Relative to changing the terms board of selectmen and selectmen to the term select board in the town of Rockport
Impact
Upon enactment, the bill will alter the designation of the town's governing body to align with contemporary expectations concerning inclusivity and representation. The change will not affect the powers or responsibilities of the board; rather, it is fundamentally a semantic update aimed at modernizing the local government's nomenclature. As Rockport adopts this new terminology, it may influence other municipalities in Massachusetts to consider similar changes, potentially leading to a statewide re-evaluation of gendered terms used in local governance.
Summary
Bill S2459 is a legislative proposal aimed at changing the terminology related to the executive body of the town of Rockport, Massachusetts. Specifically, it seeks to replace the terms 'board of selectmen' and 'selectmen' with 'select board' and 'select board members,' respectively. This change reflects a broader societal movement towards gender-neutral language in official titles, recognizing the need for inclusivity in municipal governance. The petition for this change has been filed by Senators Bruce E. Tarr and Ann-Margaret Ferrante, indicating local support for the initiative.
Contention
While there are no significant points of contention reported around Bill S2459, the process of changing established terminology often invokes discussions on tradition versus modernization. Some traditionalists may express concern over the quick alterations to long-standing titles; however, the overall sentiment expressed in the local approval suggests a consensus towards embracing change. The bill appears to have garnered support from relevant stakeholders, indicating a move towards more inclusive practices without substantial opposition.
Similar To
Authorizing changing the name of board of selectmen to select board and the title of selectmen to select board member in the town of Charlton