The Select Board meeting held on April 22, 2025, in Charlton, Worcester County, focused on community concerns regarding political endorsements in local elections. The meeting began with an open forum, allowing residents to voice their opinions.

Steppen Sage, a long-time resident, expressed his discomfort with political parties endorsing candidates in local elections, which he believes should remain nonpartisan. He noted that he could not recall such endorsements occurring in the past and questioned the appropriateness of this trend. Sage raised concerns about the implications of political party involvement in local governance, suggesting that it could lead to divisiveness and a departure from the town's tradition of nonpartisan elections. He invited the Select Board members to share their views on this issue, emphasizing the potential risks of political affiliations influencing local decision-making.

Following Sage's comments, Laurie Degman, another resident, also participated in the open forum, indicating she had a comment and a request to make. However, the details of her remarks were not captured in the provided transcript.

The meeting highlighted a growing concern among residents about the intersection of local politics and party affiliations, signaling a need for further discussion on maintaining the integrity of local elections. The Select Board did not provide immediate responses during the open forum, but the comments made by residents suggest a desire for clarity and guidance on this matter moving forward.