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Photo of Laura Shifrin

Townsend Vice-Chair

Laura Shifrin

At-large · 3 terms in this record

Laura E. Shifrin

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Board years

2026–2027 Board2025–2026 Board2024–2025 Board
Election Day · Tuesday, Nov 3

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Record at a glance · 2025–2026 Board

42 of 46meetings attended (91%) · whole board 97%
441votes cast by name (yes, no or abstain)
5no votes (1% of votes cast) · whole board 1%
0 of 6split votes where Shifrin was in the minority · whole board 33%
1abstained
3terms in this record

On split votes, Shifrin voted the same way as…

How these numbers work
  • Counted from the official minutes, for 2025–2026 Board only. Committee meetings and routine votes (adjourning, approving minutes) are not counted.
  • Attendance counts the meetings where the minutes list Shifrin 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 Laura Shifrin in the headline or opening.

Stories that name Laura Shifrin 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 42 of 46 Select Board meetings in 2025–2026 Board.

Missed

Every meeting (46)

Votes where members disagreed · 2025–2026 Board

Apr 21Accept the meeting minutes of April 7, 2026Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to accept the meeting minutes of April 7,…Passed 1–0 · Shifrin: Not recorded

April 21, 2026 (Joint meeting): Accept the meeting minutes of April 7, 2026

Approve minutesPassed · 1–0

Valerie Goodrich moved to accept the meeting minutes of April 7, 2026. Veronica Kell seconded the motion. Veronica Kell provided several corrections: OPEB study contract amount should be $4,750, not $47,500, for the social media policy vote, the minutes incorrectly showed her abstaining and Valerie Goodrich voting yes

Yes: GoodrichThe roll call lists Valerie Goodrich but not Laura Shifrin and Veronica Kell, who are recorded at the meeting; they are not shown voting.

From the minutes

“Valerie Goodrich moved to accept the meeting minutes of April 7, 2026. Veronica Kell seconded the motion. Veronica Kell provided several corrections: OPEB study contract amount should be $4,750, not $47,500, for the social media policy vote, the minutes incorrectly showed her abstaining and Valerie Goodrich voting yes.” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)

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

Apr 21Accept the meeting minutes of February 4, 2025 of…Motion: Motion: To accept the meeting minutes of February 4, 2025 of…Passed 2–0 · Shifrin: Yes

April 21, 2026 (Joint meeting): Accept the meeting minutes of February 4, 2025 of the Appointing Committee of the Nashoba Valley Technical School District Committee

AppointPassed · 2–0

Motion: To accept the meeting minutes of February 4, 2025 of the Appointing Committee of the Nashoba Valley Technical School District Committee Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Abstain, Laura Shifrin - Aye

Voted: Yes

Yes: Kell, ShifrinAbstained: Goodrich

From the minutes

“Motion: To accept the meeting minutes of February 4, 2025 of the Appointing Committee of the Nashoba Valley Technical School District Committee Moved by: Valerie Goodrich Seconded by: Veronica Kell Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - Aye, Valerie Goodrich - Abstain, Laura Shifrin - Aye.” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)

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

Apr 7Appoint Natalie Call to the Commission on Disability for…Motion: Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Natalie Call to the Commission…Passed 2–0 · Shifrin: Yes

April 7, 2026: Appoint Natalie Call to the Commission on Disability for a term to expire June 30, 2029

AppointPassed · 2–0

Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Natalie Call to the Commission on Disability for a term to expire June 30, 2029. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell abstained, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Goodrich, ShifrinAbstained: Kell

From the minutes

“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to appoint Natalie Call to the Commission on Disability for a term to expire June 30, 2029. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell abstained, Valerie Goodrich aye, Laura Shifrin aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)

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

Apr 7Approve the social media policy as presentedMotion: Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the social media policy as…Passed 2–0 · Shifrin: Yes

April 7, 2026: Approve the social media policy as presented

ApprovePassed · 2–0

Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the social media policy as presented. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich abstained, Laura Shifrin aye.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Kell, ShifrinAbstained: Goodrich

From the minutes

“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the social media policy as presented. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell aye, Valerie Goodrich abstained, Laura Shifrin aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)

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

Mar 17Approve the meeting minutes of March 10, 2026Motion: Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the meeting minutes of March…Passed 2–0 · Shifrin: Not recorded

March 17, 2026 (Joint meeting): Approve the meeting minutes of March 10, 2026

Approve minutesPassed · 2–0

Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the meeting minutes of March 10, 2026. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Valerie Goodrich aye, Veronica Kell aye 5.

Yes: Goodrich, KellThe roll call lists Valerie Goodrich and Veronica Kell but not Laura Shifrin, who is recorded at the meeting; that member is not shown voting.

