By BOB TUROSZ
NORTH READING — Joe Foti won’t be seeking a second term on the Board of Selectmen.
Foti, whose term ends in two months, sent word that he won’t be a candidate for re–election the town’s May 5 annual town election. The announcement was made by Selectmen Chairman Robert Mauceri at the Jan. 12 Selectmen’s meeting.
Foti had planned to be present that evening to make the announcement himself but was prevented from making the meeting because of his duties as Director of Public Works in Chelsea.
“Mr. Foti wanted to make sure the word officially gets out so potential candidates can have the opportunity to make a decision and get themselves organized,” Mauceri said.
Potential candidates for Selectman and any other office on the May 5 ballot have until Tuesday, March 17 to file nomination papers with the Town Clerk. There is one other Selectman’s seat up for renewal in 2015: incumbent Stephen O’Leary announced his intention to run again a few weeks ago.
The other Selectmen expressed regret that Foti will be leaving the board in May and said they will wait until a future meeting to thank him for his efforts and contributions.
May 5 ballot
In related business, the May ballot is slowly filling up as other candidates have been coming forward.
School Committee
There are two three–year seats up for renewal. So far, incumbent Jerry Venezia and first time candidate Julie Koepke have taken out papers to run.
Moderator
Incumbent John Murphy has pulled papers to run for re–election to the one–year seat.
Community Planning Commission
There are three seats up for renewal. Incumbent Patricia Romeo will run for a one–year unexpired term. William Bellavance, who was appointed to the CPC in November, will run for a full three year term. The third seat is held by present CPC Chairman Daniel Mills, who hasn’t pulled papers yet.
Housing Authority
Incumbent Mary Prenney has pulled papers to run for a five–year term.
