Gardner MA City Council Elects New Ward 3 City Councilor
According to the City Charter, if there had been another candidate in the last election, the City Council would automatically “appoint” that person to fill the unexpired term. As Councilor Boudreau had run unopposed, the power changes to that of the power to “elect” any resident of Ward 3, and on a 9 to 1 vote, the Gardner City Council elected Paul Tassone. (The term “appoint” was erroneously used in the meeting.) Tassone had previously served as a City Councilor and will serve until January unless reelected in the Fall Gardner election. . Other candidates included Anthony Richard, Michael Cormier, and Jeffrey Palmieri. More on the Ward 3 Councilor below.
Listen to the Meeting on any device. Click Play.
Complete Agenda and Packet, CLICK HERE.
The Way of Regan Street – Council Decision
The Gardner MA City Council voted on motion of Coucilor Craig Cormier to take more time on the issue as Regan Street falls within Ward 3 and Paul Tassone was just elected.
Other Matters Before the City Council
Approve money for: $4,040 to Engineering Dept. for Uptown Rotary Projects – APPROVED — Authorization to borrow $5,380,000.00 for Airport Runway Improvement Project (ultimately covered by grants) and $134,500 directly from the City – APPROVED. Plan is to rescind the approval to borrow once grant funds are received.
Communications from Mayor Nicholson
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson communicated that in the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget, $300,000 was budgeted for snow removal and $384,000 has been expended to date, “mainly due to the costs of salting and sanding the roads.
On the Election of Ward 3 Councilor
Councilors made various statements. Councilor Boone thanked all the candidates and then nominated Paul Tassone stating, “He’s a former Ward 2 Councillor, former School Committee member, and current member of the Gardner Redevelopment Authority and Chamber of Commerce. I’ve known and worked with this candidate for many years, he’s thoughtful and carefully evaluates the facts to make his decisions. He works well with others.” Councilor Judy Mack nominated Anthony Richard stating, “Anthony is new to the area of wanting to run for political office. He has grown up in Gardner. He was brought up by his grandfather….He has a great interest in serving the citizens, and he is working as a Real Estate agent….I was hoping we would have new people run for this position… I would like to see younger people get involved in City Government.” Upon election on a vote of 9 to 1, Paul Tassone was immediately sworn in. He was later congratulated by various other councilors.
Note on spelling of Councilor: It is one of those words which has two correct spellings, councilor and councillor with two ls.