Nonvoting Property Owners - Letter

Should nonvoting property owners in Mashpee be able to speak at Town Meetings? My answer: YES. Are they able to do this as a matter of right without the approval of registered voters in attendance? That’s also a YES.

So why were two people who wanted to speak at the recent spring Town Meeting denied the opportunity? It’s because the moderator and the voters were following the longstanding rule established over the years. Starting with the fall Town Meeting this October, the current moderator is changing this rule. Nonvoters who own property can now speak and without seeking or being granted permission from voters.