Recently there has been some discussion in the Town Crier about open government and the governing process and I want to add my thoughts to the discussion. Another recent guest column discussed concerns about participatory government generally and specifically the running of town meetings, Board of Selectmen meetings, and Open Meeting Law issues. This interest in open government is right on the money. Government tends to become dysfunctional when conducted out of the spotlight, with special interests and self-dealing, or the appearance of both, all too often coming into play.We only have to …

It’s that time of year again… Back-to-school time, which means it’s back to schedules, homework, old friendships and new, peer pressure, social expectations, academic stress... the list goes on.  Questions abound about who will be my friends, what will my teachers be like, will I be liked and by whom?  All kinds of worries, anxieties and fears sprout about transitioning back to school – enough to make straight hair curl!  These are not only the worries of kids, but also of their parents, as both get ready to reenter the world of learning, discovery, tears and triumphs. What is the basis that …

Dear Weston Residents: I would like to inform Weston residents of a public hearing being held by The Special Joint Committee on Redistricting on Saturday, June 18, at 10 a.m. in the Forum Room of the McCarthy Center at Framingham State University.  The hearing is one of several being conducted across the commonwealth to receive public input on the redrawing of Congressional, state legislative and Governor’s Council districts required as a result of the 2010 US Census. While much attention has been paid to the fact that the Massachusetts Congressional delegation must be reduced from 10 to nine…