NORWOOD – The local election was held this past Monday with an underwhelming turnout. Approximately ten percent of the 23 thousand registered voters in Norwood exercised their civil voting right resulting in several key races decided by few votes. Although every election is important, these vacant seats may have a tremendous impact on the governance of the town during what’ll most likely be a tumultuous time. Critical financial decisions and budget constraints loom in the near future including the public safety override as well as the slimming of the school budget. Needless to say, the newly elected staff will be busy.
Two selectmen seats were open after Bill Plasko’s recent resignation announcement and Matthew Lane’s decision to not run for reelection. These vacancies were won easily by the incumbent Michael Saad and challenger Cheryl Doyle. Doyle has been a resident of Norwood for nearly 30 years who sent both her children to Norwood Public Schools. She is a U.S. Navy Veteran which included three years stationed in South Korea which she describes as “an experience that forged a lifelong work ethic and a profound appreciation for American liberties.”
Michael Saad returns to the selectboard after serving his first term, elected in 2023. His priorities include stabilizing the budget, growing the town including affordable living, encouraging developers to construct apartments, and getting Norwood Hospital back.
Not making the cut was David Bliss who made his first plunge for public office. Inside Norwood had an opportunity to speak to Bliss during the campaign and think he’s a real asset to the town and hope he considers a future effort to fill a seat.
Two candidates faced off for one seat on the finance committee. Kellie Noumi eked out a win by just 52 votes. This is surprising after her strong performance during the televised League of Women Voters candidate forum held in March. With her experience on the finance committee and her financial background, Noumi was clearly the stronger candidate. She beat out Edward Lynch who is a 34 year Norwood resident and an advocate of investing free-cash opposed to spending it.
Finally, the school committee had two vacancies and three candidates. Mike Sangalang topped the ticket with 1294 votes with Benjamin Moser close behind with 1,277. The lone man standing was Nick Pallang who had also had a strong showing but lost by 276 votes. Ben Moser has been a Town Meeting member since 2019, and serves as a Sunday school teacher and a local campaign volunteer, driven by a firm belief in the value of community contribution. He has nearly 20 years of experience in the online education sector and looks to preserve the parts of “NPS that give Norwood a sense of pride and our kids a sense of joy in their learning.”
Mike Sanaglang ran an impressive campaign through his digital presence and old fashioned ground stomping. He emphasized his track record of advocating for public schools, including a position as the spokesperson for the Boston Teachers Union. Sangalang recognizes the fact NPS will have tough decisions ahead but believes they can be met head-on, as long as they consider impacts and how they will be felt by those who must bear the brunt. On his Facebook page, Sangalang thanked “everyone who held signs, hosted yard signs, came up to talk, liked Facebook posts, helped out with the organization and logistics, and otherwise showed your support during this campaign.”
Inside Norwood did not endorse any particular candidate, however we made ourselves available for those who wanted to be profiled. As Norwood’s premier, online information source, we strongly believe an informed electorate is key to functioning government.
Congratulations to all those who were elected, especially those first-timers who put themselves in the ring to give back to our great community. -RD
