Gregg spoke about his love for Town Meeting, an institution that voters sought to replace in 2003 and 2005 with a town council, manager and mayor.
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Long-time Town Moderator Harrison Gregg stands behind Select Board Chairwoman Stephanie J. O'Keeffe at the start of the town's 250th anniversary celebration in 2009.
AMHERST — Harrison L. Gregg was elected Town Moderator when Bill Clinton was president and will end his tenure just after President Barack Obama won his second term.
At the conclusion of the recent Fall Town Meeting, Gregg asked for a few minutes to address the meeting because unless there is a special Town Meeting before the April 9 election, the meeting was his last. “I promise to stay under 3 minutes,” he said to laughter. Those presenting articles have a three-minute clock.
Gregg thanked those who he has worked with during his time and then spoke about his love for the institution, an institution that voters sought to replace in 2003 and 2005 with a town council, manager and mayor. It was rejected both times.
He said he made these remarks when he was elected president of the Massachusetts Moderator’s Association 11 years ago.
“I love the ideal of participatory democracy, the right to speak one’s mind, the right to petition one’s government for redress of grievances or simply to bring forward a good idea that might benefit the community as a whole," he said.
“I love when skeptics are persuaded and when dreamers are brought down to earth,” he said.
“I love remembering people’s names and guessing what they will say. I love knowing the rules and applying them well. I love treating everyone equally, fairly, and respectfully – even those who don’t deserve it. I love guiding the meeting through complex parliamentary situations. And finally, I love helping my town to make the decisions that have to be made.”
Some Town Meeting seasons have stretched on to 10 or more meetings. Some have been more controversial than others.
When he finished, the meeting gave him a standing ovation only to be reminded by Gregg that applause is not welcome at Town Meeting.
Before making her motion to adjourn the meeting, Select Board chairwoman Stephanie J. O’Keeffe thanked Gregg “who has just given us extraordinary service for all of these years. You can imagine how difficult that job is. Thank you very much on behalf of the whole community and Town Meeting. Harrison, thank you.”
“Harrison is one of many unsung heroes that make this town a special place,” Town Manager John P. Musante said. “He has done his job as moderator with wit and wisdom and tremendous skill.”
Gregg last had competition for the seat in 2007.
On the first day that papers are available for the April 9 election Monday, Jim Pistrang took out papers for the seat. Pistrang has filled in for Gregg when Gregg had to recuse himself or was away.
Papers for all town offices are now available at the Town clerk's office.
Gregg’s full remarks and video are available at the town’s website.
