Town Government
Boards & Commissions
What Boards & Commissions Are
Beyond the Select Board and the School Committee, much of New Ashford’s governing happens on volunteer boards and commissions. They review new development, hear zoning appeals, protect wetlands and open space, weigh in on historic places, and guide services for residents. In a town with no appointed administrator, these rooms are where an ordinary resident can have the most direct hand in a decision.
Some boards are appointed by the Select Board, permanent and ad hoc. Others are elected directly on the town ballot, including the Board of Health, the Planning Board, and the Assessor. In a town this small the same neighbors often fill several roles at once, so a single willing resident can make a real difference. You can be appointed to some of these seats, and you can simply run for the others.
Key Boards & Commissions
- Planning Board reviews subdivisions, site plans, and development, under chair Diane George.
- Zoning Board of Appeals hears variances and special permits, under Alan Steinhoff.
- Conservation Commission protects New Ashford’s wetlands, streams, and open space, under Ken McInerney.
- Finance Committee reviews the budget line by line and advises Town Meeting on spending.
- Board of Health oversees inspections and public health rules, under Helen Majchrowski. Elected.
- Historical Commission weighs in on the town’s historic places.
- Council on Aging runs programs and outreach for older residents, under Sherry Youngkin.
- Municipal Light Plant board governs the town-owned utility that provides New Ashford’s broadband.
For the full roster, current members, and schedules, see the Town Contact List at newashford-ma.us.
How to Serve
- Find an opening, whether an appointed vacancy or a seat coming up on the May town ballot.
- Reach out to the Select Board about an appointed seat, or take out nomination papers with the Town Clerk to run.
- Interview or campaign, depending on whether the seat is appointed or elected.
- 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 New Ashford.