WESTMINSTER — Governor Maura Healey has officially enacted the “Act Establishing the Position of Appointed Town Clerk in the Town of Westminster,” a legislative change that transforms the town clerk position in Westminster from elected to appointed. Signed on January 8, 2025, this act allows the Select Board to appoint and remove the town clerk, aiming to enhance the selection process by considering candidates beyond the local community.
This legislative shift was initiated by the Westminster voters during the Town Meeting in May 2024, where Article 6 was passed. This article granted the Select Board the authority to request special legislation from the General Court to change the office of town clerk from an elected to an appointed position. State Representative Kimberly Ferguson (Republican – First Worcester District) and State Senator Peter Durant (Republican – Worcester & Hampshire District) were pivotal in moving this initiative forward, advocating for and presenting the legislation to the General Court.
The specific provisions of the act are as follows:
- Section 1 stipulates that, notwithstanding any conflicting laws, the position of town clerk in Westminster shall be an appointed role. The Select Board has the authority to appoint the town clerk for a term not exceeding three years and may remove the town clerk at their discretion. The appointed town clerk will hold all traditional powers, duties, and responsibilities, as well as be subject to the same liabilities and penalties as previously held by elected town clerks.
- Section 2 ensures continuity by allowing any incumbent town clerk at the time of the act’s passage to continue in their role until an appointment is made under the new system or until they vacate the office.
- Section 3 states that the act takes effect immediately upon its passage, ensuring a swift transition to the new system.
Ellen Sheehan, the current town clerk who has been in office since 2016, will remain in her position until her term expires. She has yet to announce whether she will seek the newly appointed position. The change to an appointed system allows the Select Board to consider qualified candidates who do not reside in Westminster, potentially broadening the pool of applicants.
Appointments under the new system will begin after the conclusion of Sheehan’s term in 2026 or earlier if she decides to leave office.
