To the Editor,
Let me at the outset compliment you for all the wonderful activity you are carrying on, especially during election time. Thank you for delivering the message and for posting candidates’ and citizens’ voices in LexObserver. Such dialogues and comments were very helpful for all of us.
What is surprising to me is the following stats:
Of the 23,586 voters in town, 3,883, or 16 percent, voted in this year’s town election. That’s down a significant amount from last year, when 27 percent of voters cast ballots in the local election. In 2024, 35 percent voted (though that was also a presidential election year); 2023 it was 9 percent.
Why such low turnout despite the fact that the Planning Board was well contested? And why were highly powerful, important positions like the Select Board, School Committee, and many precinct positions either no contest or only a few write-ins?
Apathy? Or do citizens simply feel that the town is already well governed by its volunteers?
Both may be true — but maybe the leadership, including TMMA, can bring this topic to their forum or have a task force and see how the town can excite more citizens to come participate and vote.
If I recall, TMMA a few years back had organized a committee — and of course there is the Lexington Vision Committee, The League of Women Voters, Democratic and Republican parties, interfaith and other organizations who must have looked at this “citizen responsibility,” but maybe it needs rejuvenation.
This town is loaded with extraordinary, successful people in all walks of life — academics, research, professors, teachers, health care providers, attorneys, successful business people and true volunteers for various causes — so let us excite them about this wonderful town so they can at least vote and maybe serve and make us proud.
One of the thoughts that comes to mind is what Shubhra Chandra — a successful businesswoman who also worked as President of PTO — suggested: term limits for all positions, just as the state government has for many boards. Example: The MA Board of Registration in Medicine has a term limit of 6 years, with staggered appointments to maintain continuity. This of course does not mean that existing volunteers are not performing — and I am more than sure they would love to help and inspire others to come forward to serve.
It would hopefully encourage more competition and more inclusion for those who want to serve.
I thought that this will be an interesting topic for citizens to opine and participate.
Thank you,
Dinesh Patel, MD Retired, Precinct 6 TM
"Of the 23,586 voters in town, 3,883, or 16 percent, voted in this year's town election."