The Current has been reporting on the Nov. 3 election, when voters will decide several key races as well as nine ballot questions. On Oct. 7, we reported on the local impacts of Questions 1-5. Here’s a look at Questions 6-9.
Question 6: A fund for conservation and recreation
Question 6 would create a dedicated source of funding for conservation and outdoor recreation.
than for general state spending.
A “yes” vote would establish the Nature for All Fund and dedicate certain existing state tax revenues associated with sporting goods, recreational vehicles and golf to conservation and recreation programs.
The money could be used for projects involving parks, trails, forests, wildlife habitat and other natural resources.
A “no” vote would leave those revenues available for the state’s general spending needs rather than earmarking them for the new fund.
Supporters argue that dedicated funding would provide reliable investment in natural resources. Critics of earmarks generally argue that lawmakers should retain flexibility to determine spending priorities from year to year.
The Marblehead Recreation and Parks Commission declined to comment on Question 6.
Question 7: State rules for single-family home lots
Question 7 puts housing — and local zoning authority — before voters.
A “yes” vote would allow single-family homes to be constructed by right on certain residentially zoned lots that meet minimum requirements, including at least 5,000 square feet of lot area, 50 feet of frontage and connections to public water and sewer.
That could override more restrictive local zoning requirements in some communities.
A “no” vote would leave those decisions primarily under existing state and municipal zoning laws.
Supporters see the proposal as one way to increase housing supply in a state struggling with high prices and limited inventory. Opponents argue that zoning decisions should remain primarily under local control and that statewide standards may not account for differences among communities.
The question could be particularly relevant in built-out communities such as Marblehead, where zoning, density and housing have already been prominent issues.
Select Board Chair Dan Fox opposes Question 7.
“I believe decisions about zoning and appropriate density should remain primarily with local communities,” Fox wrote to the Current. “A one-size-fits-all statewide mandate does not adequately recognize the significant differences among municipalities.”
Fox continued, “In a built-out community like Marblehead, where small lots, narrow streets, infrastructure limitations, parking and neighborhood character all matter, eliminating local zoning requirements could have significant unintended consequences. We absolutely need to address our housing shortage, but we should do so thoughtfully and in a way that allows each community to plan responsibly for its own needs and limitations.”
Planning Board Chair Marc Liebman also opposes the measure.
“On a more specifically Marblehead level, this change has the ability to majorly reshape our neighborhoods, density and population,” he said. “These changes will threaten our ability to work as a board to maintain the character and charm of this beautiful, historic, seaside community where I have lived my entire life.”
Liebman added, “We have approximately 20,000 residents in approximately 4 square miles, and it appears that we will pick up over 100 new units between Broughton Road, the Glover House project (if approved), with potential for more on the site of the Coffin School. This is a significant amount of new growth in a short period of time, and I would like to allow our various departments to adapt and provide level services prior to additional major changes to our density.”
Liebman concluded, “To summarize, I think that although some of the spirit behind many of the recent zoning changes are reasonable, the implementation has been poor. The burden of this poor implementation has fallen on each and every town in the Commonwealth and arguably hit our small town the hardest.”
Housing advocate Mimi Hollister supports Question 7.
“It seems quite reasonable,” Hollister said. “Many local zoning regs remain in place, and the main effect is simply on lot size if someone has access and wants to build on a smaller lot. It’s a lot like 3A. It guarantees nothing but allows for more if someone comes along with a plan.”
Housing advocate Kurt James said the proposal involves competing priorities.
“As with many decisions, this involves a balancing act between two priorities,” he said. “On the one hand, local communities want to preserve the character of their towns. On the other hand, if we don’t create more housing, we will continue to experience a flight of workers and businesses. This proposal seems like a logical extension of the ADU statute, which allows for more density on a particular lot.”
Question 8: Rolling back recreational marijuana legalization
A decade after Massachusetts voters legalized recreational marijuana, Question 8 asks them to reconsider a major part of that decision.
A “yes” vote would prohibit retail sales of recreational marijuana and repeal provisions allowing home cultivation. It would also change possession limits and establish civil penalties for certain violations.
A “no” vote would preserve the current system of legal, regulated recreational marijuana sales.
Medical marijuana would not be the central target of the measure.
Massachusetts voters approved recreational marijuana legalization in 2016, and retail sales began in 2018. Question 8 therefore represents an unusual reversal: Voters are being asked whether to substantially undo a policy they approved at the ballot box 10 years earlier.
Supporters of repeal have raised concerns about public health and the effects of widespread marijuana availability. Opponents argue that ending legal retail sales could revive an illicit market while eliminating tax revenue and disrupting an established regulated industry.
The Current contacted Marblehead Public Health Director Andrew Petty and all Board of Health members for their views on Question 8 but did not receive responses.
Question 9: The state’s 2024 gun law
The final question asks voters to decide the fate of a sweeping firearms law enacted by Massachusetts lawmakers in 2024.
A “yes” vote would repeal the law.
A “no” vote would keep it in place.
The 2024 legislation made numerous changes to Massachusetts firearms regulations, including provisions dealing with assault-style firearms, licensing, firearm registration and so-called ghost guns.
Supporters of repeal argue that the law places burdens on lawful gun owners without adequately addressing violent crime and contend that some provisions are confusing or overly broad.
Supporters of keeping the law say it strengthens Massachusetts’ gun-safety framework, addresses emerging firearms technology and helps prevent dangerous weapons from reaching people who should not possess them.
Marblehead Police Chief Dennis King declined to take a position on whether the law should remain in place, saying that decision belongs to voters.
“I have always stated we enforce the law as written, and the policy choice belongs to the voters,” King said. “That’s my position on ballot Question 9, and any other ballot questions.”
Emily DeJoy, with the Marblehead Republican Town Committee, said the local GOP supports Question 9.
“The MRTC believes Massachusetts should protect public safety while also respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens,” she said. “We believe the 2024 law places significant additional restrictions and requirements on lawful gun owners without adequately demonstrating that those measures will address the underlying causes of violent crime.”
She added, “We also believe firearms legislation should be clear, practical and focused on individuals who misuse firearms — not broadly burdensome requirements for otherwise lawful citizens. The question before voters is whether to retain or repeal the law enacted in 2024.”
To read the Current’s coverage of Questions 1-5, click HERE.
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