Joseph Mokrisky Takes Gavel as Reorganized Select Board Welcomes New Member
Key Points
- Joseph Mokrisky elected Chair of the Select Board in a 4-0-1 vote
- Newly elected Member Laurie Jakes and incumbent Debra Roberts sworn into office
- Stephen Cavey concludes two-year tenure as board leader
- Debra Roberts nominates herself for Vice Chair before meeting broadcast ends
The Stoughton Select Board entered a new chapter Thursday night, electing Joseph Mokrisky as chair during a reorganization meeting held in the Great Hall. The transition followed the town’s recent election, which saw the return of a veteran incumbent and the arrival of a new face to the board’s ranks. The meeting, which shared space with the Finance Committee, highlighted the ongoing coordination between boards as Stoughton navigates a challenging fiscal season.
The session began with the formal swearing-in of Member Debra Roberts and newly elected Member Laurie Jakes. Town Manager Thomas Calter commended both for their commitment to the community following the recent polls. I, too, would like to congratulate Laurie for her election to the select board,
Calter said. You worked very hard, and you were a role model for all of us. And Deborah, your service speaks for itself. I thank you for running again and for winning again.
Outgoing Chair Stephen Cavey, who led the board for the past two years, expressed his gratitude to town staff and the public before vacating the center seat. He specifically thanked the Finance Committee for their flexibility during the reorganization. I do have to say for anybody who's watching this... we have hijacked the Finance Committee meeting,
Cavey noted. The work you guys are doing right now is very difficult and very essential. So my role here is done.
The board moved swiftly to reorganize its leadership. Motion Made by S. Cavey to elect Joseph Mokrisky as Chair. Motion Passed (4-0-1), with Member Scott Carrara abstaining from the vote. Upon taking the gavel, Mokrisky emphasized a desire for stability and evidence-based decision-making as the town approaches its annual legislative sessions. I look forward to working together with staff and the select board and going to town meeting united on the issues and based on facts,
Mokrisky said. He added that the board would continue its relationship with the Finance Committee to work through budget bugs
and serve the best interests of residents.
The reorganization process remained partially unfinished as the public broadcast concluded abruptly. After Mokrisky assumed the chair, Member Debra Roberts put her name forward for the vice-chairmanship. I would like to nominate myself, Deborah Roberts,
she stated. However, a final vote on the position was not recorded before the transcript ended. The reorganized board is expected to finalize its internal structure and continue deliberations on the town’s municipal priorities in the coming weeks.