LAKEVILLE — Lakeville will soon have five select board members, which will add two positions to the current three-representative board.

Special Town Meeting voters approved the expansion of the board during the Nov. 14 Special Town Meeting. 

At the same meeting, voters chose not to install a process that would allow elected officials to be removed from their positions via recall elections. The Town Clerk position will also remain elected and not appointed, voters decided. 

A total of 870 voters out of 9,375 registered voters signed into the meeting at Apponequet Regional High School, which ran from 6:30 p.m. on Monday night to 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning.

Residents who spoke in favor of expanding the Select Board cited the town’s growing population as a reason to expand. Proponents also said they believe expanding the board would help manage its workload.

Two Select Board Members have voiced their opposition to the citizens' petition to expand the board, saying that the town might not find candidates willing to run.

Select Board Member Lia Fabian said that residents’ interest in local issues might fade when issues are “not as sensational anymore.”

Resident Sean Pillai pointed out that in 2018, 126 residents attended Town Meeting and that the high attendance on Monday showed how the town was more engaged in local issues.

“I think giving them some help would be not only beneficial to the current Select Board, but to the town as well in terms of representation,” Pillai said.

Select Board Chair Rich LaCamera has said that government should stay smaller rather than expanding.

At the next local election, three members will be elected to the Select Board in order to expand it to five members. 

The person receiving the most votes will serve a three-year term, the person receiving the second-most votes will serve a two-year term, and the person receiving the third-most votes will serve a one-year term.

Residents narrowly voted against installing recall measures, with 193 votes against and 171 votes in favor.

Resident Brynna Donahue cited the fact that the state constitution allows elected officials to be recalled for any reason. Supporters of the article said having recall measures holds elected officials accountable.

Opponents cited the lack of reasons for recalling an official, while those in favor said the article would establish another measure of accountability for elected officials.

Fabian said she thought the town could get sued over the article if it was passed without criteria for a recall. Town Moderator Kathryn Goodfellow said a lawsuit over the article is possible, but all articles have to be approved by the general court before they take effect.

Town Meeting voters elected to keep Town Clerk as an elected position as opposed to allowing the Select Board to appoint a Town Clerk.

Those who wanted to keep the position elected said they wanted to keep the power in the hands of residents. Those who wanted the position appointed cited the fact that an appointed role allows the town to look for candidates outside of Lakeville who may already have experience in a Town Clerk’s office.

An elected Town Clerk must be a Lakeville resident. Current Town Clerk Lillian Drane plans to retire when her term expires. Drane said it took her 12 years to earn two Town Clerk certifications from the state.

Having an experienced person makes a significant difference, she said. 

“There’s no way you can do my job and be ready on day one,” said Town Clerk Lillian Drane. “Good luck, Lakeville, if they try to do that.”