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By Katrina Margolis
Hometown Weekly Reporter
On Wednesday, May 17, members of the Walpole community gathered in the Walpole Public Library to listen to the positions of the different candidates running for Walpole office. Walpole Candidate’s Night, hosted by the League of Women Voters for of Westwood/Walpole/Dedham and the Walpole Chamber of Commerce, allowed candidates to voice their views, citizens to ask questions, and for those voting to gather information to make the most informed decision they could. Election day is Saturday, June 3, and polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The League of Women Voters is a “non-partisan, multi-issue organization whose purpose is to encourage the informed and active participation of citizens in government and to influence public policy through education and advocacy.”
The Walpole Chamber of Commerce seeks to develop local business to business channels and to foster and support local community activities, as well as network and provide honest and reliable information to local business owners.
The evening started off with uncontested candidates, who are in the positions of Assessor and Library Trustee. The next part was about the ballot question, which is, “Shall this town prohibit the operation of all types of marijuana establishments…including marijuana cultivators, marijuana testing facilities, marijuana product manufacturers, marijuana retailers, or any other type of licensed marijuana related businesses within the Town of Walpole?” Many towns in the surrounding area have passed similar resolutions, such as Medfield. Voting “yes” on this issue will prohibit these activities within Walpole, while a “no” vote would allow them.
Contested candidates followed this section for the positions of Moderator, Sewer and Water, Planning Board, School Committee, and the Board of Selectmen, both two and three year terms.
The community room was absolutely packed, and residents listened attentively as candidates gave opening and closing statements, and also addressed questions asked by Walpole citizens.
