In a fun “ask the editor,” Mike talks about making the recent historical section of archival Turners Falls Reporter excerpts from 1894— and unintentionally answers a bonus question: why might a newpaper editor carry around a kazoo at all times? Then, Sarah and Mike dive into the highlights from annual town meetings and elections across several of our coverage towns: library in Montague, school roof in Gill, sawmill in Leverett, and selectboard races in Erving and Montague. Listeners who stick it out are rewarded with a stimulating discussion of the arcane system of water and fire district management in Montague, a topic that has been in the news multiple times recently.

See the video of the candidates’ forum for the Montague selectboard race here: https://vimeo.com/1189594713

Though bookended by an ask-the-editor segment about AI and a non-sequitur about the Iran war, the meat of this episode zooms in and focuses on the more provincial matter of town leadership. Mike introduces the two candidates running for an open selectboard seat, as well as the new “double” fire chief of Turners Falls and Montague Center. Then to a more contentious story about the Baystate nurses union contract negotiations.

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After clearing the post-its and coffee mugs aside, an “Ask the Editor” question prompts an impromptu reading of the index. The fun then abruptly drops off, as Mike and Sarah discuss selectboard members declining to seek reelection, and the multi-layered budgetary quagmires in our towns that might influence such a decision. A refresher on selectboard and town meeting responsibilities is folded into this discussion. Then, a lightning round of other important news topics, non-sequiturs, and an interesting disclosure about why Mike’s feelings about daylight savings might seem a little disproportionate at first glance.

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