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Photo of Janie W. Dretler

Sudbury Chair

Janie W. Dretler

At-large · 9 terms in this record

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Board years

Election Day · Tuesday, Nov 3

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Record at a glance · 2019–2020 Board

51 of 51meetings attended (100%) · whole board 98%
412votes cast by name (yes, no or abstain)
10no votes (2% of votes cast) · whole board 2%
5 of 16split votes where Dretler was in the minority (31%) · whole board 25%
2abstained
9terms in this record

On split votes, Dretler voted the same way as…

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 Dretler 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

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Disclosure: MassVoter’s founder, Michael Silvia, is the publisher of Fall River Reporter and New Bedford Guide.

Attendance

At the start of 51 of 51 Select Board meetings in 2019–2020 Board.

Missed none.

Every meeting (51)

Votes where members disagreed · 2019–2020 Board

Sep 8Authorize the Town Manager to negotiate and execute a…Motion: Vice-Chair Brown motioned and Selectman Schineller seconded the motion. It was…Passed 3–0 · Dretler: Abstained

September 8, 2020: Authorize the Town Manager to negotiate and execute a contract not to exceed $3,000.00 for a historic preservationist to support the Historical Commission's review of the Section 106 permit with...

ApprovePassed · 3–0

Vice-Chair Brown motioned and Selectman Schineller seconded the motion. It was on motion 3-0-2; Brown-aye, Schineller-aye, Carty-aye, Roberts-abstain, Dretler-abstain VOTED: To authorize the Town Manager to negotiate and execute a contract not to exceed $3,000.00 for a historic preservationist to support the Historical Commission's review of the Section 106 permit with the Army Corps of Engineers.

Voted: Abstained

Yes: Brown, Carty, SchinellerAbstained: Dretler, Roberts

From the minutes

“Vice-Chair Brown motioned and Selectman Schineller seconded the motion. It was on motion 3-0-2; Brown-aye, Schineller-aye, Carty-aye, Roberts-abstain, Dretler-abstain VOTED: To authorize the Town Manager to negotiate and execute a contract not to exceed $3,000.00 for a historic preservationist to support the Historical Commission's review of the Section 106 permit with the Army Corps of Engineers..” (Motion: Brown, second: Schineller)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Sep 8Support Article 17 - Acquisition of CSX CorridorMotion: It was on motion 4-1; Brown-aye, Dretler-aye, Roberts-aye, Schineller-no, Carty-aye VOTED:…Passed 4–1 · Dretler: Yes

September 8, 2020: Support Article 17 - Acquisition of CSX Corridor

ApprovePassed · 4–1

It was on motion 4-1; Brown-aye, Dretler-aye, Roberts-aye, Schineller-no, Carty-aye VOTED: To support Article 17 - Acquisition of CSX Corridor.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Brown, Carty, Dretler, RobertsNo: Schineller

From the minutes

“It was on motion 4-1; Brown-aye, Dretler-aye, Roberts-aye, Schineller-no, Carty-aye VOTED: To support Article 17 - Acquisition of CSX Corridor..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Jul 28Approve that the Town of Sudbury be allowed to…Motion: Selectman Roberts motioned and Selectman Dretler seconded the motion. It was…Failed 2–3 · Dretler: Yes

July 28, 2020: Approve that the Town of Sudbury be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order…

Adopt orderFailed · 2–3

Selectman Roberts motioned and Selectman Dretler seconded the motion. It was on motion 3-2, three against and two in favor; Dretler-aye, Roberts-aye, Brown-no, Schineller-no, Carty-no. VOTED: Not to approve that the Town of Sudbury be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to acquire the parcel of land shown as Mile Post QBS 3.40 to QBS 4.80 on a Railroad Map dated July 22, 2020 prepared by CSX Transportation, Inc., and a Plan dated July 20, 2020, copies of which are on file with the Town Clerk, consisting of 11.26 acres of land, more or less and any and all incidental and related costs associated therewith for any and/or all of the following purposes: establishment and construction of a multi-purpose rail trail, bicycle path for open space, conservation and active recreation purposes, water resource area preservation and general municipal purposes.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Dretler, RobertsNo: Brown, Carty, SchinellerThe minutes give the count as 3-2 for the board’s recorded decision (“Not to approve that the Town of Sudbury be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two…”); the roll call lists each member’s vote on the motion as made, which failed 2-3.

