David Clough For Canton

Why were motions to reconsider handled so differently in 2025 and 2026?

In 2025, the vote on reconsideration was taken at the next meeting. In 2026, the vote on reconsideration was taken during the same meeting.

Both moderators were operating under the same bylaw. Both reportedly consulted Town Counsel.

So what changed?

Residents deserve a clear explanation for why the process was handled differently from one year to the next. Consistency and fairness in Town Meeting procedure matter — especially when major articles and public participation are involved.

If the rules are interpreted differently depending on the situation, voters have every right to ask whether the process is being applied evenly.

Could moderator bias be part of the explanation, or is there another justification the public has not been told?

New information has come forward regarding the proposed $1,000,000 grant tied to Article 33 and the Specialized Code.

What was not mentioned Monday night is that Canton still has a major hurdle to clear before qualifying: the Town would need to convert its municipal fleet to electric vehicles.

According to FY27 Capital Planning documents, there is currently no fully electric or hybrid option identified for police patrol vehicles. Yet one of the proponents of Article 33 — who also serves on the Capital Planning Committee and reviewed these documents — spoke in favor of the article without disclosing that this critical requirement may not even be feasible at this time.

Voters deserve the full picture before being told this grant money is guaranteed or easily attainable.

Reconsideration is possible at 7pm tonight due to this new information.

Day two of Annual Town Meeting is tonight at 7pm.

Vote NO on Article 33 Tonight!

Supporters of the Specialized Energy Code continue to claim these policies have no economic downside. But when you review revenue forecasts and new-growth projections in many of the municipalities that adopted the code, a very different pattern emerges.

Examples from adopting communities:

• Amherst — approximately 50% decline in new growth in the first year after adoption, followed by flat projections the following year.
• Acton — projecting a 10% decline in new growth for FY27.
• Andover — projecting a 10% decline in new growth for FY27.
• Belmont — current revenue reports warn that “no significant developments are currently in the pipeline, meaning new growth revenue will likely remain limited in the coming years.”
• Beverly — projecting significant declines since implementation, with flat forecasts for several years ahead.
• Sharon — projecting a 13% drop in new growth for FY27.
• Chelmsford — projected 10% decline in new growth.
• Framingham — flat growth projections.
• Needham — citing historically low growth levels.
• Norwood — forecasting approximately a 75% decline in new growth.
• Lexington saw new growth fall roughly 50%, followed by another projected 10% decline for FY27. Lexington laid off approximately 80 teachers while pursuing a tax override.
Now compare that to Canton.

Canton is projecting approximately 100% higher new growth in FY27 compared to FY26. Page 8 of the Town Warrant specifically notes that “New Property Tax Growth” came in higher than planned.

New growth is one of the clearest indicators of economic development because it reflects new construction, business investment, and expansion of the tax base.

Residents should ask a simple question:

Why would Canton voluntarily adopt a policy that many communities are implementing while simultaneously projecting weak, flat, or declining new-growth revenue?

Canton electric rates are rising 16%, and the Town is pausing additional renewable energy purchases, citing federal changes.

If the goal was climate leadership, why the shift—were residents sold false hope?

And how will these higher—and potentially compounding—electric rates impact the Specialized Energy Code article on the Town Meeting warrant?

❌ I’m suggesting Town Meeting attendees vote NO on Article 24.

Canton, MA Town Meeting Moderator - Article 24 ❌ I’m suggesting Town Meeting attendees vote NO on this article.

Canton — did you know? Only 5% of homes chose the cheapest electricity option. All residents were automatically enrolled in a higher-rate plan unless they switched to a lower cost plan.
👇 Read More!

Canton MA Electric Rates While going door to door over the past few months, one issue came up repeatedly: rising electricity costs. Canton offers three pricing options, but many residents don’t realize they were automatically enrolled in the mid...

The Select Board is considering a proposal that would reduce water bills for renters by 50% or more—while increasing bills for the smallest residential users by 16%. That’s a big win for landlords and a tough hit for homeowners.

If you water your lawn, irrigation bills could rise by as much as 37% under this plan.

It’s also worth noting that the impact on the largest commercial water users isn’t clearly shown in the rate model.

Definitely something worth a closer look and now is the time to express your concerns to the Select Board before the 4/28 meeting.

On the April 14th Select Board agenda is a Public Hearing to set the town's water and sewer rates. While campaigning during the last election cycle, I heard from many residents on how the water bills continue to escalate substantially. Tomorrow's hearing is the time to express your concerns.

https://davidclough.com/blog/f/canton-ma-water-and-sewer-rates

To my family, volunteers, and supporters—thank you. You showed up, you worked hard, and you believed in what we set out to accomplish. I’m incredibly proud of what we built together.

And to everyone in Canton who took the time to engage, ask questions, and participate—thank you. That’s what makes our community strong.

The voters have spoken, and I respect their decision.

I want to congratulate the winners of this election—and the first women-majority Select Board in our town. Campaigns can be tough, but public service is about putting the community first, and I wish them success as they take on that responsibility.

While this wasn’t the outcome we hoped for, I’m proud of the campaign we ran and the conversations we started. The ideas we talked about don’t end with this election.

I remain committed to Canton and to doing my part to make it the best it can be.

Thank you all for your support, your encouragement, and your belief.

This is not the end—just another step forward.

Here are just some of the items myself and 60 volunteers found on the Canton High School grounds today.

Thank you to everyone who came out and gave their time—we truly appreciate it!

The refrigerator couldn’t be removed and will require assistance from the town to remove it from the woods.