Seasonal Provincetown Residents Seek More Say In Local Issues

Part-time residents of a Cape Cod town say they want more of a voice in local government issues.

In Provincetown, part-time residents estimate they provide about 85 percent of local taxes and want to have more input. The Cape Cod Times reports Provincetown's current charter only allows part-time residents to serve as alternates on non-regulatory boards if there are not enough registered voters.

Provincetown Select Board member Thomas Donegan says non-resident taxpayers can participate in budget hearings, even though they can't vote on town issues. Donegan also notes seasonal residents rarely attend budget hearings or send in comments.

Provincetown Part-Time Resident Taxpayer Association member Scott Van Hove says he thinks seasonal residents will have to petition the Massachusetts Legislature for changes.