DeRensis Reappointed to Governor's Local Government Advisory Commission

The following is a release by DW Boston.

Paul DeRensis, a six term Sherborn Selectmen, has been reappointed by Governor Deval Patrick to a fourth term as a member of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Local Government Advisory Commission (LGAC).   

The LGAC meets regularly throughout the year with Governor Deval Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray, and senior members of the administration to discuss issues facing cities and towns.

The appointment letter from the Governor states in part: “…Lieutenant Governor Murray and I appreciate your willingness to serve the Commonwealth in this capacity. Your experience and sound judgment will contribute substantially to the Commission. Congratulations on your reappointment. I wish you great success as we move forward.”  

DeRensis and other LGAC members were administered the oath of office by Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 in the Governor’s Executive Offices in the State House, Boston.   

“I am honored by the opportunity to serve as a member of this important Commission, and will work with the Committee members to offer ideas and input to the Governor and his team that will help all of the communities of Massachusetts,” said Paul DeRensis.       

DeRensis is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School and a member of the Executive Committee of the Massachusetts Municipal Association.   

According to state law, LGAC “shall consider any matter germane to municipal government and shall file its recommendations, if any, from time to time, with the clerks of the senate and the house of representatives together with drafts of legislation, if any, necessary to carry its recommendations into effect. The commission shall have the following responsibilities: 1. to review and analyze proposed legislation and regulatory changes from the point of view of municipal government and present such point of view to the governor, his executive secretaries and to the general court; 2. to act as an independent advocate for the interests of local governments in their relations with state and federal governments; 3. to advise officials of the commonwealth and the federal government on the needs of local governments, assist in mobilizing state and federal resources to deal with problems of local governments, provide coordinating support to agencies responsible for administering federal, state and local programs, and promote legislative and administrative proposals reflecting the interests of local governments; 4. to establish, from time to time, study committees or task forces to consider issues pertaining to local government in detail and to present the results of those considerations to the governor, the secretaries of his executive offices and to the general court; 5. to meet monthly with the governor and at such other times as the chairperson deems necessary; 6. to meet quarterly with the legislative leadership, and at such other times as may be necessary; 7. to promulgate rules and regulations governing its procedures…and 8. to perform such other like services as the commission shall decide upon.”   

Following the swearing-in ceremony, Paul DeRensis and other members of the LGAC held their first meeting of the year, meeting with senior members of the Patrick-Murray Administration to discuss Fiscal Year 2013 budgetary issues.