← Townsend Select Board

Townsend Former Select Board member

Joseph Z. Shank

At-large · 4 terms in this record

Joe Shank

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Board years

Election Day · Tuesday, Nov 3

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Record at a glance · 2024–2025 Board

17 of 18meetings attended (94%) · whole board 96%
115votes cast by name (yes, no or abstain)
5no votes (4% of votes cast) · whole board 2%
1 of 10split votes where Shank was in the minority (10%) · whole board 33%
0abstained
4terms in this record

On split votes, Shank voted the same way as…

How these numbers work
  • Counted from the official minutes, for 2024–2025 Board only. Committee meetings and routine votes (adjourning, approving minutes) are not counted.
  • Attendance counts the meetings where the minutes list Shank 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.

Attendance

At the start of 17 of 18 Select Board meetings in 2024–2025 Board.

Missed

Every meeting (18)

Votes where members disagreed · 2024–2025 Board

Aug 27Sign the document as presented for Career Fire Fighters…Motion: Motion was made by 'Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph…Passed Unanimous, 3 present · Shank: Yes

August 27, 2024: Sign the document as presented for Career Fire Fighters of Townsend, Local 4926

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 3 present

Motion was made by 'Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to sign the document as presented for Career Fire Fighters of Townsend, Local 4926. Theresa A. Morse agreed to have the signature stamp used on the document. Motion was passed with roll call vote Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes.

Voted: Yes

The minutes do not say who made this motion.

From the minutes

“Motion was made by 'Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Joseph Z. Shank to sign the document as presented for Career Fire Fighters of Townsend, Local 4926. Theresa A. Morse agreed to have the signature stamp used on the document. Motion was passed with roll call vote Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (second: Shank)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Aug 16Move forward with the Special Town Meeting motions as…Motion: Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank seconded by Chaz Sexton-Diranian…Passed 2–1 · Shank: Yes

August 16, 2024: Move forward with the Special Town Meeting motions as previously discussed and voted on

ApprovePassed · 2–1

Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank seconded by Chaz Sexton-Diranian to move forward with the Special Town Meeting motions as previously discussed and voted on. Motion was passed with roll call vote Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse no.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Sexton-Diranian, ShankNo: Morse

From the minutes

“Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank seconded by Chaz Sexton-Diranian to move forward with the Special Town Meeting motions as previously discussed and voted on. Motion was passed with roll call vote Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse no..” (Motion: Shank, second: Sexton-Diranian)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Jul 16Reappoint Mary Jane Churchville to the Historic District Commission…Motion: Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse seconded by Chaz Sexton-…Failed 1–2 · Shank: No

July 16, 2024 (Joint meeting): Reappoint Mary Jane Churchville to the Historic District Commission for a 3-year term to start 07/16/2024 to expire on 06/2027

AppointFailed · 1–2

Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse seconded by Chaz Sexton- Diranian to reappoint Mary Jane Churchville to the Historic District Commission for a 3-year term to start 07/16/2024 to expire on 06/2027. Discussion Joseph Z. Shank mentioned that Mary Jane Churchville showed through actions that she does not have the best interest of the 'Town at heart. Funding for buildings can be lost through her actions. Theresa A. Morse spoke in favor and menuoned that MaryJane Churchville was highly respected within the Commission and that she does have the best interest of the Town at heart. Motion was not passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian no, Joseph Z. Shank no, Theresa A. Morse yes.

Voted: No

Yes: MorseNo: Sexton-Diranian, ShankThe roll call records more no votes than yes votes, so the motion is shown as failed.

From the minutes

“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse seconded by Chaz Sexton- Diranian to reappoint Mary Jane Churchville to the Historic District Commission for a 3-year term to start 07/16/2024 to expire on 06/2027. Discussion Joseph Z. Shank mentioned that Mary Jane Churchville showed through actions that she does not have the best interest of the 'Town at heart. Funding for buildings can be lost through her actions. Theresa A. Morse spoke in favor and menuoned that MaryJane Churchville was highly respected within the Commission and that she does have the best interest of the Town at heart. Motion was not passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian no, Joseph Z. Shank no, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Sexton-Diranian)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Jul 16Reappoint Eino Kauppi to the Historic District Commission for…Motion: Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Chaz…Failed 1–2 · Shank: No

July 16, 2024 (Joint meeting): Reappoint Eino Kauppi to the Historic District Commission for a 3-year term to start 07/16/2024 and to expire on 06/2027

