Ms. Froman Taking A 'Break' After Two Terms On Bourne Select Board
After serving two three-year terms, Judith M. Froman feels sad about her decision to not run for re-election to the Bourne Select Board. Bittersweet, perhaps, but it is what she feels is best at the moment.
“I’m still kind of squishy about it,” she said during a phone call with The Enterprise. “I really do enjoy being on committees, on boards, and giving back to the community.” But despite the joy it brings her, she decided that it is time for her to take a break.
The decision comes not long after Bourne’s amended town charter took effect, something Ms. Froman has passionately supported. In that charter, the select board is defined as a part-time five-member board, with its duties and roles essentially being to set goals, make decisions, and generally set the tone for the town.
But for Ms. Froman, it feels like reality has somewhat strayed from those original concepts. She said that while she honestly does not want to leave the board, she feels that an increase in the number of meetings combined with a lack of collective focus has taken away from both the board’s and her own capabilities.
“I feel like I’m not really that effective with that at this moment,” she said, “so I need a break to figure out how I can contribute.”
Ms. Froman said she is hopeful, now that the charter is official, that the select board will return to being an executive part-time oversight board.
Despite feeling sad over her departure, Ms. Froman spoke highly of current town moderator Amy B. Kullar, who recently pulled papers to run for Ms. Froman’s seat on the select board.
“She’ll be wonderful,” Ms. Froman said of Ms. Kullar. “I’m psyched that she’s going to run for the seat.”
Ms. Froman also lauded Bourne’s town staff, calling them “qualified and skilled.”
“We have fine, trained professionals in their fields and it is important to step out of their way and let them do their jobs,” she said. “We need to empower them and make it possible.”