Before voting on whether to decrease their town’s Board of Selectmen from five members to three, Hopkinton residents had the opportunity to hear the pros and cons of the citizen-petitioned warrant article that will be on the March 11 ballot.

About 20 residents attended the Monday, March 3, public hearing hosted by board members to inform residents before making their decision on Election Day.

“Unlike some, I like the debate and having more opinions,” said Selectman Tom Congoran. “I’m concerned by a three-person board being taken over by one personality.”

Several board members shared Congoran’s sentiment, including Scott Flood.

“There is no unanimity on our (current) board. There is often debate and that is a good thing,” said Flood. “The debate and discussion is healthy and really pure democracy.”

One resident in attendance in favor of the three-person board was Janet Krzyzaniak, who sits in the Town Hall during most selectmen meetings. Krzyzaniak was one of the signatures on the petitioned warrant article.

“I personally think that five (board members) is more cumbersome and it takes longer to get through opinions,” she said. “I’ve seen five and I’ve seen three, and I just feel that you get more done with less people.”

*** McIntire said he does not believe the board is in need of change.

“I am receptive to the value of speed and value of word, but I also realize the importance of quality,” said McIntire. “I think you can have all three qualities with five selectmen.”

Another concern with the switch to three board members is the potential of spreading board members too thin between the various committees in town.

“The move may end with some committees not having a selectman on it,” said Selectmen Chairman George Langwasser. “Would this discourage people from running for office that have the consideration for the community at heart, but aren’t able to make the time commitment?”

Resident Beth Taylor said the move to three selectmen could also take away from Hopkinton’s appeal.

“I think we should stay at five members, because it’s more democratic,” she said. “I think if we made the switch, Hopkinton would lose some of its small-town character. I think the true beauty of a small town would be lost.”