Town Government
Boards & Commissions
What Boards & Commissions Are
Beyond the Select Board and the School Committee, much of Chester’s governing happens on volunteer boards and commissions. They review new development, hear zoning appeals, protect the wetlands along the Westfield River, oversee the town’s cemeteries and its electric and water systems, and advise Town Meeting on the budget. In a small town these are the rooms where an ordinary resident can have the most direct hand in a decision, and many of their seats are filled by election, not appointment.
Some members are appointed by the Select Board and some are elected town-wide; all serve fixed terms, the meetings are public, and seats open up regularly.
Key Boards & Commissions
- Planning Board reviews subdivisions, site plans, and land use, chaired by Liz Massa.
- Zoning Board of Appeals hears variances and special permits.
- Conservation Commission protects Chester’s wetlands, rivers, and open space, chaired by Lora Wade.
- Finance Committee reviews the budget and advises Town Meeting on spending, chaired by Florence Bolduc.
- Board of Health oversees inspections, septic and well permits, and public health rules, chaired by Nicholas Chiusano.
- Municipal Light Board and Board of Water Commissioners govern the town’s own electric and water utilities.
For the full roster, current members, vacancies, and schedules, see townofchester.net.
How to Serve
- Find an opening on the town’s boards and committees page, or run for one of the elected seats at the annual town election.
- Submit a letter of interest or application to the Select Board office for an appointed seat.
- Meet the board if asked, and await appointment by the Select Board.
- Serve: attend the public meetings and help make decisions for your town.
Serving on a board is one of the most direct ways to shape Chester.