Stoughton Selectman Expands Citizens' Hours, Set to Begin May 1

Stoughton Selectman Bob O'Reagan is expanding citizens' hours to the first Thursdays of each month, he announced this week. 

The expanded hours will run from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Yataines Room at Stoughton Town Hall, with the first session to be held on Thursday, May 1. 

O'Reagan previously held citizens' hours at the Stoughton Council of Aging, and the new time slot has been added to accommodate Stoughton residents who would like to speak with a member of the Board of Selectmen.

"This is a very active time for town government in Stoughton," O'Reagan said in a statement. "Whether residents or business owners have ideas to make Stoughton a better place to live or do business, concerns they would like to share, or have questions they would like answered, this is a way to open up the lines of communication."

The time slots are not meant to replace the citizens' comment period during the regular Board of Selectmen meetings, he added, acknowledging that some residents who may not be comfortable speaking at a televised meeting can use the new hours to their advantage, as they offer a more direct setting. 

Stoughton Residents and businesses wishing to participate in the hours are encouraged to visit Stoughton Town Hall during the allotted time frame on May 1. Conversations will be held on a first come, first served basis. 

Those wishing to set up particular times to speak with O'Reagan at Stoughton Town Hall or the Council on Aging can contact him at 781-344-8209 or roregan@stoughton-ma.gov.