jobs or positions. He complimented the staff on all they had done to present the best budget possible. He added that the annual meeting of the Governor was scheduled for January 22, 2021. : Ms. Roberts expressed agreement with Mr. O'Regan. She said she wanted to give the public the opportunity to hear the discussion. Mr. O'Regan asked the Town Manager if changes or transitions in employment had been considered, He asked if new positions for hire could be staggered. Dr. Grimm spoke to possible reductions in some items due to moving services under DPW, but 2 that these reductions would be offset by increases in the departments assuming the services.
Yes: Cavey, Mokrisky, O'Regan, RobertsChristine Howe arrived late because of work (the minutes say so) and the minutes do not show whether she was there for this vote, so she is not counted.
From the minutes
“He made the motion to forward the budget draft. Ms. Roberts seconded the motion. Mr. Cavey asked for discussion. Ms. Roberts acknowledged the effort to be conservative with the budget. She asked if they could revisit the budget after people begin to be vaccinated, or after potential new Covid relief. Open Session Minutes - January 19, 2021 Dr. Grimm stated that that would be challenging, as revenues to the Town are connected to Covid relief, citing revenues from hotel and restaurants receipts. She asked that they focus on the low increase of 1.5% to the budget. She stressed that this was excellent, considering the impact of the pandemic. She also was optimistic that the shortfall of $140,000 was small and might very well be lessened by funding from chapter 70. Mr. O'Regan wanted not to stress Town employees about the health of their jobs or positions. He complimented the staff on all they had done to present the best budget possible. He added that the annual meeting of the Governor was scheduled for January 22, 2021. : Ms. Roberts expressed agreement with Mr. O'Regan. She said she wanted to give the public the opportunity to hear the discussion. Mr. O'Regan asked the Town Manager if changes or transitions in employment had been considered, He asked if new positions for hire could be staggered. Dr. Grimm spoke to possible reductions in some items due to moving services under DPW, but 2 that these reductions would be offset by increases in the departments assuming the services. Mr. Cavey asked that the shortfall not be dumped on the School Department. Mr. Rowe, Town Accountant added his comments that the budget was a good, lean budget. He stated that he agreed with the suggestion of Mr. O'Regan. He cautioned the Board not to make cuts that would result in cuts in services to the Town. He said the services offered to the Town are appreciated by the public, and he felt assured that the public would be willing to pay for these services, Ms. Roberts voted yes, Mr. Mokrisky voted yes, Mr. O'Regan voted yes, Mr. Cavey voted yes. The motion passed 4-0..” (second: Roberts)
Jan 19Forward the zoning articleMotion: Mr. O'Regan made the motion to forward the zoning article. Ms.…Passed 4–0 · see note
January 19, 2021: Forward the zoning article
Mr. O'Regan made the motion to forward the zoning article. Ms. Roberts voted yes, - Mr. Mokrisky voted yes, Mr. O'Regan voted yes, Mr. Cavey voted yes. The motion carried 4-0, Mr. O'Regan introduced a discussion of the articles for property acquisition, i.e. the Line Lumber Road.
Yes: Cavey, Mokrisky, O'Regan, RobertsChristine Howe arrived late because of work (the minutes say so) and the minutes do not show whether she was there for this vote, so she is not counted.
From the minutes
“Mr. O'Regan made the motion to forward the zoning article. Ms. Roberts voted yes, - Mr. Mokrisky voted yes, Mr. O'Regan voted yes, Mr. Cavey voted yes. The motion carried 4-0, Mr. O'Regan introduced a discussion of the articles for property acquisition, i.e. the Line Lumber Road..” (Motion: O'Regan)
From the Stoughton Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center. We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Select Board member photos: video stills from Stoughton Media Access Corporation (SMAC, Stoughton’s local cable TV), each from a program that names the member on screen: Joseph Mokrisky from “Community Forum - Joe Mokrisky - Chairman of Select Board” (2021); Debra Roberts from “Stoughton Politics with...This Guy: Talking with Debra Roberts” (2025); Stephen Cavey from “Stoughton Politics with... This Guy: Interview with Select Board Chair Stephen Cavey” (2025); Scott Carrara from “Community Forum - Scott Carrara - Running for Stoughton Board of Selectmen” (2021); Lori Jacques from “A Lioness & You on the Watch: Interview with Select Board Candidate Lori Jacques” (2026). Former members show initials.
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