We, the undersigned residents, property owners, and community members of Bradford, New Hampshire, respectfully ask the Bradford Select Board to adopt a Public Meeting Technology and Transparency Policy establishing consistent use of the Town’s existing livestreaming and recording technology.

Bradford has already invested in technology that allows residents to watch public meetings live and view recordings afterward. This is an important resource for residents who cannot attend meetings in person because of work, family obligations, transportation, health, or other circumstances.

We believe regular meetings of Town boards, commissions, and committees should be held in a location equipped with the Town’s livestreaming and recording system, whenever reasonably practicable, and that the available technology should normally be used.

We recognize that reasonable exceptions may occasionally be necessary, including site visits, technical problems, scheduling conflicts, emergencies, or other legitimate circumstances. This request is not intended to interfere with the ability of boards and committees to conduct Town business.

Rather, we are asking for a consistent Town policy that makes livestreaming and recording the normal practice instead of something that varies from board to board.

Greater access to public meetings:

• Helps residents stay informed even when they cannot attend.
• Creates a reliable historical record of discussions and decisions.
• Can assist boards and staff when preparing or reviewing meeting minutes.
• Reduces misunderstandings about what was said or decided.
• Encourages public participation and confidence in local government.
• Makes better use of technology Bradford taxpayers already provide.

This petition is intended to demonstrate community support for this policy and is not a petitioned warrant article or an attempt to create a new legal requirement under New Hampshire’s Right-to-Know Law.

We respectfully ask the Bradford Select Board to place this matter on a future agenda, consider public input, and adopt a reasonable townwide policy for the consistent livestreaming and recording of public meetings.

If you support making Bradford’s public meetings more accessible and transparent, please add your name.