County Resolves Leadership Standoff: Wright Elected Chair Following Return of Full Board
PLYMOUTH — February 3, 2026 — Following a week of procedural uncertainty and a 1-1 voting deadlock, the Plymouth County Commissioners have officially reorganized their leadership for 2026. With the return of Commissioner Sandra Wright, the board successfully moved past a previous stalemate to elect her as the new Chair, marking a transition from the three-year tenure of outgoing Chair Jared Valanzola.
The Full Story
The resolution comes after a tense reorganization attempt on January 27. During that meeting, Commissioner Greg Hanley repeatedly declined nominations for the chair, insisting that the vote be delayed until the full three-member board was present. In that initial session, sitting Chair Jared Valanzola offered a nomination to Hanley as an “olive branch” for his 14 years of service, but Hanley refused to participate in what he termed a “charade” while Commissioner Sandra Wright was ill.
The stalemate broke during the February 3 meeting. With all three commissioners present, Commissioner Hanley moved to appoint Commissioner Sandra Wright as the Chairperson for 2026. The motion passed unanimously, officially ending the temporary vacancy in the board’s leadership. Commissioner Wright, expressing gratitude for the board’s patience during her absence, then presided over her first session as Chair.
In secondary leadership moves, the board elected Commissioner Hanley to serve as Vice Chair. The transition signifies a shift in the board’s executive structure after three years of leadership under Valanzola, who remains on the board as a member.
“I have enjoyed these last three years, but I certainly have no problem taking a break... it’s only fair that you have some time as well.” [13:24] — Jared Valanzola (January 27 Meeting)
Beyond the reorganization, the board continues to close out significant regional investments. In late January, the Commissioners presented an $850,000 final ARPA check to the City of Brockton. This final disbursement finalized a partnership that has seen over $20 million in CARES and ARPA funding flow into Brockton for infrastructure, including senior center upgrades and park revitalizations.
Why It Matters
For Plymouth County residents, the resolution of the leadership vote ensures administrative stability and prevents delays in signing county warrants and legal documents that require a permanent Chair’s signature. The elevation of Commissioner Wright to the chair, supported by both Valanzola and Hanley, suggests a return to collaborative governance following the brief procedural friction on the 27th.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To elect Sandra Wright as Chairperson of the Plymouth County Commissioners for 2026.
Vote: 3-0-0 [01:25]
Motion: To elect Greg Hanley as Vice Chairperson for 2026.
Vote: 3-0-0 [01:54]
Motion: To appoint John “Jack” Lally as Special Assistant to the Treasurer. (Jan 27)
Vote: Unanimous ([24:03])
Motion: To increase mileage allowance to $0.725 per mile per 2026 IRS rates (Jan 27).
Vote: Unanimous ([25:07])
Public Comment
The January meeting featured an emotional farewell to veteran WATD reporter Bobbi Clark, who received a citation for 25 years of municipal reporting. No formal public comments were offered during the brief February 3 reorganization session.
What’s Next
With the leadership team finalized, the Commissioners are expected to pivot toward the 2027 budget planning cycle and ongoing regional maintenance projects, including scheduled ceiling and lighting upgrades for the county’s courthouses. Additionally, the Treasurer's office reported that four new communities are in the process of joining the Mayflower Municipal Health Group, with more potentially in the queue [36:33].
Source Videos: Plymouth County Commissioners - Jan 27 | Plymouth County Commissioners - Feb 3