Alarmed by the sweeping fiscal implications of the impending ballot measure, Norwood town officials have launched an informational campaign to educate residents on the pros and cons of Proposition 2 1/2 ahead of the November election.
Meeting in a special session, local leaders conceded that while the tax-limitation measure enjoys a strong chance of voter approval, its enactment would spell severe administrative hardship.
“Norwood’s budget would be cut by at least $3 million. People don’t know what that means,” warned Town Manager John J. Carroll. Assessor Chairman James Drummey emphasized the necessity of public outreach: “There is an education program to be done. People should know the pros and cons before the November election.” Proposition 2 1/2 would cap property taxes at 2.5 percent of fair market value, strip away school committee autonomy, and eliminate public sector collective bargaining while subjecting every municipal department to deep cutbacks with no exemptions.
During their evening session, the Board of Selectmen agreed to collaborate with the assessors and the school department to compile and distribute data detailing the local impact of the proposed cuts, though they stopped short of taking an official organizational stance. Selectmen Chairman William J. Plasko remarked, “Let the people vote. We’ll have to deal with it. But at least we will be in a position of being able to say we told you so,” noting that the strict cap would choke reasonable municipal growth and force the elimination of vital public services.
In other municipal business during the meeting, selectmen took the following actions:
- Appointed Frank Rodak of Union Street as the town’s new full-time dog officer.
- Denied a request from the town’s rubbish contractor for a 16 percent rate increase in the second year of their contract, acting on the advice of town counsel.
- Continued a police union grievance hearing regarding special-duty traffic detail pay for two weeks.
- Referred Airport Commission Chairman Walter J. Grady to $11,000 in unallocated funds discovered within the commission’s existing budget after denying a $3,000 transfer request for taxiway repairs.
- Commended seven police officers and a civilian dispatcher for their heroic efforts during the pursuit and apprehension of three suspects involved in an August 4 coin shop robbery.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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Amedio DeFlaminis Marks 50 Years as an Election Poll Worker in Norwood-November 1, 1982
Celebrating 50 years working at Norwood’s election polls, Precinct E warden Amedio DeFlaminis shares memories of a half-century serving voters at the Callahan School.
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Civic Recreation Center Plans Survive Referendum Challenge, Water and Sewer Rate Hikes Debated, and Murray Field Lights Set for Removal-September 16, 1981
Plans for a $2.2 million civic recreation center at the former Aaron Guild School survive a referendum test, while selectmen debate utility rate hikes and Murray Field lights.
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Norwood Voters Visit Armory for Last Time-November 6, 1968
Marking the final election held at the historic Nahatan Street Armory, 90 percent of Norwood voters cast ballots to re-elect state representatives, back national tickets, and approve precinct-based voting.
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Proposition 2 1/2 Debate at Town Hall Sparks Heated Clash Over Tax Reform-October 2, 1980
Francis “Chip” Faulkner and State Rep. Gerald Cohen clash in a heated debate at Norwood Town Hall over the tax-cutting ballot initiative Proposition 2 1/2.
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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.
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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.
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State DPW Commissioner John J. Carroll Appointed Norwood Town Manager-November 1, 1978
Leaving the outgoing Dukakis administration, State DPW Commissioner John J. Carroll was appointed Norwood’s new town manager by a 4-1 vote of the Board of Selectmen.
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Retiring Congressman James Burke Bids Farewell to Federal Retirees at Norwood VFW Hall-October 31, 1978
Retiring 11th District U.S. Rep. James Burke reflected on his 20-year career, Medicare battles, and advocacy for seniors during an emotional farewell address to federal retirees in Norwood.
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Republican Town Committee Delays Nominations for Board of Registrars-October 24, 1978
The Republican Town Committee delayed nominations for the Board of Registrars by one week to review candidate qualifications and procedures following A. Franklin Swift’s departure due to office-holding conflicts.
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Property Taxes Dominate Norwood’s 1978 Special Election Amid School Committee Recall and Selectman Race-October 23, 1978
Soaring property taxes take center stage in Norwood’s special municipal election, featuring a high-stakes school committee recall, a four-way selectmen race, and a finance commission contest.
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