MMA annual meeting

The Massachusetts Municipal Association’s annual meeting is coming up at the end of next week, and a lot of Medfield officials are attending.  For the first time in my tenure as a selectman, all three selectmen will reportedly be attending.  Mike Sullivan shared with me that numerous other town employees will attend this year as well.

I find that I always get a multitude of great ideas on how to approach Town of Medfield governing issues from the many presentations by the myriad of those who have already been dealing with the same issues we face, whether they be the paid experts looking to sell their wares, or more importantly the state and municipal officials who are voluntarily sharing of their time and expertise in already having dealt with the issues.  The major lesson is that Medfield is one of 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts, and that all 351 are dealing with the same issues and their officials are willing to share what is working well for them.  Correct information and complete data are the basis for any good decision making, and the MMA annual meeting is the best source for getting details about municipal governance, so I am especially pleased that all your selectmen and many other town officials will be taking advantage of the opportunity.

Year ago as I set off to my first MMA annual meeting, Mike Sullivan whispered in my ear that residents would not think well of a selectman costing them large amounts by staying at the hotel, which I took as sage advice, so I cheap out by going to all the informational meetings, but skip the the dinners and the entertainment, and commute home at night.

This was the MMA’s email notice to get last minute sign ups –

MMA Annual Meeting News
January 24 & 25, 2014
Hynes Convention Center & Sheraton Hotel

SEN. ELIZABETH WARREN AND BOSTON MAYOR MARTIN WALSH TO ADDRESS MMA ANNUAL MEETING
Register Today to Attend Annual Meeting
United States Senator Elizabeth Warren and Boston Mayor Martin Walsh will address local officials at the MMA Business Meeting on Saturday, January 25, 2014 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston.  The MMA Business Meeting will start at 11:15 a.m. on Jan. 25.  Local officials will want to hear from these exciting new leaders!

Other Event Highlights:

• Opening Session Keynote address by Pulitzer Prize winning author Jon Meacham
• Closing session features a Gubernatorial Candidates’ Forum moderated by Jon Keller.
• WEMO luncheon with Public Safety Secretary Andrea Cabral.
• A robust Trade Show featuring many companies that provide the latest products and services needed to run communities including Massachusetts State 911 Department’s Mobile Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP)
• Meet with key legislators and state officials
• Attend information-packed workshops and three emerging issues forums on key municipal issues
• Opening Reception
• Friday Evening Banquet with Liz Walker
• Networking opportunities
• Member Associations’ Business Meetings
• Innovation Awards, Town Report Contest and Municipal Website Awards
• President’s Reception
• Saturday Evening Banquet with Second City