Town meetings would periodically 'select' prominent citizens to perform the business of the town between town meetings. Gradually, town functions became involved enough to require more consistent supervision. Borrowing the concept of councils from their English heritage, the colonists began to elect between three and nine 'select men' or 'townsmen' to serve for fixed terms. Beginning with Dorchester in 1633, towns in Massachusetts quickly adopted this unique form of government. Initially, the powers and duties of selectmen differed from town to town.
Selectmen have at least four important powers under state law.
The Selectmen set policy and strategic direction, coordinate the activities of other boards, and hear appeals and resolve problems that have not been settled at lower levels. The Board of Selectmen sometimes use its general policy-making powers to help set strategies and goals for the Town concerning land use and environmental issues. Leadership is the most important role of selectmen. They make decisions based on facts, data, logic, and empathy, even if at times these decisions are unpopular. They lead by example, not by words, raw power or manipulation.