End of an era in Fremont

Fremont Town Hall Meeting

FREMONT- On a Saturday winter night, 150 residents of Fremont (population 4,075) gathered to participate in their last town hall meeting.

In recent elections, voters approved the controversial bill SB2, which replaces the town hall meeting with ballot questions.

In their last town hall meeting, voters debated and voted on items ranging from fixing roads, to setting aside money for a historical museum and allocating money for a mosquito control program.

"I think getting rid of the meeting means that there will be no discussion except for lawn signs," Town Moderator Bob Rydeen said.

Rydeen, who has been overseeing town hall meetings for over twenty years, said, "The old ones were more interesting. There were times when I'd have to say ‘ok, guys take it outside.'"

"I used to know everyone by name, now there's so many people that it's next to impossible to be personal," he added.

Fremont Police Lieutenant Reese Bassett also harkened back to previous town meetings.

"A lot of people who would come in would remind you of ‘old yankees' and they'd add a little humor to the meeting. The meeting would be more interesting," Lt. Bassett said.

Rydeen argued eliminating the traditional town hall meeting takes away from the states' character.

"Why don't we reduce the state legislature, it would be more productive but it wouldn't be New Hampshire."

Though voters have decided to get of the meeting, people are optimistic it could make a comeback.

"People think it will be more efficient, but I think after a couple years people will want it back," said Lt. Bassett.