It’s either feast or famine when it comes to citizens seeking political office. This year the April elections could see a record field of Selectman candidates with interest in a single Planning Board seat, a critical opening for the Town Treasurer’s position and maybe even a rare race for Assessor.
Currently six (6) people have pulled nomination papers for two three year seats on the Board of Selectmen. Joseph Keller has already announced his resignation effect in April thus allowing candidates to come forward for the two remaining years of his term, there are already three names in the pot for that race. Let’s take a closer look at these races.

Selectman, Two Year Vote 1

Paul Gallagher, whose term is up this year, has chosen to pursue the two year term. Gallagher came forward and won a one year seat after the resignation of former Selectman Richard Cretinon who has just completed one year of a five tear sentence for child molestation. After a year of relative calm, Gallagher successfully won a three year seat. Her told the Observer that he chose the two year term which would up to six years of service should he be successful, “That is the equivalent of two full terms” said Gallagher.

He is joined in the race by Health Board and Conservation Commission member William Kavol, former Recreation Commissioner Norm Harbinson, and perennial candidate Mauro Mazzilli. Our guess is that both Mazzilli and Kavol will not return their papers and Gallagher will go one-on-one with Harbinson. These are just projections but we think we’re on the money. But wait…as we to press another candidate pulled papers for this seat. His name is John O’Brien of 77 Cabot Way.
We have no idea who the fellow is but the Street Listing says he is a commercial fisherman. By the way, Town Clerk Mary Lou Murzyn confirmed the fact that although Gallagher is seeking the two year seat rather then the three year seat he currently holds, he will still retain incumbent status and his name will be first on the ballot.

Selectman, Three Year Vote 2

The three year term is another story. Right now there are six names in line for the two seats, they being incumbent Sandy MacFarlane, former Sewer Commissioner Alan Gifford, John A. Rose III who comes by way of the Kingston Youth Sports Organization (KYSO), Planning Board member Dennis Randall, former Kingston Elementary School Committee member Paul Barry, and ZBA Chairman and former 40-R Design Review Committee Vice-Chairman John Haas. Mazzilli may actually pull papers for the three year term just to introduce some comic relief to the race. At any rate, that all adds up to seven.

There is a sense out there in the nether world that MacFarlane may either opt out of the race or stay in it but not campaign. Barry may well be on the fence at this time and Mazzilli, may experience a vision and give up the ghost…which would still leave four candidates for the two seats, and people still have until March 6 to pull papers. Last minute surprises are not unusual in Kingston politics. Candidates who have pulled and returned their nomination papers still have until March 26 to formally withdraw from a race in which case their name(s) would not appear on the ballot.

Treasurer, Three Year Vote 1

It was quite a shock to report that John LaBrache would not be accepting another term. While we don’t always agree with John, his integrity and tireless efforts on behalf of the Town remain unquestionable. He will leave a big hole to fill. Interestingly enough, there could already be a race shaping up since two people have pulled papers. Zoning Board member Lawrence Hunt has pulled papers along with former Selectman/Pottle Street Ball Field Committee Chair Ted Alexiades. We did chat briefly with Hunt who said he is definitely in the race to the final gong and would rely upon 30 years of a financial background to do the job. “I was going to run for Selectman, but when John decided to step down, I thought I could serve the Town better as Treasurer.” Alexiades is the Financial Director for the Town of Hingham.

Again, as the Observer was going to press another gentleman entered the race. His name is Ken Stevens and once served on the Board of Health. What a terrific thing to see this kind of interest to this race.

Planning Board, Five Year Vote 1

There is no question that the Planning Board race will be closely watched. With veteran member announcing that she will not be a candidate, the count is already up to four who seek to replace her. Former 40-R Design Review Committee member and Electrician Ron Gleason will take a run at it after recently being passed over by Selectmen for an appointment to the Alternate’s seat on that Board. We also have three apparent new faces that have taken out papers; Frank J. Elwood, a general contractor from Harvest Drive, Timothy Russell, an architect from Evergreen Street, and David Gavigan, Jr., a systems administrator who sits on the Rent Control Board. It could be a lively race if all four decide to run. We’ll pass on more about these folks later.

Assessor, Three Year Vote 1

We’re putting this on the list even though we are in need of more information. Bill Twohig has been an Assessor for 24 years but has yet to pull papers which would signal his intention to make it 27. We do see that a fellow named Thomas S. Donnelly has pulled papers for the seat which tells us that Donnelly may know something that the general public has yet to hear. Donnelly is a retired school teacher who resides on Longwood Drive. We called Twohig who stated that he very well may not seek another term. “I think new blood is a good thing, every board needs that. I will make a decision shortly.” I think Bill just answered the question… Donnelly may get a walk on this one.

With regard to other positions, our crystal ball tells us there will be no races for Health Board, Housing Authority, Sewer Commission, Town Clerk, Elementary School Committee, Recreation Commission, Silver Lake School Committee, Water Commission, Library Trustee or Moderator. Time will tell if we’ve got a good ear to the ground on all this.