[MassHistPres] Certified Local Government program

[Roger Reed]

Brookline has been a CLG since 1991.  Part of being a CLG is that certain
standards are encouraged for the appointment of commissioners and the
management of commissions.  Once adopted, it is useful to help make the
case to selectmen or city Council that these standards need to be
maintained "as a CLG".  Unlike most boards and commissions you can argue
that, as a CLG, the local vinyl siding contractor should not be appointed
to serve on your Commission.  

There is no down side.  However the benefits, such as improved opportunity
for grant money, or  responsibility for review and compliance for certain
types of projects at the local level, are much easier to take advantage of
if you have staff support.