Politics & Government

League of Women Voters Elects Acton Resident as Co-President

The Mass. League of Women Voters recently announced its new elected board and directors.

Marilyn Peterson proudly admits being a member of the League of Women Voters is something that's "in my blood."

She's been a part of the League for more than 30 years, has been on the board of the State League, and has been the co-chair of the Acton League for the last six years.

Because of her commitment, she was an obvious choice to be elected co-president of Massachusetts State League of Women Voters at a recent meeting in Peabody.

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"It was the perfect thing to do when we had younger children," the Old Village Road resident said, explaining why she first joined the League. "It was an opportunity to deal with substantive issues, local government, transparency. We studied issues on schools and produced Know Your Town and Know Your Schools."

Peterson is active in local activities such as the Domestic Violence Task Force, Acton Appeals Board and others.

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She has been an LWVMA director working with the membership and local League services committee and is a Scharfman trustee.

But one of the things she is most proud of are the bonds she has kept with those involved.

"It's the people who become your friends, long-lasting friends," she said. "And the fact that we've been able to work along with the town on improving Town Meeting, always working to increase attendance, (it's an ongoing challenge) we want to make it an event so they understand what is going on."

During Monday's Special Town Meeting, Peterson and other League members will hand out cards explaining how make a motion, an amendment, and other terms you typically hear.

"It's a nice reference card," she said. "It will make it easier for people who haven't attended and encourage them to attend more."

Peterson joins a group of newly elected board members and directors from all over the Commonwealth. Each of them has been elected to a two-year term lasting until May 2015.

Peterson said one of the things she plans to be involved with are the Candidates' Night events during elections.

"I will be attending events across the state that local leagues are running," she said.

See the full press release on the League of Women Voters MA site.


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