Norwood Board Of Selectmen Announces Jan. 3 Special Election

NORWOOD, MA - The Norwood Board of Selectmen announced at its meeting Tueday night that a special election will be held on Jan. 3 to fill the remainder of the term of Selectman David Hajjar.

Hajjar died unexpectedly at his home on Oct. 16. Chair Tom Maloney said in an interview with Patch that Hajjar had "hinted at running for another term" only a week before his death.

"He had so much energy and passion for the town," Maloney said, noting that Hajjar's three-year term would have ended in April. "He could have served for several terms. Someone like that is hard to replace."

"He was ready, willing and capable and gladly did the heavy lifting," said Selectman William Plasko during the meeting. "But now with his passing and his absence, we are all going to have to pick up the mantle and do that extra work, and do that in remembrance of David."

"It's surreal to not have him here," added Selectman Matt Lane. "He would want us to carry on and do the work, so that's the best thing we can do."

"I have to say that working with David was so much of a help to my knowledge and understanding of matters that came before the board," said Selectman Helen Donohue, noting his experience writing policy with the Personnel Board and the Finance Commission before serving as a selectman.

According to the town charter, if the board has a vacancy, the remaining members must call a special election unless the next scheduled election falls within three months. Once elected, the new selectman will take office on Jan. 4. The term will expire in early April.

Nomination papers are due Nov. 15 and currently are available at Town Clerk MaryLou Folan's office at Town Hall.

General Manager Tony Mazzucco explained that Jan. 3 is a professional day for the Norwood Public Schools, which would make voting easier to facilitate.

He added that "there is a bit of a time crunch" because the papers to run for the April election are due Feb. 15, leaving about a six-week gap between the election and that deadline. The new selectman would have to submit papers to run for a full term, if that person so desires.

The entire meeting can be viewed on Norwood Community Media here.