Annual Town Meeting last week supported the combining of the Hatfield town collector and town treasurer into one position and to have that position become an appointed position, as recommended by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
Municipal financial management has become very complex. Question 1 asks Hatfield voters to approve the hiring rather than the election of a town tax collector/treasurer.
A “yes” vote would widen our pool of potential candidates for this position so that in addition to any Hatfield residents, we would be able to consider applicants from beyond and hire a collector/treasurer who has the experience necessary to carry us forward in this complex municipal financial environment.
Please support Question 1 on Tuesday with a “yes” vote.
Brian Moriarty
Hatfield
The writer is chairman of the Hatfield Select Board.