MMA’s selectman leadership conference

All selectmen are invited to this FREE training session, which features a town-focused agenda with sessions for both newly elected and experienced selectmen.

Registration deadline is Tuesday, June 5, 2012.

8 a.m.
Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:30 a.m.
Welcome and Introductions
• Joshua Ostroff, Selectman, Natick and President, Massachusetts Selectmen’s Association

8:45 a.m.
Opening Session: State Auditor Suzanne Bump

9:30 a.m.
MMA Legislative Update
– FY13 Budget
– Health Insurance Reform Law
– Key State/Federal Legislative Issues
• Geoff Beckwith, Executive Director, Massachusetts Municipal Association

10 a.m.
Break

10:15 a.m.
Breakout Session A
Major Changes to Governance Laws
– Open Meeting Law
– Ethics and Conflict-of-Interest Law
– Public Records
– Executive Session
• Jonathan Sclarsic, Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General’s Office
• Lauren Goldberg, Principal, Kopelman and Paige

Breakout Session B
Becoming a Green Community: Benefits and Roadblocks
The Green Communities Act provides grants and technical assistance to adopt clean energy practices. Speakers will review the criteria to attain the Green Community designation and discuss what cities and towns are doing to lead the nation in energy-efficiency programing and renewable projects.
• Meg Lusardi, Director, Green Communities Program, Department of Energy Resources
• Colleen Corona, Board of Selectmen Chair, Easton

11:30 a.m.
Break

11:45 a.m.
Breakout Session C
Budget Basics
– Budget Timetables
– Budget Components
– Forecasting
– Long-Term Debt
– Best Practices
• Sanford Pooler, Finance Director, Amherst

Breakout Session D
Strategies for Creating Civil Discourse in Government
Open and fair debate, characterized by respect for opposing viewpoints, is essential for healthy government. Conflict may arise, but when it affects the business of the community, or is perceived to do so, it must be addressed. This session will discuss best practices in civil discourse and public decision-making.
• Susan Ostberg, Executive Director, Metrowest Mediation Services

12:45 p.m.
Lunch

1:30 p.m.
Closing Speaker: Gaming Commission Chair Stephen Crosby

2:30 p.m.
Adjournment