Select Board Opens 2026 Warrant, Debates Nicotine-Free Generation Policy
Select Board · Meeting of January 7, 2026
Ashland Select Board opens May warrant, invites board of health input on nicotine policy. Public Health Director Rajit Gupta and Dr. Zachary Rich presented a Nicotine-Free Generation proposal targeting youth initiation; 21 Massachusetts towns have already adopted it.
Board members expressed concerns about local retailer impact and questioned whether the policy restricts adult choice without reducing youth access. Ed Burman, Board of Health Chair, suggested the matter belongs at town meeting via citizen petition rather than board action. Board member Yolanda Greaves recommended a public forum with high school students before any vote.
In other business, the board unanimously opened the warrant with a February 27 notice-of-intent deadline and voted to approve consent-agenda items including the appointment of Jeffrey Tucci as Local Building Inspector, Hannah Bowlby as Recreation Administrative Assistant, and Elizabeth Byrnes to the Stormwater Advisory Committee.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 563 words
Source: the Select Board meeting of January 7, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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