Published in the November 4, 2015 edition
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — If you’ve noticed the latest newspaper in town and wondered why Lynnfield needs a third one, so did the Villager.
Secretary of State William Galvin’s website reveals Selectman Tom Terranova is an investor in the new Lynnfield paper using his Danvers business address, 150A Andover St., Danvers.
Starting a newspaper in today’s environment, with free distribution, is a fiscally demanding endeavor.
The Villager sent Terranova a series of questions about his new business venture, including why he helped bring a third newspaper to town and what his role is with the newspaper.
Terranova responded with the following statement:
“I want to be transparent: I am an investor in the Lynnfield Advocate. I find it interesting that you are writing to me requesting detailed information regarding my private entrepreneurial business activities, particularly with respect to your competitor newspaper, the Lynnfield Advocate.”
Terranova continued, “Have you contacted (Selectman) Phil Crawford regarding his ownership in A.A. Dority, a construction and surety bond business and whether he has directly or indirectly conducted business with and/or benefited from any project, property or debt bonds related to the town of Lynnfield? Have you contacted (Selectman) Chris Barrett regarding his role as a school vice-principal in Everett and whether his employee fiduciary responsibilities to Everett directly or indirectly impact the town of Lynnfield?”
Terranova continued, “Although invasive, these questions at least relate directly to Lynnfield Town Selectmen official responsibilities and not unrelated private business investment activities. If you want to know more about the Lynnfield Advocate, please contact the publisher of the Lynnfield Advocate James Mitchell directly.”
The Villager contacted Mitchell on three separate occasions but he declined commenting on Terranova’s involvement with the newspaper.
A representative from the State Ethics Commission declined commenting on whether it’s a conflict of interest for a selectman to invest in a newspaper in the community he serves. However, the representative said it could be a potential conflict of interest if the newspaper seeks municipal contracts.
