Select Board Member Criticizes "Toxic" Behavior at Town Meeting

Marshfield Select Board Vice Chair Stephen Darcy denounced what he called "embarrassing" and "toxic" behavior at the town's recent December meeting, warning that such conduct discourages civic participation.

Marshfield residents voted against adopting new zoning bylaws to comply with the MBTA Communities Act at a special town meeting in December with 221 in favor and 418 opposed.

During the December 30 Select Board meeting, Darcy specifically criticized attendees who were "screaming at the top of their lungs" during discussions about MBTA zoning, stating that Boy Scouts present to earn merit badges showed better behavior than many adults.

Darcy highlighted personal attacks against public officials, including the targeting of an Advisory Board chair whose workplace photo was posted online. He called out those who booed a Board of Public Works member for supporting a town article, saying she was "ripped to shreds online" and labeled a "traitor."

"If you cannot outmatch the impulse control and temperament of a 2-year-old, you're not part of the solution for our town," Darcy said. "You're a symptom of what ails it."

He expressed concern that toxic behavior is deterring qualified candidates from serving in town government, noting that many first-time meeting attendees "swear they will never come back" due to the hostile atmosphere.

Darcy called for more respectful debate, particularly regarding the MBTA zoning issue, emphasizing that differing opinions on legal risks shouldn't lead to accusations of corruption or malicious intent.

The town meeting discussion of the MBTA Zoning Law can be viewed in the video below.