From the minutes

“Selectman Roberts motioned and Selectman Dretler seconded the motion. It was on motion 3-2, three against and two in favor; Dretler-aye, Roberts-aye, Brown-no, Schineller-no, Carty-no. VOTED: Not to approve that the Town of Sudbury be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to acquire the parcel of land shown as Mile Post QBS 3.40 to QBS 4.80 on a Railroad Map dated July 22, 2020 prepared by CSX Transportation, Inc., and a Plan dated July 20, 2020, copies of which are on file with the Town Clerk, consisting of 11.26 acres of land, more or less and any and all incidental and related costs associated therewith for any and/or all of the following purposes: establishment and construction of a multi-purpose rail trail, bicycle path for open space, conservation and active recreation purposes, water resource area preservation and general municipal purposes..” (Motion: Roberts, second: Dretler)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Jul 28Hold Annual Town Meeting on Saturday, September 12, 2020…Motion: Selectman Dretler motioned and Vice-Chair Brown seconded the motion. It was…Passed 4–1 · Dretler: Yes

July 28, 2020: Hold Annual Town Meeting on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at LSRHS, with a backup date of Sunday, September 20, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at LSRHS

ApprovePassed · 4–1

Selectman Dretler motioned and Vice-Chair Brown seconded the motion. It was on motion 4-1; Dretler-aye, Roberts-aye, Brown-aye, Carty-aye, Schineller-no VOTED: To hold Annual Town Meeting on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at LSRHS, with a backup date of Sunday, September 20, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at LSRHS.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Brown, Carty, Dretler, RobertsNo: Schineller

From the minutes

“Selectman Dretler motioned and Vice-Chair Brown seconded the motion. It was on motion 4-1; Dretler-aye, Roberts-aye, Brown-aye, Carty-aye, Schineller-no VOTED: To hold Annual Town Meeting on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at LSRHS, with a backup date of Sunday, September 20, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at LSRHS..” (Motion: Dretler, second: Brown)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Jul 28Support Article 18 - Fairbank Community Center Design and…Motion: Selectman Dretler motioned and Chair Carty seconded the motion. It was…Failed 2–3 · Dretler: Yes

July 28, 2020: Support Article 18 - Fairbank Community Center Design and Construction Funds - $28,832,000

ApproveFailed · 2–3

Selectman Dretler motioned and Chair Carty seconded the motion. It was on motion 3-2, Dretler-aye, Roberts-aye, Brown-no, Schineller-no, Carty-no VOTED: Not to support Article 18 - Fairbank Community Center Design and Construction Funds - $28,832,000.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Dretler, RobertsNo: Brown, Carty, SchinellerThe minutes give the count as 3-2 for the board’s recorded decision (“Not to support Article 18 - Fairbank Community Center Design and Construction Funds - $28,832,000…”); the roll call lists each member’s vote on the motion as made, which failed 2-3.

From the minutes

“Selectman Dretler motioned and Chair Carty seconded the motion. It was on motion 3-2, Dretler-aye, Roberts-aye, Brown-no, Schineller-no, Carty-no VOTED: Not to support Article 18 - Fairbank Community Center Design and Construction Funds - $28,832,000..” (Motion: Dretler, second: Carty)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

Jul 21Pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c.59, s. 21C,…Motion: It was on motion 3-2, two against and three in favor;…Passed 3–2 · Dretler: No

July 21, 2020: Pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c.59, s. 21C, that the Secretary of the Commonwealth include on the ballot for the November biennial state election for use in the Town…

Adopt orderPassed · 3–2

It was on motion 3-2, two against and three in favor; Brown-aye, Schineller-aye, Roberts-no, Dretler-no, Carty-aye. VOTED: Pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c.59, s. 21C, that the Secretary of the Commonwealth include on the ballot for the November biennial state election for use in the Town of Sudbury the following debt exclusion questions: QUESTION 1 - Shall the town of Sudbury be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to acquire the fee or lesser interest in the parcel of land shown as Mile Post QBS3.40 to QBS4.80 on a Railroad Map dated 4/21/2015 prepared by CSX Transportation, Inc., and shown as CSX corridor, a plan dated July 20, 2020, prepared by the Town of Sudbury Engineering Department, copies of which are on file with the Town Clerk, consisting of 11.26 acres of land, more or less, including any and all incidental and related costs associated therewith.

