O'Connell Enters Select Board Race, Warns Against Override-Dependent Budget Strategy

WESTFORD — April 24, 2026 — Select Board candidate Megan O'Connell recorded a community-access TV address arguing Westford cannot count on a Proposition 2.5 override to close its structural budget gap. O'Connell, who said she filed nomination papers at the last minute, cited a WCVB Channel 5 analysis of 45 years of override data and her own review of mass.gov figures showing the statewide override success rate has fallen to 47 percent over the past three years, down from more than 60 percent in the prior decade. She argued the town needs a board member focused on operational efficiency from day one after the May 5 election, rather than assuming a future override will pass. The address was a solo candidate statement; no Select Board meeting was convened and no votes were taken.