As a former Orange Select Board member, I have followed the recent articles about my hometown’s governance with great interest. I feel it’s time for Orange taxpayers to hit the
“Reset Button” and make a fresh start to address longstanding issues.

I served on the board before, during, and after the 2017 change from a three-member to a five-member board. This decision sparked widespread upset amid other challenges, such as budget shortfalls, personnel conflicts, and school issues.

As a member on the first five-person Select Board, I feel there was significant decrease in our collegiality, performance and governance. This combined with personal health and family issues, led my family and I to resign and relocate to Long Island. Without that move, I feel I would not be here to recommend the pushing of the “Reset Button” to our many relatives, friends, and the great folks in Orange. I still follow town activities and volunteer via remote participation.

I do this because I care deeply about my “hometown,” and some issues still affect my family. To ensure broad input, let’s launch a “Get Out the Vote” campaign. During my years in Orange, election turnout and Town Meeting participation was often a very small fraction of registered voters. Also, many people who don’t vote critique decisions in our democratic process. We need everyone to be informed and engaged citizens and to exercise their rights and responsibility to vote.

Your actions will advance Orange and impact the quality of life of Orange families. The 3-to-5 board change was debated extensively, and town counsel assured us that “everything is as it should be.” Now, clearly, this significant change in our local government did not comply with Massachusetts General Laws. Did this improperly executed change lead to questionable actions?

I feel many serious problems still persist. However, the main thought I would like to convey is that Orange voters “hit the Reset Button” in their upcoming meetings and voting actions. I believe Voting “No” on Article 22 at the 7 p.m. special Town Meeting at Town Hall on Oct. 27, will be necessary to get my hometown back on track.

Jim Cornwell

Manorville, New York