From the minutes

“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the meeting minutes of March 10, 2026. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Valerie Goodrich aye, Veronica Kell aye 5..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)

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

Mar 17Approve the use of Memorial Hall for ethics training…Motion: Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the use of Memorial Hall…Passed Unanimous, 2 present · Shifrin: Not recorded

March 17, 2026 (Joint meeting): Approve the use of Memorial Hall for ethics training on April 21, 2026

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 2 present

Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the use of Memorial Hall for ethics training on April 21, 2026. Veronica Kell seconded. Vote: Approved unanimously by roll call vote.

Laura Shifrin had left the meeting before this vote and is not shown voting.

From the minutes

“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the use of Memorial Hall for ethics training on April 21, 2026. Veronica Kell seconded. Vote: Approved unanimously by roll call vote..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)

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

Mar 17Appoint David Lan and Cindy Bounty as members of…Motion: Motion: Veronica Kell moved to appoint David Lan and Cindy Bounty…Passed Unanimous, 2 present · Shifrin: Not recorded

March 17, 2026 (Joint meeting): Appoint David Lan and Cindy Bounty as members of the ad hoc committee on housing and economic development until completion of the committee's work

AppointPassed · Unanimous, 2 present

Motion: Veronica Kell moved to appoint David Lan and Cindy Bounty as members of the ad hoc committee on housing and economic development until completion of the committee's work. Valerie Goodrich seconded. Vote: Approved unanimously by roll call vote.

Laura Shifrin had left the meeting before this vote and is not shown voting.

From the minutes

“Motion: Veronica Kell moved to appoint David Lan and Cindy Bounty as members of the ad hoc committee on housing and economic development until completion of the committee's work. Valerie Goodrich seconded. Vote: Approved unanimously by roll call vote..” (Motion: Kell, second: Goodrich)

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

Mar 10Add Affordable Housing Trust trustees as special municipal employeesMotion: Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to add Affordable Housing Trust trustees as…Passed 2–0 · Shifrin: Yes

March 10, 2026: Add Affordable Housing Trust trustees as special municipal employees

ApprovePassed · 2–0

Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to add Affordable Housing Trust trustees as special municipal employees. Veronica Kell seconded. Veronica Kell abstained from voting as she serves on the Affordable Housing Trust Board. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - Abstained, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Goodrich, ShifrinAbstained: Kell

From the minutes

“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to add Affordable Housing Trust trustees as special municipal employees. Veronica Kell seconded. Veronica Kell abstained from voting as she serves on the Affordable Housing Trust Board. Roll call vote: Veronica Kell - Abstained, Valerie Goodrich - Aye, Laura Shifrin - Aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)

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

Mar 10Approve the conservation restriction concept for Squannacook Meadows as…Motion: Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the conservation restriction concept for…Passed 2–0 · Shifrin: Yes

March 10, 2026: Approve the conservation restriction concept for Squannacook Meadows as presented

ApprovePassed · 2–0

Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the conservation restriction concept for Squannacook Meadows as presented. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Veronica Kell abstained as she was a member of the Conservation - Restriction Committee, Laura Shifrin aye, Valerie Goodrich aye.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Goodrich, ShifrinAbstained: Kell

From the minutes

“Motion: Valerie Goodrich moved to approve the conservation restriction concept for Squannacook Meadows as presented. Veronica Kell seconded. Roll call vote Veronica Kell abstained as she was a member of the Conservation - Restriction Committee, Laura Shifrin aye, Valerie Goodrich aye..” (Motion: Goodrich, second: Kell)

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

Mar 3Approve the special municipal employee list with all supporting…Motion: Motion: Laura Shifrin moved to approve the special municipal employee list…Passed Unanimous, 2 present · Shifrin: Yes

March 3, 2026: Approve the special municipal employee list with all supporting documents from SharePoint to be posted with a cover letter agreed upon by the Town Administrator and Veronica Kell, signed out…

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 2 present

Motion: Laura Shifrin moved to approve the special municipal employee list with all supporting documents from SharePoint to be posted with a cover letter agreed upon by the Town Administrator and Veronica Kell, signed out of session once agreed. Veronica Kell seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: Veronica Kell - aye; Laura Shifrin - aye. (Note: * Valerie Goodrich was not present for this Roll Call Vote)

Voted: Yes

Valerie Goodrich did not take part in this vote (“(Note: * Valerie Goodrich was not present for this Roll Call Vote)”) and is not shown voting.

From the minutes

“Motion: Laura Shifrin moved to approve the special municipal employee list with all supporting documents from SharePoint to be posted with a cover letter agreed upon by the Town Administrator and Veronica Kell, signed out of session once agreed. Veronica Kell seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: Veronica Kell - aye; Laura Shifrin - aye. (Note: * Valerie Goodrich was not present for this Roll Call Vote).” (Motion: Shifrin, second: Kell)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Votes with no disagreement (402)

    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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