Some residents think Hopkinton would be better off with fewer selectmen, and have petitioned the town to consider reducing the board from five to three members.

More than 100 residents signed the petition, which asks voters to decrease the number of Board of Selectmen members, beginning with the 2009 elections, when all three positions open.

To comply with legal guidelines, selectmen will host a public hearing on Monday, March 3, to field questions from the community on the issue. The meeting begins at 6 p.m., at Town Hall.

Selectmen Chairman George Langwasser said there are pros and cons to having three board members rather than five. One downside to the potential decrease would be the danger of spreading selectmen too thin.

“With the town and the size of it and the number of committees in town, we try to put a selectman on each committee. If we have three (board members), it’ll make for a busy schedule for anyone who wants to run,” said Langwasser. “It may deter people from running because of the time required not only for the meetings each week, but for the committee meetings.”

He also said having three board members could mean an easier time coming to conclusions.

“Others would argue that three members can each have their say and come to a conclusion and do it in a more expeditious manner,” he said.

Interim Town Administrator Bob Veloski spoke of the benefits of each variety of government.

“With five (members), there is a broad experience range to draw on,” he said. “With three selectmen, it can be easier to get a decision because you won’t run into that undecided final vote. In some ways it’s easier.”

Many times, according to Langwasser, having five different opinions can be in the best interest of the town.

“Five people on the board have five possibilities for opinions and information on any subject. Perhaps you get more of a rounded view on any particular subject that comes before the board,” he said.

Taking away those two voices may take away some of the voice of Hopkinton residents, according to Langwasser.

“What you’re really trying to do is get a feeling of the taxpayers and the voters and make an informed decision and see how you’ll vote on any subject,” he said. “With five people, you get a good cross section of the feelings of the town. With three, you’ve really narrowed down those views.”

In the end, Langwasser said he will be willing to adapt to whatever the voters decide.

“The times change and the town changes. There is more involvement in running a town government and hearing people's opinions on any given subject,” said Langwasser. “My feeling is whatever the town wants. I serve the town and the taxpayers. I was elected by the citizens and that’s who I serve. It is what those people vote that I am in favor of.”