
With Norwood’s first recall election in 30 years just days away, the League of Women Voters (LWV) is strongly urging all registered voters to head to the polls on Tuesday, September 5.
In a published statement, league officers emphasized the high stakes of the ballot, noting that “the results will influence the structure of the school committee for the next three years.”
The historic vote stems from recall petitions charging three incumbent school committee members with fiscal irresponsibility for refusing to implement a $618,000 budget reduction approved during the June town meeting.
Contest Details and Election Rules
The ballot features head-to-head matchups for all three targeted seats:
- John H. Chisholm (term expiring 1979) is challenged by William Pudsey and Paul Poznick.
- Henry W. Diggs (term expiring 1980) faces challenger Thomas DiFrancia.
- Richard W. Kief (term expiring 1981) is opposed by Charles Saraca.
Winners will be decided by a simple majority vote of participating residents. Under town election guidelines, if an incumbent is defeated, they are immediately unseated, and the victor assumes responsibilities for the remainder of the unexpired term. Furthermore, any defeated official is barred from receiving appointment to a town office for a period of two years.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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High Voter Turnout Surprises Officials as State Rep. Gregory Sullivan Defeats Challenger Timothy J. McDonough-September 16, 1988

An unexpectedly high 45 percent voter turnout drives state Rep. Gregory Sullivan to a primary victory over School Committee member Timothy J. McDonough.
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Record 787 New Voters Registered in Historic Last-Day Rush for November Presidential Election-October 10, 1984

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Civic Recreation Center Plans Survive Referendum Challenge, Water and Sewer Rate Hikes Debated, and Murray Field Lights Set for Removal-September 16, 1981

Plans for a $2.2 million civic recreation center at the former Aaron Guild School survive a referendum test, while selectmen debate utility rate hikes and Murray Field lights.
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Proposition 2 1/2 Debate at Town Hall Sparks Heated Clash Over Tax Reform-October 2, 1980

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