Shrewsbury Government Study Committee Extends Survey, Plans Elected-Official Interview Groups

SHREWSBURY -- July 6, 2026, Shrewsbury's Form of Government Study Committee voted unanimously to extend its public outreach survey through August 3 after drawing just 44 responses in its first two weeks. Member Carlos Garcia agreed to develop a short-form social media video to boost participation, with staff member Tanner also pushing the survey through the town's weekly newsletter and a school district newsletter; the committee agreed not to review any partial results until the survey closes, to avoid influencing later respondents. Working groups were assigned to interview elected officials in four areas, the Select Board (Chair John Finn, Brian Costello, and absent member Daydeen), the town moderator (Bridget Malley Rubin and Mark Adler), the School Committee, and the library trustees, the last two already covered by existing subgroups. The committee also debated holding an open forum for all 249 town meeting members, with Finn volunteering to lead that effort and staff directed to check with Town Counsel on open meeting law requirements. The August 3 meeting will feature Jamie Helen, town manager of Franklin, which operates under a city-manager form while retaining the name "town."