AppointFailed · 1–2

Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Chaz Sexton- Diranian to reappoint Eino Kauppi to the Historic District Commission for a 3-year term to start 07/16/2024 and to expire on 06/2027. Motion 2|Page 3.2 Review/Vote Appointment for Historic District Commission - Review/Appoint Julia V. Stockwell to the Historic District Commission for 3-year term to start 07/16/2024 and expire on 06/2027 3.3 Review/Vote Re-appoint Michael Brown to the Energy Committee with term effective 07/01/2024 to 06/30/2027. IV. MEETING BUSINESS: 4.1 Review/ Approve uncollectable ambulance receipts for Fire Department. 4.2 Discuss 'Y2025 Budget and possible budget process changes was not passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian no, Joseph Z. Shank no, 'Theresa A. Morse yes.

Voted: No

Yes: MorseNo: Sexton-Diranian, ShankThe roll call records more no votes than yes votes, so the motion is shown as failed.

From the minutes

“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Chaz Sexton- Diranian to reappoint Eino Kauppi to the Historic District Commission for a 3-year term to start 07/16/2024 and to expire on 06/2027. Motion 2|Page 3.2 Review/Vote Appointment for Historic District Commission - Review/Appoint Julia V. Stockwell to the Historic District Commission for 3-year term to start 07/16/2024 and expire on 06/2027 3.3 Review/Vote Re-appoint Michael Brown to the Energy Committee with term effective 07/01/2024 to 06/30/2027. IV. MEETING BUSINESS: 4.1 Review/ Approve uncollectable ambulance receipts for Fire Department. 4.2 Discuss 'Y2025 Budget and possible budget process changes was not passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian no, Joseph Z. Shank no, 'Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Sexton-Diranian)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Jul 8Approve the G. W. Trash Contract Amendment pending paperwork…Motion: Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Chaz…Passed 2–1 · Shank: No

July 8, 2024: Approve the G. W. Trash Contract Amendment pending paperwork as requested from G.W. Shaw

ApprovePassed · 2–1

Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Chaz Sexton-Diranian to approve the G. W. Trash Contract Amendment pending paperwork as requested from G.W. Shaw. Short discussion as to funding source for trash contract. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank no, Theresa A. Morse yes.

Voted: No

Yes: Morse, Sexton-DiranianNo: Shank

From the minutes

“Motion was made by Theresa A. Morse and seconded by Chaz Sexton-Diranian to approve the G. W. Trash Contract Amendment pending paperwork as requested from G.W. Shaw. Short discussion as to funding source for trash contract. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank no, Theresa A. Morse yes..” (Motion: Morse, second: Sexton-Diranian)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Jul 2Appoint Patrick Kawonczyk as Associate Member of the Planning…Motion: Motion was made by Carol Hoftses and seconded by Lance McNally…Passed Unanimous, 2 present · Shank: Not recorded

July 2, 2024: Appoint Patrick Kawonczyk as Associate Member of the Planning Board with a term effective 07/02/2024 until 06/30/2025

AppointPassed · Unanimous, 2 present

Motion was made by Carol Hoftses and seconded by Lance McNally to appoint Patrick Kawonczyk as Associate Member of the Planning Board with a term effective 07/02/2024 until 06/30/2025. Motion was passed with roll call vore Laura Shifrin yes, Lance McNally yes, Andrew Shepherd yes, Carol Hoffses yes, Theresa A. Morse yes, Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes.

Joint vote: the motion was made by a member of the other board (Carol Hoftses); the Select Board members are shown as the roll call lists them.

From the minutes

“Motion was made by Carol Hoftses and seconded by Lance McNally to appoint Patrick Kawonczyk as Associate Member of the Planning Board with a term effective 07/02/2024 until 06/30/2025. Motion was passed with roll call vore Laura Shifrin yes, Lance McNally yes, Andrew Shepherd yes, Carol Hoffses yes, Theresa A. Morse yes, Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Jul 2The MART Advisory board for a term from 07/02/2024…Motion: Motion was made to appoint Chaz Sexton-Diranian to the MART Advisory…Passed Unanimous, 2 present · Shank: Not recorded

July 2, 2024: The MART Advisory board for a term from 07/02/2024 to 06/30/2025

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 2 present

Motion was made to appoint Chaz Sexton-Diranian to the MART Advisory board for a term from 07/02/2024 to 06/30/2025. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes and Theresa A. Morse yes.

