Letter to the editor: Before we vote on Select Board expansion

Twice (in 2022 by vote of 402-159; and then in 2025 by vote of 173-101), our Town Meeting asked for special legislation permitting us to enlarge our Select Board from three members to five.

That special legislation has been approved, and now we all have a chance to decide whether or not to enlarge our Select Board by voting in the Special Election scheduled for Jan. 13, 2026. Many of us will wait until January to vote, but many others will soon be voting by mail.

Firstly, PLEASE VOTE. Historically, we have a very low level of participation in local elections. In two of last three elections for open seats on our Select Board, there was only one candidate nominated, and in each of those two elections, fewer than 280 Weston voters even cast a ballot. I hope that at least a majority of our 8,500 voters will defy expectations and participate in this Special Election to decide whether we will — or will not — add two new seats to our traditional three-member Select Board.

Secondly, LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE RUNNING. Before voting to add another two seats to our Select Board, I would like to know there will be some interest and some competition for those seats. If you plan to run, please raise your hand now.

Ripley Hastings

Concord Road

Editor’s note: Ripley Hastings is writing as a private citizen, not in his capacity as Town Moderator.