Selectmen Will Ask State to Curb Unfunded Mandates

The Wrentham Board of Selectmen has decided to add its voice to the various municipalities asking the state to reduce unfunded mandates.

Selectman Michael Carroll raised the issue at the board meeting last week, noting that the town of Framingham had started the initiative.

"They've asked towns to contact their representatives and senators and tell them the effect unfunded mandates have on towns," he said. "I think the selectmen should go on record with our legislative delegation."

Carroll said he was unsure as to whether the measure would have any more than a symbolic effect.

"The legislature looks at us as a way to get things done without paying for it," he said. "I think we have to get after the legislature."

Town Administrator William Ketcham said he believed the board could support such an effort.

"There's always been the tendency to pass things down," he said. "When it finally gets to us, we don't have anyone to pass it to."

Board Chairman Joseph Botaish said he believed talking to the town's legislators, Sen. Richard Ross and State Rep. Daniel Winslow, would be a "great" idea.

Finance Committee Chairman Jerry McGovern suggested the board go further.

"Can I suggest that the board also remind them of the things they've been cutting over the years, like the state developmental center, regional transportation and circuit-breaker?" McGovern said.

The board voted unanimously to bring the matter up with the legislators.