April 17, 2025 By Carol Britton Meyer
As Select Board Chair Joseph Fisher prepares to step down after six years of service, fellow board members and other town officials he has worked with or known over the years sang his praises this week during his last regular board meeting in this role.
He is running unopposed for sewer commission in the May 3 town election.
Former select board members Paul Healey and Mary Power thanked him for a job well done, and Stephanie Gertz, who chairs the commission on disabilities, for how much he has done for the town. “I’m particularly grateful for his leadership during COVID,” she said.
Healey said he was happy to pass his select board seat to Fisher when he first was elected to the board and appreciates his collegial approach.
Power, who worked on the board with him for two years, recognized his ability to understand complex issues and his efforts when a zoning board of appeals member to execute hearings efficiently while at the same time ensuring that everyone who wished to speak was heard. A particular challenge was the number of 40B comprehensive permits that went before the ZBA during his time on the board, Power noted.
Hingham Farmers Market president Beverley Vernon said the market couldn’t exist without the select board’s support and expressed appreciation for the guidance Fisher offered to the late HFM president Mark Cullings. “We miss him terribly,” she said.
Fellow board member William Ramsey called Fisher “one of the most impactful board members we have ever had,” leading the board through challenging times. “Every one of his votes was in the town’s best interests,” he said. “I’ll miss seeing you on Tuesday nights. You’ve been a tremendous colleague and friend and have been there for me at different times.”
Fellow select board member Liz Klein called Fisher a remarkable leader, trusted colleague, and dear friend. “His heart, humility, and sense of duty elevated every conversation and decision. His words were always wise, mixed in with bad jokes!” she quipped. “Whether an issue was simple or complex, Joe always approached them with honesty, courage, and a deep understanding of the greater good.”
Town Administrator Tom Mayo learned a number of valuable lessons from Fisher, including the value “of straightforward, often blunt discussion and what that can bring to an outcome.” He also expressed gratitude for “the two- to three-year window of nightmare you brought us through during the pandemic.”
Assistant Town Administrator for Finance Michelle Monsegur noted that Fisher “cares deeply for the town and everyone he works with. You question every assumption, which helps us examine things from every angle,” she said to Fisher. Monsegur has also enjoys his sense of humor.
“You set a high standard, which was sometimes frustrating to town staff, but it always made us better,” Assistant Town Administrator for Operations Art Robert shared.
As a parting gift, a poem in his honor was read:
Ode to Joe
Six years of steering Hingham’s ship, With steady hand and punny quip, Joe Fisher led — a Chair so wise, With dad jokes always on the rise.
From zoning laws to wetlands murk, Joe always did the heavy work. He built up trust, he mended rifts, And gave the Town some major lifts.
With pedal power and biking flair, He fought for lanes with utmost care. If traffic snarled or folks got tense, Joe said, “Just use your common sense.”
Inclusiveness? He led the way. “All welcome here!” you’d hear him say. He listened close — no voice too small — Unless you brought no jokes at all.
In sun or storm, he’d still appear,
Bike helmet on, with all his gear. And Laura, partner, wise and bright — Thank you for sharing him each night.
Now on to pipes and things that drain — The Sewer Commission — his next campaign! He’s flushed with pride, it’s plain to see, To dive into that new… doo-ty.
From zoning pleas to sewer fees, He tackles all with legal ease. He’s truly earned our admiration — For service, jokes, and sanitation.
So raise a glass, or maybe cheer, For Joe — our pun-loving pioneer! A man of grit, a townie treasure, Whose civic heart defies all measure.
Hingham’s pulse beats strong and true — Because of folks like Fisher (that’s you!)
“Wow!” was Fisher’s response. “I am truly humbled by your nice comments and the opportunity to work with each of you. Thank you.”
Update the lighting in back parking lot behind Tosha’s and euro mart……..most of the equipment is already there. Easy upgrade.