‘Act Locally: Making a difference in Natick government’ online forum set for Nov. 19

“Act Locally: Making a difference in Natick government” is an online event for Natick residents interested in learning about local government, or how to volunteer. It will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 7pm on Zoom. 

The event is organized by Yes for Natick, “a political action committee with a mission to share information about Natick’s government and elections and, at times, to make political endorsements and recommendations.”

Yes for Natick’s Josh Ostroff tells us that the goal for the program “is consistent with the YFN mission: better informed and engaged residents. We support good citizenship. And it’s not connected to any particular policy goal or other initiative and there is no connection to the charter commission effort.  There are several vacancies on committees, but also many uncontested seats at Town Meeting. More people informed and involved = more representative government. In theory!”

Based on sign-ups so far, Ostroff says those planning to attend have expressed an interest in everything from generally how to get involved in town government to more specific topics such as the environment, how to advocate effectively, and how to balance work/family/volunteer service.

The event complements other recent efforts in town, such as the Natick 101 series, to encourage more community participation in government.

The event will feature panelists:

• Matt Gardner, Conservation Commission
• Julie McDonough, School Committee
• Maria McMorran, Net Zero Committee
• Ganesh Ramachandran, Affordable Housing Trust
• Linda Wollschlager, Select Board and Town Meeting member, former Finance Committee member

Registration is open. You can also submit questions to panelists at that link.

This event will be recorded for later viewing on Zoom and Natick Pegasus.

Please support your local news source, Natick Report, if you can.