Opinion Passing the gavel

Jack Attridge is our new town moderator, and what a year to start a new job.

For the first time in almost 20 years, voters will likely be asked to pass a general override to enable the town to maintain its current level of services.

We are living in challenging times right now with various strong and vocal disagreements on so many issues. It is not unreasonable to believe that this current climate may permeate our Town Meeting when controversial articles are being debated. It is more important than ever that our moderator is able to maintain order and civility, ensuring that proponents of differing points of view are given the opportunity to present their arguments while preventing emotional outbursts and personal attacks. These are fundamental requirements for a civilized society to conduct its business.

We heard from Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer in last week’s State of the Town report that current employee contractual obligations and rising costs, including but not limited to anticipated escalation of health insurance premiums, coupled with declining levels of free cash will prevent a continuation of our basic services absent such an override. Many in town are questioning both the need for such an override and the impact it will have on many of our residents, particularly those who are on fixed incomes.

For decades, Marblehead has been fortunate to have Town Meeting managed by skilled moderators, Steve Howe and Gary Spiess, both of whom were attorneys who brought their legal skills onto the stage each year, smoothly guiding the proceedings from start to finish.

Attridge, while not an attorney, exhibits a level of enthusiasm with an earnest desire to continue the leadership we have come to expect from our town moderators. He has been studying