Selectman Race Grows-August 27, 1976

The field of contenders vying for the Board of Selectmen seat left vacant by the August 8 passing of Charles “Lopey” Rich continues to expand ahead of the October 5 special town election.

Town Clerk Bartley W. Connolly confirmed that three Norwood residents have officially filed nomination papers, while at least four others are actively circulating papers and several more are weighing a run in the contest, which carries no incumbent.

The successful candidate will complete the remainder of Mr. Rich’s term, running through the annual election in 1979. Prospective candidates must secure signatures from at least 50 registered voters and submit their papers to the board of registrars for certification before filing with the town clerk by September 7.

Confirmed Filings and Prospective Candidates

Official Filings: The first three citizens to officially file nomination papers include former selectman Walter J. Dempsey, former finance commissioner Allan D. Howard (who faced Rich in the January election), and retired 32-year Norwood firefighter Joseph S. Stonis of 87 Sumner Street.
Active Declarations: Additional residents gathering signatures or declaring their intent to run include Maria Gil of 1120 Washington Street (co-owner of Dundulis’ Lunch), James A. Barss of 175 Gay Street (an electronics technician with Northrop Corporation), Paul Angelo of 33 Longfellow Drive (owner of the Olde Colonial Cafe on Savin Avenue), and Planning Board Chairman Thomas Riolo.
Undecided or Evaluating: Moderator William J. Plasko has not yet made a final decision on entering the race. Finance Commissioner E. Peter Bamber is awaiting a ruling from town counsel regarding whether the town charter permits him to hold another elective office simultaneously. Planning Board member Thomas F. Cavanaugh could not be reached for comment, while former Selectman Olga Abdallah stated she will wait to run in the annual town election rather than the special vote.

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

Norwood Voters to Test Computerized Punch-Card Ballots in State Primary Election-September 12, 1980

Norwood voters will use a new computerized punch-card ballot system provided by Factory Mutual Engineering Company for the upcoming state primary election.
Town Officials Warn of Disastrous Cuts from Proposed Proposition 2 1/2-August 20, 1980

Facing a potential $3 million budget shortfall, Norwood town officials are mobilizing an educational campaign to warn residents about the severe municipal cuts threatened by Proposition 2 1/2.
Former Registrar A. Franklin Swift Seeks Reappointment Following Conflict-of-Interest Challenge-October 12, 1978

Former registrar A. Franklin Swift asks selectmen for reappointment after clearing multiple town committee roles following a state law challenge raised by Town Meeting member Kenneth C. Ball.
League of Women Voters Urges High Turnout for School Committee Recall Election-August 30, 1978

The League of Women Voters calls on Norwood residents to vote in Tuesday’s historic school committee recall election, the first in 30 years.
State Rep Gregory W. Sullivan Faces Democratic Primary Election Challenge-August 21, 1978

Incumbent State Rep. Gregory W. Sullivan faces a Democratic primary challenge from political newcomer William J. McCarthy in the newly formed 12th Norfolk District covering Norwood and Westwood.
Citizens’ Group Keeps Recall Threat “On Hold” Awaiting Action on Civic Center Replacement-September 9, 1977

Opposition leaders Ambrose J. Kelly and Jeannette M. Troiano state that a recall petition drive against Norwood selectmen remains an active option if replacement Civic Center plans stall.
Charles Strumski Retains Norwood Conservation Seat-August 17, 1977

Despite being denied reappointment by the town manager, veteran official Charles Strumski continues to serve the Norwood Conservation Commission.
Talk of Political “Machine” Scared Voters as Independent Veteran Walter Dempsey Outpaces Challengers-October 8, 1976

Accusations of a localized political machine and municipal cronyism drive Norwood voters to choose veteran independent Walter J. Dempsey over newcomer Angelo at the polls.
Walter J. Dempsey Scores Resounding Comeback Victory in Special Selectman Election While Overseas-October 6, 1976

Walter J. Dempsey stages a stunning political comeback, winning a special Board of Selectmen election by a landslide while vacationing in London.
Personalities May Rule Norwood Vote-September 3, 1976

With a dozen candidates vying for a single vacant seat on the Board of Selectmen left open by the death of Charles L. Rich, the upcoming October 5 special election is shaping up to be a contest driven heavily by personalities rather than a single unifying platform. Notably, more than half of the 12 hopefuls…