TOWN MODERATOR'S REPORT

     As the Town's legislative body, Town Meetings took place in May (Annual) and October (Special), 2006. Many important issues were discussed, debated and voted upon. I encourage all registered voters to attend each Town Meeting and to be an active, important participant in the government of our Town.

     Since the May, 2006 Annual Town Meeting, many changes and (hopefully) improvements have been adopted, which can be summarized as follows:

     •    changes to the Town's by-law regarding Town Meeting, adopted last May, were implemented

     •    a "Moderator's page" has been added to the Town's website on which warrants, minutes, procedures and other information have been posted

     •    copies of "Town Meeting Time", which contain the procedural "rules of the road" for Town Meetings, were purchased and are available at the library

     •    pre-meeting presentations on ELCAT have summarized the matters to be voted upon

     •    copies of a DVD ("Town Meeting and You") produced by the Massachusetts Moderators Association, which describes the history, formation and procedures of Town Meeting, have been purchased and made available at the library, ELCAT and the high school.

     I am grateful for the efforts of the Town Clerk, Tom Florence, Police Chief Doug Mellis, the volunteers who register the voters and count the votes, and to Ed Costa and Rick Freccero for the arrangements at the High School.

     Town Meeting works best with informed, participating voters. Each registered voter in East Longmeadow who attends Town Meeting is a legislator -- exercise your right and power!

                                    James B. Sheils

                                    Town Moderator