Nyman Elected Chair of Hanover Select Board
Former state representative takes leadership role despite concerns about county relationships
HANOVER - May 19 - Rhonda Nyman is the new chair of the Hanover Select Board following a contentious discussion during the board's organizational meeting at Hanover Town Hall.
The election of officers revealed tensions among board members, particularly regarding Nyman's relationships with Plymouth County officials.
Board member Steve Louko expressed interest in a leadership role but faced opposition from outgoing chair Vanessa O'Connor, who voiced concerns about his relationships with town employees and board members.
"I feel that I've been able to make good relationships on both sides of what is sometimes a political minefield in Hanover, and I would love the opportunity to have a leadership role on this board," Louko said.
O'Connor instead nominated Nyman, citing her previous experience as chair and leadership at municipal and state levels.
Louko strongly objected to Nyman's nomination, referencing a confrontation between Nyman and Plymouth County commissioners at a county leadership conference.
"Ms. Nyman did get up and make a speech that was very confrontational with the Plymouth County commissioners, so much so that I had select board members from other towns coming up to me and ask me, what's going on with Hanover?" Louko said.
He suggested Nyman's previous run against a Plymouth County commissioner might have resulted in "political retribution" against the town, potentially affecting funding.
"If what was inferred is true, it just wouldn't do Hanover any good to have Ms. Nyman lead the board, especially where we contribute millions of dollars to the Plymouth County retirement system," Louko added.
O'Connor defended Nyman, characterizing county officials as "a bunch of bullies" and expressing appreciation for Nyman's willingness to stand up to them.
Nyman forcefully rejected Louko's characterization of events, emphasizing her non-partisan approach to local government.
"I think you should do your homework and dive into a little deeper to what actually took place there," Nyman told Louko. "This is a non-partisan seat, and I've been involved in politics for many, many years. I've never seen it ever come into this level."
She highlighted her ability to work across party lines, noting that she, a Democrat, works for the Republican Plymouth County Sheriff.
"I feel like I'm very well regarded amongst my members in this community. I've lived here for over 50 years. I'm invested in Hanover," Nyman said.
Board member Greg Satterwhite expressed disappointment with Louko's comments.
"I'm taken a little bit aback at some of the reasoning that you've thrown out about whether Rhonda would be appropriate for chairing this board again," Satterwhite said. "I think your comments were out of line."
Despite the disagreement, the board voted to elect Nyman as chair. O'Connor was elected vice chair, and Louko will continue as clerk.
After taking over as chair, Nyman thanked the board for their support and addressed Louko directly.
"Steve, I'm sorry you feel that way, certainly. And that's part of the problem, that you might be listening to the wrong people," she said. "Hopefully we can move beyond that and work together for what's important to this town and the people that live here."
The board scheduled its annual goal-setting meeting for June 2, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Members will prepare budget priorities and objectives for the upcoming fiscal year.
"I guess I would ask the board to do a little bit of homework, if they would, please, and maybe look at some goal settings and if they could email them to me," Nyman said.
The board also approved its regular meeting schedule, agreeing to continue meeting on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. After discussion, they decided to include one meeting on August 11 rather than taking the entire month off as in previous years.
Satterwhite, who proposed the August meeting, noted that last year the board faced significant challenges including budget issues and decisions about the transfer station.
"Not meeting all of August seemed like a very long time when there seemed like there was a lot that we had to do," he said.
Town Manager Joe Colangelo provided several updates:
* The town has installed the last of six entrance signs designating Hanover as a Purple Heart community
* A ribbon-cutting ceremony for Gardner Brothers Square is being planned before Memorial Day
* The fifth annual Pride event is scheduled for Saturday, June 7, from 3 to 7 p.m.
* Water and ambulance rates will need to be set before July 1, though staff does not anticipate recommending changes
O'Connor thanked the board for her time as chair and promoted the upcoming Hanover Pride event on June 7 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Forge Pond Park.
Nyman concluded the meeting by welcoming new board member Rachel Hughes and expressing appreciation for O'Connor's leadership.
"Thank you for your leadership on the board for the last couple of years. I know all the hard work and effort you put into the override," Nyman said. "I have big shoes to fill. So I'm going to lean on all of you to help me get through this next year."