Local elections matter. In many communities in Massachusetts a Select Board serves as mayor and city council. There is one seat open on Hingham's Select Board and three candidates vying for the position. It's a demanding, often thankless job. Hingham's Select Board met 80 times last year. The Board calls town meeting and figures out what’s on the agenda. Members are then in charge of implementing whatever gets voted on. They manage town finances and set the budget. They hold public meetings on town issues. They appoint not only the town administrator, but department heads, most of the members for boards and commissions. They enforce town by laws and regulations. They’re the licensing board for everything from restaurants and liquor licenses to limousines and they’re the commissioners for the water and police department. When it comes to town government, these are the most powerful positions. www.thehinghamcast.com