Ryan Hale grew up in New Jersey, where Town Meetings were abolished in 1899.
“It’s definitely unusual, but the more that I learn I think it’s a great mechanism for residents to really have a say in shaping the future of where they live and how their finances are spent,” Hale said. “Being in Swampscott, there’s this feeling of being more connected to ‘This is our home. This is where we raise our kids, and not only does the Town Meeting have this long history and legacy in the Commonwealth but it’s also a really vibrant and active way…to shape that tradition.’”
Hale moved to the Boston area for a job and settled in Swampscott with his wife shortly after getting married. He’s served as a Town Meeting Member now for several years and has said he lives by the slogans “think globally, act locally” and “be the change you want to see in the world.”
Now, Hale is serving as town moderator following April’s election, where he secured 1,168 votes. He will hold his first Town Meeting next week. Hale is replacing Michael McClung, who held the position for a decade and suggested Hale ran this year.
“It sort of came as a surprise. I’ve been fortunate to participate in some of the town committees over the years,” Hale said, noting that he was the chair of the Renewable Energy Committee as well as the Capital Improvement Committee. “That was a great way to get to know the machinery inside, the way the town operates and help to shape where we invest in the community and try to balance all of the needs that we have.”
Hale does plan to serve out his term on the Capital Improvement Committee, and he said he’s intending to find someone to step in for him during the warrant that involves the committee.
Stepping into the town moderator position, Hale said it’s a way “for me to continue to learn and grow personally.”
“I always love running toward a challenge,” Hale said.
Hale expects Town Meeting to run the status quo, without any “shocking” changes this year. The meeting will start on Monday, May 18, and if needed it will continue to Tuesday, May 19 and Wednesday, May 20.
“I respect that there’s a long tradition that precedes me, and I certainly want to honor that,” Hale said. “I don’t have any drastic changes in mind. The one thing I am planning to bring back is a land acknowledgement. I know we have done that sort of sporadically in the past. I think it’s an important part of where we are physically and culturally in the world.”
Swampscott’s Town Meeting has members elected to the position. Each year, 18 residents from each precinct are elected to serve a three-year term. As the terms alternate, there are always 324 Town Meeting members. Though, with recent elections, there have been vacancies.
“I would like to, in whatever little part I can as moderator, encourage people in Swampscott to participate in the full event,” Hale said. “I’d love to see no vacant seats in Town Meeting.”
Hale said he wants to ensure that “each viewpoint in the community has a chance to be heard and that people feel informed.”
“It all starts with reading the warrant,” Hale said. “I hope people feel comfortable picking up the phone, sending an email, walking into Town Hall to ask questions, to make sure they really understand what the issues are and what the special language is in the various articles.“
Hale also added he is accessible via the town moderator’s email at moderator@swampscottma.gov.
