Pecoraro may leave School Committee for Selectmen, Conti leaves Board
Published on January 10th, 2001
STONEHAM, MA - Mid-term School Committee member Mary Pecoraro wants to be a Selectman, and Selectman Al Conti wants out.
Pecoraro of 5 Walsh Avenue pulled papers last Friday.
Hats were also thrown in the ring in the past week by incumbent Housing Authority member William F. Jordan of 57 Hancock Street, incumbent Library Trustee Susan Waldman Fixman of 10 Pebble Place and incumbent Town Moderator Michael J. Rotondi of 79 Westwood Road.
Pecoraro is the first surprise of the young campaign season. If she were to win, she would have to resign from the School Committee under Stoneham law. State law states that a joint committee of Selectmen and School Committee members would appoint Pecoraro’s replacement by a majority vote.
Pecoraro said she wants to be an integral part of hiring a new Town Administrator — if Jeff Nutting gets the Franklin job tonight — and a new Police Chief. Passaro plans to retire in October of 2001.
“These are two very important jobs that could affect the town for the next 20 years,” Pecoraro said.
In response to the question of why she has not resigned from the School Committee, Pecoraro says that she feels an obligation to work on the school budget.
“I know the budget process,” Pecoraro said. “It’s hard for a new person to come in the middle.”
As a Selectman Pecoraro said that she would continue to advocate for the schools as well as for public safety and work toward the overall goal of improving the quality of life in Stoneham.
Only one incumbent, Patrick Jordan, will be vying for the two seats on the Board; Al Conti has decided not to run for re-election.
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