← Townsend Select Board

Townsend Former Select Board member

Theresa A. Morse

At-large · 3 terms in this record

Theresa Morse

A monthly email on how they voted, starting in November.

Board years

Election Day · Tuesday, Nov 3

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Record at a glance · 2024–2025 Board

19 of 22meetings attended (86%) · whole board 96%
133votes cast by name (yes, no or abstain)
5no votes (4% of votes cast) · whole board 2%
9 of 10split votes where Morse was in the minority (90%) · whole board 33%
0abstained
3terms in this record

On split votes, Morse 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 Morse 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 19 of 22 Select Board meetings in 2024–2025 Board.

Missed

Every meeting (22)

Votes where members disagreed · 2024–2025 Board

Dec 17(the minutes do not state the motion)Motion: The contract needed to be completed by the end of December…Passed Unanimous, 3 present · Morse: Yes

December 17, 2024: (the minutes do not state the motion)

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 3 present

The contract needed to be completed by the end of December due to partially ARPA funded, Motion was amended by Veronica Kell and seconded by Theresa Morse for the Selectboard co sign the comtract for R. Bates & Sons Inc. for Townsend's Main Street Route 119) Sidewalk construction project out of session after review by Town Counsel. Motion was passed with roll cali vore Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Keli ves.

Voted: Yes

The minutes do not say who made this motion.

From the minutes

“The contract needed to be completed by the end of December due to partially ARPA funded, Motion was amended by Veronica Kell and seconded by Theresa Morse for the Selectboard co sign the comtract for R. Bates & Sons Inc. for Townsend's Main Street Route 119) Sidewalk construction project out of session after review by Town Counsel. Motion was passed with roll cali vore Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Keli ves..” (second: Morse)

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

Dec 12Reallocate $9,394 from: $200 ARPA 23 creer Time Custodian),…Motion: Motion was made by Laure Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Keli…Passed Unanimous, 3 present · Morse: Yes

December 12, 2024 (Special meeting): Reallocate $9,394 from: $200 ARPA 23 creer Time Custodian), $4,837 from ARPA Zo ratere! Agent Wages). $413 from ARPA IS-1 (PD si ages), aiid $35 go 2 fom ARPA i6…

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 3 present

Motion was made by Laure Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Keli to reallocate $9,394 from: $200 ARPA 23 creer Time Custodian), $4,837 from ARPA Zo ratere! Agent Wages). $413 from ARPA IS-1 (PD si ages), aiid $35 go 2 fom ARPA i6 f (Meals : ARPA 12 'Ste passed with Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes and Veronica Kell yes.

Voted: Yes

The minutes do not say who made this motion.

From the minutes

“Motion was made by Laure Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Keli to reallocate $9,394 from: $200 ARPA 23 creer Time Custodian), $4,837 from ARPA Zo ratere! Agent Wages). $413 from ARPA IS-1 (PD si ages), aiid $35 go 2 fom ARPA i6 f (Meals : ARPA 12 'Ste passed with Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes and Veronica Kell yes..” (second: Kell)

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

Dec 12Teduce the following allocations for a grand total of…Motion: Motion was made by Laura Shifrin aac seconded by Theresa Morse…Passed 2–0 · Morse: Not recorded

December 12, 2024 (Special meeting): Teduce the following allocations for a grand total of $278,632: ARPAOT HR Manager Wages eliness Coordinator ARPAOQ2 Wages i $ 41,234 ARPAOS WellnessProgramming | $ 65,176 _ RPAG4 (Online...

ApprovePassed · 2–0

Motion was made by Laura Shifrin aac seconded by Theresa Morse to teduce the following allocations for a grand total of $278,632: ARPAOT HR Manager Wages eliness Coordinator ARPAOQ2 Wages i $ 41,234 ARPAOS WellnessProgramming | $ 65,176 _ RPAG4 (Online Permitting / $4,583 ARPA13 [Election Expenses ARPA 16 Miatian wes oacsac with Theres: Mlorse ves, L Notion Was Oassed With tmercs, Mlowse yes, Lauta Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.

Yes: Kell, ShifrinThe roll call lists Laura Shifrin and Veronica Kell but not Theresa A. Morse, who is recorded at the meeting; that member is not shown voting.

From the minutes

“Motion was made by Laura Shifrin aac seconded by Theresa Morse to teduce the following allocations for a grand total of $278,632: ARPAOT HR Manager Wages eliness Coordinator ARPAOQ2 Wages i $ 41,234 ARPAOS WellnessProgramming | $ 65,176 _ RPAG4 (Online Permitting / $4,583 ARPA13 [Election Expenses ARPA 16 Miatian wes oacsac with Theres: Mlorse ves, L Notion Was Oassed With tmercs, Mlowse yes, Lauta Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (Motion: Shifrin, second: Morse)

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

Nov 19Not exercise the right of first refusal for Parcel…Motion: Motion was amended by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Kell…Passed Unanimous, 3 present · Morse: Yes

November 19, 2024: Not exercise the right of first refusal for Parcel ID 17-10- 3|Page 4.13 Review and approve Conservation Commission Fee Schedule 4.14 Discuss Fall Town Meeting Date V. WORK SESSION: 5.1…

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 3 present

Motion was amended by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Kell to not exercise the right of first refusal for Parcel ID 17-10- 3|Page 4.13 Review and approve Conservation Commission Fee Schedule 4.14 Discuss Fall Town Meeting Date V. WORK SESSION: 5.1 Town Administrator Updates and Reports 5.2 Announcements /Communicatio ns 5.3 Next meeting December 02, 2024 @ 6:00PM 5.4 Review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session. 0-27 Bayberry Hill Road. Motion was passed with Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes.

Voted: Yes

The minutes do not say who made this motion.

From the minutes

“Motion was amended by Laura Shifrin and seconded by Veronica Kell to not exercise the right of first refusal for Parcel ID 17-10- 3|Page 4.13 Review and approve Conservation Commission Fee Schedule 4.14 Discuss Fall Town Meeting Date V. WORK SESSION: 5.1 Town Administrator Updates and Reports 5.2 Announcements /Communicatio ns 5.3 Next meeting December 02, 2024 @ 6:00PM 5.4 Review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session. 0-27 Bayberry Hill Road. Motion was passed with Theresa Morse yes, Laura Shifrin yes, Veronica Kell yes..” (second: Kell)

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

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 · Morse: 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 · Morse: No

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: No

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 · Morse: Yes

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: Yes

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 · Morse: Yes

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: Yes

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 · Morse: Yes

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: Yes

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 · Morse: Yes

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.

Voted: 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)

Votes with no disagreement (147)

    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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