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

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