TOWN MODERATOR STEVEN WALSH
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — Newly elected Town Moderator Steven Walsh led his first Town Meeting on April 29.
Walsh was elected as moderator during the Town Election last month. He succeeded former Town Moderator Joe Markey, who decided against running for a sixth one-year term.
“Welcome to Town Meeting,” said Walsh. “It’s an honor once again to return to public service. I spent 12 years as a state representative in the General Court representing the city of Lynn and the town of Nahant. I also currently serve as a commissioner for the Lynnfield Center Water District, and I am the president of our town’s Little League. But most notable, for my work here, is I have spent the last 30 years as a football referee at the high school and collegiate level. It is this training that I hope will facilitate an effective, efficient and informative meeting. I did not bring a flag or whistle, but I am not afraid to rule you out of order.”
Walsh reminded voters that, “Town Meeting is the purest form of democracy.”
“The warrant that you will hear, speak to and vote on tonight is, simply put, your warrant,” said Walsh. “This meeting is your meeting. For the purpose of tonight’s meeting, this auditorium is our legislative chamber, where you have the incredible responsibility for setting the agenda for this town. The budget being voted on tonight is your budget. You are expected and invited to question it, inquire about it and offer improvements and revisions to it when necessary and appropriate. But in order to do so, you have to be recognized by me.”
Walsh said any ruling he makes on the floor would not be “personal or emotional.”
“It is simply to provide a fair and open debate in the highest level of professionalism and decorum,” said Walsh. “The individuals joining me in front of the stage are going to do their best to answer your questions and offer you their perspectives on any ideas or concerns you may raise tonight.”
Walsh also gave an overview of the rules for Spring Town Meeting.
“These rules are created by you for you,” said Walsh. “They can be changed by you at any time. My only role here tonight is to administer them with fairness, efficiency and transparency. At times, I may also call for a brief recess as I am imperfect and this is my first time here with you. I may periodically consult with our town administrator and legal counsel to ensure I am administering your meeting in the most correct and equitable manner.”
Before moving on to the 15-article warrant, Walsh thanked Markey for serving as town moderator for five years. Prior to being elected town moderator, Markey served as chair for the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.
“Joe has successfully moderated dozens of meetings in this town both here at Town Meeting and with other boards and commissions that required his parliamentary expertise,” said Walsh. “Joe presided with candor, humor and excellence. He decided not to seek re-election this year as the governor as bestowed upon him the extraordinary opportunity to serve as member of our commonwealth’s Civil Service Commission. I wish Joe the best of luck in this endeavor, and I know that he will continue to make his family and the town of Lynnfield proud.”
Spring Town Meeting’s attendees gave Markey a round of applause.
Before Spring Town Meeting adjourned, Walsh thanked the voters in attendance for the support they gave him.
“Thank you for the latitude you provided me,” said Walsh. “It is much appreciated. Thank you for the dialogue, the debate and the decorum.”
Moving forward, Walsh said he will be requesting amended motions to warrant articles be given to him in writing.
