Fast-Paced Selectman Campaign Takes Shape Following Death of Charles “Lopey” Rich-August 16, 1976

Candidates eyeing the board of selectmen seat left vacant by the August 6 death of Selectman Charles “Lopey” Rich face a tight timeline for the October 5 special town election. Town Clerk Bartley W. Connolly announced that nomination papers must be filed by August 31, requiring candidates to secure the signatures of 50 registered voters. Certified papers must be returned to the town clerk by September 7, with voter registration closing on September 15. The winner of the off-season election will serve the remainder of Mr. Rich’s term through the 1979 annual election.

With the brief moratorium on politicking out of respect for the late selectman coming to a close, several prominent figures have emerged as potential contenders:

Allan D. Howard, former finance commissioner who was defeated by Mr. Rich in January, is the sole formally announced candidate.
Thomas A. Riolo, chairman of the planning board, is firmly in the race, while his board colleague Thomas F. Cavanaugh indicated he is “pretty definitely running.”
Paul Angelo, 30-year-old owner of the Olde Colonial Cafe on Savin Avenue and nephew of School Committee Chairman Richard Joseph, stated he plans to take out nomination papers.
E. Peter Bamber, finance commissioner, noted that town charter restrictions bar him from simultaneously seeking another elective office without a ruling from town counsel.
Moderator William J. Plasko remains “completely undecided,” while former selectmen Walter J. Dempsey and Olga Abdallah declined to discuss political plans out of respect for Mr. Rich

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger

Record Field of Twelve Candidates File Nomination Papers for Selectman Special Election-September 1, 1976

An unprecedented field of 12 candidates officially submitted nomination papers by the 5:00 p.m. filing deadline, setting the stage for a crowded October 5 special election to fill the Board of Selectmen vacancy created by the August 6 death of Charles L. Rich. Political observers noted that this exceptionally large roster may establish a local…
Jimmy Carter’s Quiet Campaign Visit to Norwood-July 02, 1976

Before his rise to the Presidency, a little-known Jimmy Carter spent a whirlwind morning shaking hands with residents along Washington Street in 1975.
George Elias Formally Resigns From Finance Commission to Avoid Special Election-October 22, 1974

Former Finance Commissioner George Elias officially resigned his post, timing his departure to avoid a costly special election while hinting at a potential run for selectman.
41 Percent Voter Turnout in Norwood Primary-September 11, 1974

Warm weather and a competitive seven-way Democratic primary drive a 41 percent voter turnout in Norwood, while neighboring Wellesley battles electronic voting delays.
Norwood Novice Upsets Political Veterans to Capture Dem Nomination for State Rep-September 11, 1974

Twenty-two-year-old Harvard graduate William S. Sullivan defeats a field of six to win the Democratic primary for state representative in the 17th Norfolk District.
The 17th Norfolk Representative District Democratic Nomination Race-July 16, 1974

(Pictured, Gregory W. Sullivan) As the summer of 1974 reached its peak, the residents of Norwood were abuzz with excitement and anticipation. The town was on the cusp of a significant event, one that would shape the future of its representation in the state legislature. On this day, July 16th, seven Democrats vied for the…
Norwood Shuffled in State Senate Redistricting Proposals to Fix Constitutional Flaw-August 1, 1973

A reporting discovery by The Patriot Ledger revealed a major geographical flaw in a proposed State Senate redistricting map, forcing a last-minute shuffle of Norwood’s voting precincts.
A Profile of Longtime Norwood Selectman John A. “Alec” Abdallah-October 5, 1968

A profile of longtime Norwood Selectman John A. “Alec” Abdallah, exploring his family roots, political philosophy, and dedication to the town he calls the crown jewel.
140 Citizens Attend League of Women Voters Candidates Night at Norwood Junior High School-October 4, 1968

Approximately 140 citizens attend a League of Women Voters candidates night at Norwood Junior High School to hear state and county hopefuls debate welfare, veterans’ preferences, and government size.
George C. Wallace Brings Presidential Bid To Norwood-July 10, 1968

On July 10, 1968, residents of Norwood and surrounding towns prepared for a visit from former Alabama Governor George C. Wallace, who was scheduled to bring his presidential campaign to the region the following day. As part of his effort to secure the 61,238 signatures required to place his name on the state election ballot,…