Election 2025: Bill Beyer for Town Moderator

This article is a part of the Burlington Buzz Election 2025 Series, in which we profile each candidate for election. This year's election is on April 5, 2025, and our mission is to make it easy for all registered voters to vote by ensuring the community has access to information about the candidates and issues on the ballot. ELECTION CORNER

With nearly a decade of experience as Town Moderator, Bill Beyer is once again asking for the support of Burlington voters as he seeks re-election. Beyer has deep roots in civic engagement and says he offers experience, a passion for local government, and a vision for an effective and well-prepared Town Meeting.

Beyer grew up in nearby Wakefield, where public service was a family tradition. His parents were actively involved in local government, and their work inspired him to follow suit. Though his career as a geologist took him out west for a decade, he ultimately returned to Massachusetts, settling in Burlington 30 years ago.

One of his first orders of business was get involved in local government. “If this was going to be home, I had to be involved,” Beyer said.

Beyer started with Town Meeting and later joined the Ways and Means Committee, where he served for 12 years, including four as chair. His extensive experience in town governance led him to run for Town Moderator, a role he has now held for eight consecutive years.

Beyer says his primary duty as Moderator is to ensure Town Meeting functions smoothly and effectively. “My job is to help Town Meeting do its job,” Beyer explained. He collaborates with presenters to refine their materials, making sure information is clear and complete. He prides himself on creating an environment where informed discussions take place, ensuring that members have access to all relevant information to make thoughtful decisions.

For Beyer, the best part of serving as Town Moderator is being a part of Burlington’s democratic process.

“Watching Town Meeting work is just a pleasure to me because I think it is the heart of our local government,” he said. His role allows him to support and facilitate the town’s legislative process without directing its outcome, ensuring that discussions remain fair, orderly, and productive.

Beyer’s ideal Town Meeting is one where every member comes fully prepared, having read all materials and ready to participate in discussions While he can’t force members to read the materials provided, Beyer says, he works hard to ensure they have access to comprehensive and relevant information. “I harangue people to provide more information so that Town Meeting members can get as much information as is available,” he said.

Beyer is excited to continue serving as Town Moderator and is eager to bring his experience and dedication to another term. He acknowledges that the role is one of continuous learning and improvement.

“This is not a job that you walk into and you're ready to do it from the very beginning,” he said. “It’s a constant learning process.” His involvement in the Massachusetts Moderators Association allows him to continue this learning, keep up-to-date on best practices, and learn what's working from other communities.

As he looks to another year in the role, Beyer remains committed to ensuring that Burlington’s Town Meeting remains a fair, informed, and effective governing body.

Bill Beyer is running unopposed to retain his seat as Town Moderator. Learn more about the role of Town Moderator, and visit our Election Corner for more information about the April 5, 2025, Burlington Town Election.