The minutes do not say who made this motion.

From the minutes

“Motion was made to appoint Chaz Sexton-Diranian to the MART Advisory board for a term from 07/02/2024 to 06/30/2025. Motion was passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes and Theresa A. Morse yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Jun 18Appoint Lance McNally as a member of the Planning…Motion: Motion was made by Andrew Shepherd and seconded by Carol Hoffses…Passed Unanimous, 2 present · Shank: Yes

June 18, 2024 (Joint meeting): Appoint Lance McNally as a member of the Planning Board with a term effective 06/18/2024 until the next Annual Town Election in April 2025

AppointPassed · Unanimous, 2 present

Motion was made by Andrew Shepherd and seconded by Carol Hoffses to appoint Lance McNally as a member of the Planning Board with a term effective 06/18/2024 until the next Annual Town Election in April 2025. Mouton was passed with roll call vote Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, , Andrew Shepherd yes.

Voted: Yes

Joint vote of the Select Board and the Planning Board to fill a Planning Board vacancy; the motion was made by Planning Board members. The scanned roll call is partly cut off; a second reading of the page gives “Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Carol Hoffses yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Andrew Shepherd yes.” Theresa Morse was excused from the meeting.

From the minutes

“Motion was made by Andrew Shepherd and seconded by Carol Hoffses to appoint Lance McNally as a member of the Planning Board with a term effective 06/18/2024 until the next Annual Town Election in April 2025. Mouton was passed with roll call vote Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, , Andrew Shepherd yes..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Jun 4Appoint Todd Arsenault to the Board of Health until…Motion: Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Theresa…Failed 2–1 · Shank: Yes

June 4, 2024 (Joint meeting): Appoint Todd Arsenault to the Board of Health until the next Annual Town Election in April 2025

AppointFailed · 2–1

Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Theresa A. Morse to appoint Todd Arsenault to the Board of Health until the next Annual Town Election in April 2025. Motion was not passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse no

Voted: Yes

Yes: Sexton-Diranian, ShankNo: MorseJoint vote of the Select Board and the Board of Health to fill a Board of Health vacancy. The Select Board voted 2-1 in favor, but the two Board of Health members (Jim Le’Cuyer and Christian Roman-Ramirez) voted no, so the motion failed 2-3.

From the minutes

“Motion was made by Joseph Z. Shank and seconded by Theresa A. Morse to appoint Todd Arsenault to the Board of Health until the next Annual Town Election in April 2025. Motion was not passed with Chaz Sexton-Diranian yes, Joseph Z. Shank yes, Theresa A. Morse no.” (Motion: Shank, second: Morse)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Jun 4Appoint Charles Serene to the Board of Health until…Motion: Motion was made by Christian Roman-Ramirez and seconded by Theresa A.…Passed 1–2 · Shank: No

June 4, 2024 (Joint meeting): Appoint Charles Serene to the Board of Health until the next Annual Town Election in April 2025

AppointPassed · 1–2

Motion was made by Christian Roman-Ramirez and seconded by Theresa A. Motse to appoint Charles Serene to the Board of Health until the next Annual Town Election in April 2025. Motion was passed with Theresa A. Morse yes, Chaz Sexton-Diranian no, Joseph Z. Shank no

Voted: No

Yes: MorseNo: Sexton-Diranian, ShankJoint vote: the motion was made by a member of the other board (Christian Roman-Ramirez); the Select Board members are shown as the roll call lists them. Joint vote of the Select Board and the Board of Health to fill a Board of Health vacancy. The Select Board voted 1-2, but the two Board of Health members (Jim Le’Cuyer and Christian Roman-Ramirez) voted yes, so the motion passed 3-2.

From the minutes

“Motion was made by Christian Roman-Ramirez and seconded by Theresa A. Motse to appoint Charles Serene to the Board of Health until the next Annual Town Election in April 2025. Motion was passed with Theresa A. Morse yes, Chaz Sexton-Diranian no, Joseph Z. Shank no.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Votes with no disagreement (107)

    From the Townsend Select Board’s official minutes, posted on the town’s Agendas and Minutes page (Select Board). 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): Town of Townsend Candidates Night video — Valerie Goodrich and Sarah Logan (April 2025); Just Townies — Laura Shifrin (October 2023). Cropped by MassVoter. Former members show initials.

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