In most local elections, there are often certain seats that are unopposed. Town and City Clerks are rarely challenged, for example. Moderator is another position that usually has just one candidate most of the time.
But not this year in Billerica. Gil Moreira, who has been Moderator for two years, will be challenged by Finance Committee member Michael Moore.
Gil has brought notable innovations to Town Meeting is his first term. For some debates, has used “pro” and “con” microphones, which guaranteed the debate alternated between supporters and detractors. In a gesture of goodwill he put away the microphone “kill switch,” which remotely cuts off the speaker if he or she refuses to stop talking. Gil has actively researched electronic voting and intends to deliver it to TM this year. He has made excellent use of the 3 new flat screen TVs in the Buck auditorium along with PowerPoint.
Speaking of the new presentation technology, it’s his opponent, Michael Moore, is responsible for much of it. For each meeting he mans the laptop, deftly shifting among many presentations, spreadsheets, and other materials displayed to TMRs in attendance (and those watching on BATV).
You may also remember Michael from his Planning Board run a few years ago. (He was not elected.) Learn more about him at on his blog.
Both men are even-tempered, fair, and among the most reasonable, intelligent men I have have the pleasure of working with in town politics — all good qualities important for a Moderator. We are lucky to have them both.
A longtime proponent of competition for elected positions, I’m thrilled that we will have a race for this seat. With all 242 TMRs running fur reelection this year, 2012 may be the most important for Billerica Town Meeting in quite some time. The direction the body takes over the next ten years may change entirely this year if there is turnover among TMRs. The Moderator will also be a large factor as well.
It’s an ideal time to have two people running, each with his own perspective on what TM should be. The Moderator appoints members of many committees, too, including the important and influential Finance Committee.
I will be talking as much as I can to Gil and Michael and following this race here on the blog to help you make the best choice for Moderator.
It remains to be seen if we will have a race for Selectmen (no one has been identified as an opponent to Andrew Deslaurier) or if there will be more than 2 candidates for 2 open seats on the Planning Board.
