Published February 4, 2021

By MAUREEN DOHERTY

NORTH READING — Incumbent Select Board member Stephen O’Leary has pulled papers to retain his seat on the board in the annual town election May 4. He joins incumbent School Committee member Rich McGowan as the second town official to declare his intention of seeking to retain his seat.

Since 1988, O’Leary has served nine terms on the Select Board — about 25 ½ years. He also served 12 years on the Hillview Commission and remains a member of the Secondary School Building Committee.

“The pandemic is placing unprecedented economic and social obstacles in our ability to meet educational, public health and public safety services and needs. Tremendous economic and human resources are being expended here at the local level. With my colleagues in general government and in the School Department, I will continue to actively participate, with the administration, in the coordination of resources between local, state and federal agencies get our kids back in school, vaccinate the public, support our local businesses and return to some sense of normalcy as soon as it is safely possible. The role of local government is and will continue to be essential,” O’Leary told the Transcript Wednesday morning.

“Aside from the pandemic, there are always challenges and opportunities for communities, such as North Reading. How well we meet, address and tackle them is largely dependent upon the elected and appointed officials’ vision, understanding and ability to effectively communicate, leverage relationships and work together. Good communication creates and sustains public support and trust. Public support and trust is important if we are to avoid distraction and address the issues at hand. Competent, capable employees play an essential role in our measure of success,” O’Leary added.

“Ongoing efforts and initiatives, such as water/wastewater, facilities master plan, age friendly initiatives to address changing demographics, rezoning and investment on Rte. 28 as well as affordable housing are all areas that I expect to continue to be engaged in, if reelected,” he said. “I will continue to work with the School Committee and administration to balance prioritization of resources to adequately support public education while providing vital services to meet the needs of the entire community.” 

O’Leary also pointed out that the majority of the members on the Select Board have  less than two years of experience on the board. “I hope to continue to be a resource to them and the administration as we navigate issues going forward,” he said. 

“It is important for me to acknowledge, like all others who willingly step forward to serve, I wouldn’t be able to devote the time and resources without the support of my family. In my case, I could not continue to serve if I didn’t have my wife’s, Sue, love and somewhat reluctant support!”

“Voting is important. Votes count and voters’ choices have significant impact. I remain committed to serving our town and continue to offer my time, energy, knowledge and experience if the voters choose to re-elect me,” he said.

Two seats each on three town boards plus the town moderator’s position are up for election this year. Select Board, School Committee and Community Planning Commission (CPC) have two seats with three-year terms available. Town Moderator is a one-year term.

Election Day is Tuesday, May 4. The deadline for candidates to return nomination papers to the Town Clerk’s office is Tuesday, March 16 at 5 p.m.

All candidates are required to obtain a minimum of 50 signatures from town residents who are registered to vote in the town of North Reading to be eligible to be included on the ballot. Therefore, Stats advises candidates to submit more than the minimum number of signatures required because her office is unable to certify signatures that cannot be read or are duplicated.

Once a candidate is certified as eligible to run for an elective office, the last day that candidate can choose to withdraw his or her name from the ballot is Thursday, April 1 at 5 p.m. Since COVID-19 restrictions are still in place candidates must make an appointment to obtain nomination papers Call 978-357-5218 during regular business hours.

Elective offices for 2021

The following seats are up for election this year. The names of incumbents are listed in parentheses:

• Two seats for three-year terms on the Select Board (Kate Manupelli and Stephen O’Leary);

• Two seats for three-year terms on the School Committee (Dyana Boutwell and Rich McGowan);

• Two seats for three-year terms on the Community Planning Commission (Ryan Carroll and Bill Bellavance). Please note: Bellavance stepped down and his seat will remain vacant until the CPC and Select Board make a joint appointment to be in effect until election day.

• One seat for a one-year term for Town Moderator (John Murphy);

• One seat for a five-year term on the Housing Authority (no vacancy; this seat will be open for appointment).