Vanessa Alvarado Seeks Second Term On Reading Select Board

READING, MA — Vanessa Alvarado is seeking re-election to the Reading Select Board. The former chair of the board is seeking her second term.

Alvarado was the subject of an unsuccessful recall petition that claimed as chair she violated the town charter by acting to block police force ratification discussions following the town manager's selection of a candidate for chief.

The town appointed David Clark chief last February after going without a police chief for more than a year. The recall petition failed in the Sept. 1 election by a vote of 5,641 against to 3,831 in favor.

Alvarado said the challenges posed by the past year were unprecedented and "further confirmed my commitment to the citizens of Reading."

"As we slowly and surely move out of this pandemic, we will be faced with challenges that require creative thinking and a shared commitment to our future needs," Alvarado said in a statement. "I will use my experience and history of collaboration as we endeavor to ensure Reading continues to be a healthy, robust and vibrant community for us all."

Alvarado lives in Reading with her husband Justin, their two children, Ariana and Santiago and their dog, Maya. She is a marketing professional and has a bachelor's in government from Cornell University.

Prior to the Select Board, she served for four years on the town's Finance Committee. She said both responsibilities have given her a strong understanding of the town's residential and financial needs.

"I have no words to truly convey my heartfelt thanks for the support you have shown me throughout my first term – and I was overwhelmed by the immediate and generous financial support following my announcement to run for a second term," Alvarado said.

The Town Election will take place Tuesday, April 6.

For more information, visit www.AlvaradoForSelectBoard.com.