Voted: No

Yes: Brown, Carty, SchinellerNo: Dretler, Roberts

From the minutes

“It was on motion 3-2, two against and three in favor; Brown-aye, Schineller-aye, Roberts-no, Dretler-no, Carty-aye. VOTED: Pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c.59, s. 21C, that the Secretary of the Commonwealth include on the ballot for the November biennial state election for use in the Town of Sudbury the following debt exclusion questions: QUESTION 1 - Shall the town of Sudbury be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to acquire the fee or lesser interest in the parcel of land shown as Mile Post QBS3.40 to QBS4.80 on a Railroad Map dated 4/21/2015 prepared by CSX Transportation, Inc., and shown as CSX corridor, a plan dated July 20, 2020, prepared by the Town of Sudbury Engineering Department, copies of which are on file with the Town Clerk, consisting of 11.26 acres of land, more or less, including any and all incidental and related costs associated therewith..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Jul 21Approve the letter drafted by Town Counsel in response…Motion: Selectman Schineller moved and Vice-Chair Brown seconded the motion. It was…Passed 3–1 · Dretler: No

July 21, 2020: Approve the letter drafted by Town Counsel in response to the Open Meeting Law violation complaint

ApprovePassed · 3–1

Selectman Schineller moved and Vice-Chair Brown seconded the motion. It was on motion three for, one against and one abstain, 3-1-1; Brown-aye, Schineller-aye, Carty-aye, Dretler-no and Roberts-abstain. VOTED: To approve the letter drafted by Town Counsel in response to the Open Meeting Law violation complaint.

Voted: No

Yes: Brown, Carty, SchinellerNo: DretlerAbstained: Roberts

From the minutes

“Selectman Schineller moved and Vice-Chair Brown seconded the motion. It was on motion three for, one against and one abstain, 3-1-1; Brown-aye, Schineller-aye, Carty-aye, Dretler-no and Roberts-abstain. VOTED: To approve the letter drafted by Town Counsel in response to the Open Meeting Law violation complaint..” (Motion: Schineller, second: Brown)

Read it in the official minutes, page 14 (PDF)

Jul 21Approve withdrawal of Town Meeting article #2 (FY20 Budget…Motion: Selectman Dretler moved in the words of the motion to approve…Passed 5–0 · Dretler: Not recorded

July 21, 2020: Approve withdrawal of Town Meeting article #2 (FY20 Budget Adjustments) and article #9 (FY19 Unpaid Bills)

ApprovePassed · 5–0

Selectman Dretler moved in the words of the motion to approve withdrawal of Town Meeting article #2 (FY20 Budget Adjustments) and article #9 (FY19 Unpaid Bills). Vice-Chair Brown seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Dretler-aye, Brown-aye, Roberts-aye, Schineller-aye, Brown-aye, Carty-aye. VOTED: To approve withdrawal of Town Meeting article #2 (FY20 Budget Adjustments) and article #9 (FY19 Unpaid Bills).

The roll call names Patricia A. Brown twice. Showing the count only.

From the minutes

“Selectman Dretler moved in the words of the motion to approve withdrawal of Town Meeting article #2 (FY20 Budget Adjustments) and article #9 (FY19 Unpaid Bills). Vice-Chair Brown seconded the motion. It was on motion 5-0; Dretler-aye, Brown-aye, Roberts-aye, Schineller-aye, Brown-aye, Carty-aye. VOTED: To approve withdrawal of Town Meeting article #2 (FY20 Budget Adjustments) and article #9 (FY19 Unpaid Bills)..” (Motion: Dretler, second: Brown)

Read it in the official minutes, page 17 (PDF)

Jul 21Appoint Election Officers for a one-year term, commencing August…Motion: Selectman Dretler motioned and Vice-Chair Brown seconded the motion. It was…Passed 4–0 · Dretler: Yes

July 21, 2020: Appoint Election Officers for a one-year term, commencing August 15, 2020 and ending August 14, 2021, as recommended by the Democratic and Republican Town Committee Chairs and the Town Clerk

AppointPassed · 4–0

Selectman Dretler motioned and Vice-Chair Brown seconded the motion. It was on motion 4-1 four in favor, one abstain; Brown-aye, Dretler-aye, Roberts-aye, Schineller-aye, Carty-abstain. VOTED: To appoint Election Officers for a one-year term, commencing August 15, 2020 and ending August 14, 2021, as recommended by the Democratic and Republican Town Committee Chairs and the Town Clerk.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Brown, Dretler, Roberts, SchinellerAbstained: CartyThe minutes write the count as 4-1; the member named abstained, so the second number is the abstention, not a no vote.

