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 record, particularly for a special municipal election.

Diverse Roster of Veterans and Political Newcomers

While the race features several seasoned figures in town politics, it is heavily characterized by newcomers vying for the remaining two years and four months of Rich’s term. The official list of 12 candidates features:

• Paul R. Angelo (29, of 33 Longfellow Road), owner of the Oide Colonial Cafe on Savin Avenue, making his first political run (nephew of School Committee Chairman Richard Joseph).
• James A. Barss Jr. (39, of 175 Gay St.), an electronics technician running for selectman for the fourth time.
• Thomas F. Cavanaugh (38, of 42 Windsor Road), a teacher, planning board member, and town meeting member who previously ran for selectman two years ago.
• Walter J. Dempsey (60, of 76 Prospect St.), an insurance broker and political veteran who served multiple terms on the board of selectmen.
• Richard E. Fenton (of 56 Winslow Ave., formerly of Medfield).
• Maria A. Gil (31, of 1120 Washington St.), co-owner of Dundulis’ Lunch, making her first foray into politics.
• Allan D. Howard (31, of 431 Nahatan St.), an insurance auditor, town meeting member, and former finance commission member who previously ran for selectman.
• Derek V. MacKinnon (33, of 634 Normandy Dr.), assistant manager of Norwest Woods Apartments and a 16-year town resident entering politics for the first time.
• John J. O’Day Jr. (32, of 27 Rosemary St.), an insurance adjuster and son of a well-known local physician, making his initial bid for public office.
• Paul Poznick (45, of 19 Phillips Ave.), a quality control engineer and political newcomer.
• Thomas A. Riolo (40, of 45 Driftwood Circle), planning board chairman, insurance agent, and town meeting member.
• Joseph S. Stonis (61, of 87 Sumner St.), a retired Norwood firefighter running for office for the first time.

Analysts suggest that the massive turnout of candidates is driven in part by the upcoming annual municipal election in April, which offers unsuccessful contenders an early platform to establish name recognition before the electorate.

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