Norwood Board of Selectmen Makes History With Two New Members

NORWOOD, MA - The two newly elected members of the Board of Selectmen got right down to business at Tuesday night's meeting after winning seats on the board for the first time less than 24 hours before.

Bob Donnelly and Amanda Grow won seats Monday night in a three-way contest with veteran Selectman Allan Howard.

Selectman William Plasko welcomed the pair to the board, which has shifted with the unexpected death of David Hajjar last fall and the special election to replace him for the remainder of his term. Howard, a former selectman, won that contest over Grow in January. Chair Tom Maloney, a veteran of the board, decided not to seek reelection.

"I know I'm anticipating an exciting new year," Plasko said.

"I'd just really like to thank all the voters who came out," Grow said. "It's really important for the community to be active and engaged. I love to see it, and I'm very excited to serve the community."

"My thoughts exactly," added Donnelly, who most recently served on the Finance Commission. "I also would just like to make sure that we recognize the dedication and public service of Tom Maloney and Allan Howard., who are no longer serving the board."

He also thanked his colleagues on the Fin Com for their support and encouragement.

"History is being made tonight," noted Selectman Helen Abdallah Donohue. "Our town is 150 years old, and this is the first time that in 150 years that we have two females sitting on the board."

Plasko, a long-time member of the board, was unanimously elected to serve as its chair.

Grow reminded the community that Norwood 101, a workshop for new residents, will be held on April 11 at the Morrill Memorial library from 6-8 p.m. It will make residents aware of services available to them as well as community groups they can join.

Donnelly recognized Donohue and Grow for making history at the meeting, and then injected some humor.

"I also want to point out that Mr. Plasko, Mr. [Matt] Lane and I are the first three male members of a select board to serve with two female members on the board," he said.

"I know you both have a lot of areas of concern and a lot of energy," Plasko said to the new electees. "And I think that's going to come right over and affect all of us. We're going to have a great year and do some exciting things and improve on a lot of things in house."

He added that he has now served with four of the five women to have been members of the Board of Selectmen during his tenure.