Norwell Candidates Face Off in Annual Forum as Override Dominates Discussion
Select Board hopefuls outline differing visions on $3.7 million tax measure ahead of May 17 election
NORWELL - May 13 - The Norwell Chamber of Commerce's annual Candidate Night brings together a full slate of candidates seeking town offices, with the contested Select Board race and a proposed $3.7 million override taking center stage.
"Norwell is at a crossroads," says John McGrath, one of three candidates vying for two select board seats. "And with this moment comes an opportunity, an opportunity to choose leadership that values transparency, drives thoughtful decision-making, and prioritizes financial stability and accountability."
The May 13 forum at Norwell Town Hall gives residents a chance to hear directly from candidates before the May 17 election, with polling hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Norwell Middle School.
Select Board Race Highlights Financial Challenges
The three candidates for select board – Mark Cleveland, Lorenda Lane, and John McGrath – present differing approaches to the town's financial challenges, particularly regarding the override.
Cleveland, who currently serves on the Planning Board, opposes the override. "I fully understand that mainly fixed costs, such as health insurance, retirement benefits, and cost increases due to the near hyperinflation we've all experienced recently are behind this override request," he says. "I am not against any and all override situations, but I realize that we are looking at a possible tsunami of expenses in the next few years."
He cites upcoming costs including a new South Shore Tech building, high school, water treatment facility, and potentially a community center.
"The necessary tax increases caused by all these projects and expenses will hit seniors, young families, and anyone down on their luck the hardest, forcing some out of town," Cleveland says. "And I have to ask, do we care?"
Lane, who describes herself as bringing "creative and strategic problem solving" to the table, acknowledges the override's complexity but supports it.
"I do understand that originally it was set at a $5 million plan that was reduced to $3.7 million with thoughtful and careful work," she says. "Whether more time could have allowed that to become a number that would be even less controversial remains a question."
Lane emphasizes the need for comprehensive planning and business development to address the town's financial challenges.
McGrath, who currently chairs the Advisory Board, strongly supports the override. "What I didn't like about this override is for the last 12 years, Norwell cut a lot of the fat away from one override to the next. This override, these cuts, it cuts into bone. We're not cutting into fat anymore. It will impact the foundational structure for Norwell."
He proposes implementing financial planning software to provide greater transparency and better long-term planning for the town.
School Committee Candidates Address Educational Needs
Christina Kane, seeking her fourth term on the school committee, defends the override from an educational perspective.
"For the school committee, we have been continuously trying to make use of every single dollar," Kane says. "The schools have been digging sometimes at the bottom of, very much at the bottom of the barrel again and again. And this is, for the schools, I can absolutely say that this is not reactionary."
Scott Dyke, running unopposed for a second school committee seat, emphasizes his commitment to strategic planning. "I believe in the value of long-term strategic planning, making decisions now that will set us up for years and years in the future that will pay dividends over time."
Other Contested and Uncontested Races
The Board of Assessors features a contested race between incumbent Mary Granville and challenger Sean Joyce.
Granville, a certified appraiser with four years on the board, emphasizes her professional qualifications. "I am a certified, Massachusetts certified appraiser, and I've been on the Board of Assessors for the town of Norwell for the last four years."
Joyce, who currently serves on the Housing Authority, positions himself as bringing fresh perspective. "My goal, if elected, is to ask the tough questions. I want to bring transparency to that seat, to the constituents of Norwell. I want to bring accountability."
Uncontested races include Frederick St. Ours for Board of Water Commissioner, Glenn Ferguson for Highway Surveyor and Director, Matthew Greene for Town Moderator, Nancy Dooley for Norwell Housing Authority, Brian Greenberg for Planning Board, and Danielle Shepherd for Town Clerk.
St. Ours discusses the town's efforts to address PFAS in the water supply, while Ferguson highlights his work on roadways and public spaces. Greene explains his role in maintaining Town Meeting procedures, and Shepherd outlines her vision for modernizing the Town Clerk's office.
"I am running for election because I want to build a modern town clerk's office focused on providing taxpayers and staff at town hall with accurate efficient services in a positive and professional atmosphere," Shepherd says.
The forum concludes with a reminder from the Chamber of Commerce about the importance of voting on May 17.