Norwood Selectmen Vote 3-1 to Oppose Tax-Cutting Proposition 2 1/2-October 16, 1980

Grappling with the looming financial threat of a statewide tax-limitation ballot initiative, the Board of Selectmen voted 3 to 1 last night to officially go on record opposing Proposition 2 1/2 ahead of the November 4 election.

Local assessors had previously registered their opposition to the measure, and selectmen warned that if passed by voters, the tax-cut proposal would slash millions of dollars from the town’s operating budget and trigger sweeping municipal layoffs.

Divergent Views Among Town Leaders

While the majority of the board moved to take a firm stand, Selectman Walter J. Dempsey dissented, expressing opposition to taking a formal administrative position on how citizens should cast their ballots. “I’m not particularly in favor of telling people how to vote,” Dempsey stated, declining to reveal how he personally intended to vote on the question.

Back in August, selectmen had agreed to collaborate with assessors and the school department to compile and distribute informational data detailing the fiscal impact Proposition 2 1/2 would impose on Norwood, stopping short at that time of taking an official stance. Similarly, the school committee opted to remain neutral, with Chairman William F. Pudsey remarking that how individuals vote is entirely a matter of personal conscience.

Unanimous Support for Mandate-Limitation Question

While division surrounded Proposition 2 1/2, the board found complete consensus on another statewide ballot measure. Selectmen voted unanimously to endorse Question 5, a legislative reform measure designed to curb the power of the Massachusetts General Court from imposing costly, unfunded mandates on local municipalities.

Aladdin’s Granted Extended Hours and Liquor License

In other routine municipal business, selectmen voted 3-1—with Walter J. Dempsey opposed—to grant Aladdin’s restaurant, located at 1112 Washington St., regular operating hours and an extended 1:00 a.m. liquor license.

Formerly known as Dealer’s Cafe, the South Norwood establishment had operated under restrictive licensing for several years. Owners Paul and Marie Williams expressed relief at the board’s decision, emphasizing the hard work invested in rehabilitating the establishment’s reputation.

Paul Williams explained that the new license shifts last call from 11:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Furthermore, the kitchen—which specializes in Near East cuisine—extended its service hours from 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. to accommodate patrons enjoying after-dinner drinks. Marie Williams noted that the restaurant has successfully cultivated a steady clientele drawing from neighboring towns.

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