
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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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…
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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,…
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Norwood Meeting Bill Passes-July 27, 1966

The Massachusetts Legislature passed a bill spearheaded by Rep. William Butters to expand Norwood town meeting membership from 200 to 300.
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