From the minutes

“Selectman Dretler motioned and Vice-Chair Brown seconded the motion. It was on motion 4-1 four in favor, one abstain; Brown-aye, Dretler-aye, Roberts-aye, Schineller-aye, Carty-abstain. VOTED: To appoint Election Officers for a one-year term, commencing August 15, 2020 and ending August 14, 2021, as recommended by the Democratic and Republican Town Committee Chairs and the Town Clerk..” (Motion: Dretler, second: Brown)

Read it in the official minutes, page 17 (PDF)

Jul 21Approve the annual Selectmen's re-appointments of those listed (all…Motion: Selectman Dretler moved to vote to approve the annual Selectmen's re-appointments…Passed 4–0 · Dretler: Yes

July 21, 2020: Approve the annual Selectmen's re-appointments of those listed (all of which are subject to acceptance), to acknowledge the resignations of those who choose not be re-appointed, and to send a...

AppointPassed · 4–0

Selectman Dretler moved to vote to approve the annual Selectmen's re-appointments of those listed (all of which are subject to acceptance), to acknowledge the resignations of those who choose not be re-appointed, and to send a letter of appreciation to the resigning volunteers for their service to the community; with exception of an appointment of a PBC member, and to change the name of the September 11 Memorial Garden Committee liaison to reflect Selectman William Schineller. Chair Carty seconded the motion. It was on motion 4-1, four in favor and one abstain; Brown-aye, Dretler-aye, Roberts-aye, Carty-aye, Schineller-abstain. Selectman Schineller explained that he abstained due to the fact that he did not hear the full motion and was on break. VOTED: To approve the annual Selectmen's re-appointments of those listed (all of which are subject to acceptance), to acknowledge the resignations of those who choose not be re-appointed, and to send a letter of appreciation to the resigning volunteers for their service to the community; with exception of an appointment of a PBC member, and to change the name of the September 11 Memorial Garden Committee to reflect Selectman William Schineller.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Brown, Carty, Dretler, RobertsAbstained: SchinellerThe minutes write the count as 4-1; the member named abstained, so the second number is the abstention, not a no vote.

From the minutes

“Selectman Dretler moved to vote to approve the annual Selectmen's re-appointments of those listed (all of which are subject to acceptance), to acknowledge the resignations of those who choose not be re-appointed, and to send a letter of appreciation to the resigning volunteers for their service to the community; with exception of an appointment of a PBC member, and to change the name of the September 11 Memorial Garden Committee liaison to reflect Selectman William Schineller. Chair Carty seconded the motion. It was on motion 4-1, four in favor and one abstain; Brown-aye, Dretler-aye, Roberts-aye, Carty-aye, Schineller-abstain. Selectman Schineller explained that he abstained due to the fact that he did not hear the full motion and was on break. VOTED: To approve the annual Selectmen's re-appointments of those listed (all of which are subject to acceptance), to acknowledge the resignations of those who choose not be re-appointed, and to send a letter of appreciation to the resigning volunteers for their service to the community; with exception of an appointment of a PBC member, and to change the name of the September 11 Memorial Garden Committee to reflect Selectman William Schineller..” (Motion: Dretler, second: Carty)

Read it in the official minutes, page 18 (PDF)

Votes with no disagreement (362)

    From the Sudbury Select Board’s official minutes, posted on the town’s Select Board meetings page. We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos (the town’s website has no Select Board photos): League of Women Voters of Sudbury voters’ guides (candidate-supplied photos) — Charles Russo (2026), Radha Gargeya and Lisa Kouchakdjian (2025), Janie Dretler and Daniel Carty (2024). Cropped by MassVoter. Former members show initials.

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