Allan Ciccone Sr. Says He'll Run for Newton Ward 1 Alderman-at-Large Seat

It looks as though Rick Lipof is not the only one who would like to rejoin the Newton Board of Aldermen. 

Former Alderman Allan Ciccone Sr., father of current Ward 1 Alderman-at-Large Allan (Jay) Ciccone Jr., told Newton Patch today he plans to run for the vacant Ward 1 alderman-at-large seat. 

Ciccone, 73, previously served on the board from 1991-2003. He was the former vice chair of the Finance Committee and chair of the Public Safety & Transportation Committee, the subcommittee his son heads up now. 

Ciccone said he only thought of running for the seat after last month's passing of Ward 1 Alderman-at-Large Carleton Merrill.

But with a family history in Newton that goes back more than 100 years, Ciccone said he has kept tabs on the Board of Aldermen since he left 10 years ago. Although the makeup of the board has changed a bit, he said it would be "very interesting" to work with some of the current members. 

As a former Finance Committee vice chair, Ciccone said he is particularly interested in city expenditures.

"I just think I could save [the city] some money," Ciccone said.

As for his son, the senior Ciccone says Jay has been supportive of his bid for alderman-at-large. If he is elected, he doesn't believe their relationship will be an issue on the board. 

But the potential father-son aldermen in Ward 1 is not the only possibility for multiple family members to serve on the board next year.

Former Ward 8 Alderman-at-Large Rick Lipof announced yesterday his plans to run again for the Board of Aldermen. Lipof's sister, Cheryl Lappin, is currently the Ward 8 alderman and vice president of the board.

As for other bids recently announced, Waban resident Chris Steele said yesterday he plans to run for a Ward 5 alderman-at-large seat, creating what could be the first contested race for the Nov. 5, 2013 municipal election.