The second citizens’ petition filed for this year’s Town Meeting—to elect the members of the Finance Committee rather than have them appointed by the town moderator—raises interesting questions about the role of the committee and the process for appointing its members. The Finance Committee puts together the town’s budget and advises Town Meeting on articles with financial implications. Its recommendations sway voters only if the voters have confidence in the work the committee has done to arrive at its recommendations, which, on the whole, they do. Harvard’s Finance Committee has earned the town’s trust.

The process for appointing committee members has probably always varied a bit, depending on the town moderator and the Finance Committee. Without some checks and balances, a town moderator with an agenda could—if enough vacancies occurred—influence how conservative or liberal the committee might become. On the other hand, nothing encourages political agendas like elections. Some middle way, between one person appointing and all people voting, could be found to safeguard the balance of the Finance Committee. But it will take thought and discussion and time—more time than we have to make a decision for this year’s Annual Town Meeting.