Falmouth official urges change to appointed town clerk ahead of 2026 elections

Robert Muscalli, chair of the Falmouth Select Board, told the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government he supports House Bill H5107 to amend Falmouth's charter to change the town clerk from an elected to an appointed position.

Muscalli said longtime elected clerk Michael Palmer has announced plans to retire after the town's upcoming elections and that the change will appear on a local ballot on May 19, 2026. He said the town has more than 28,000 registered voters across eight polling locations and that state and federal elections later in the year make it important to be able to place an experienced, qualified clerk in office quickly to ensure efficient administration of upcoming elections.

"H 5107 ... is of paramount importance and comes before you with some urgency," Muscalli said, adding that the town hopes the committee will move the bill forward with a favorable report. He thanked Representative David Viera for sponsoring the bill and urged committee members to support it.

Muscalli also noted the Cape region is recovering from recent events and expressed appreciation for state support; he closed by reiterating Falmouth's request that the committee act so the town can secure a qualified clerk to manage the election cycle.

No committee vote or formal action on H5107 occurred during the hearing; Muscalli's testimony was presented as part of the committee's public comment record and proponents were invited to submit written testimony.