Wayland Gossels Good Government Award Nominations Open

WAYLAND, MA — An annual honor in Wayland given to residents who practice good governance is now open. The award is named for C. Peter R. Gossels, a longtime civic player in town who served as moderator, town counsel and Finance Committee member.

Here's more from the Wayland Public Ceremonies Committee:

C. Peter R. Gossels cherished democracy. A resident of Wayland for 58 years, he first served on the Finance Committee and then as Town Counsel, followed by 30 years as Wayland’s elected Town Meeting Moderator. Peter’s non-partisan generosity of spirit, fairness, and passion for good government marked his 50 years of volunteer service to the Town of Wayland.

The Wayland Public Ceremonies Committee is now accepting nominations for the 2023 C. Peter R. Gossels Good Government Award and invites all Wayland residents to submit nominations for this annual honor.

The criteria for selecting the award recipient are as follows: The C. Peter R. Gossels Good Government Award is bestowed upon a long-time resident of Wayland who has served as a volunteer for 20 years or more with generosity of spirit to improve and support the operation of good town government. The award honors unpaid, secular service that promotes positive citizen engagement with town government; provides information to voters and officials to enhance fairness and well-informed decisions; and may recognize innovative initiatives that enhance operation of the Town of Wayland. The award will annually recognize an individual who exemplifies Peter's passion for justice, civility, and high standards of conduct. This award may also be bestowed posthumously.

The deadline for consideration is Feb. 24. Submissions are limited to 500 words or less and must include your contact information. Please submit your 2023 C. Peter R. Gossels Good Government Award nomination by mail or e-mail to: Donna Bouchard, Wayland Public Ceremonies Committee, 72 Concord Road Wayland, MA 01778. Email: dbouchard@wayland.ma.us

The winner will be announced at Wayland’s 2023 Annual Town Meeting.