Five seats still have no candidates. Deadline to file is Feb. 10
Six residents have now thrown their names in for four of the nine seats that will be on the ballot April 1.
The latest entry is Jonathan Ciampa, who was appointed in August to fill a seat vacated by the resignation of Eric Ryder. Ciampa actually pulled papers for both the full three-year term and the two year unexpired balance of Ryder’s seat. Ciampa told the Carnation that he plans to return papers for the three-year seat only.
Ciampa has been a resident since 1999. He holds a BS in Architecture from Northeastern and currently works as a project manager, senior estimator and safety officer at electrical construction and engineering firm John A. Penney Co. Ciampa served on the ESBC change order subcommittee, which was instrumental in keeping the new Center Elementary School project on budget.
When selected for appointment, he said he would “absolutely” put his name on the ballot in 2023, and he’s followed through on that pledge.
There are three races where no one has yet come forward to run.
The Planning Board has a two-year unexpired term. The Planning Board meets twice a month and is charged with reviewing development applications and ensuring compliance with the town Zoning Bylaw, among other duties. Members regularly visit sites around town to make sure developers are following submitted plans.
There are two seats on the Board of Library Trustees, which works with the Library director to set policies and guidelines, oversees operations and reviews the budget.
One seat is open on the Board of Health, which works with the Director of Public Health, Sanitarian, town animal control officers and other professional staff to set and enforce policies to protect public health. The incumbent, Charles Roux, has not announced if he will seek reelection.
Residents interested in any seat can contact Town Clerk Denise Graffeo for more in-depth information on the positions.
Interested in running?
Nomination papers are now available for all nine seats at the Town Clerk’s office, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
On the 2023 ballot:
Board of Selectmen (1 Seat)
School Committee (1 Seat)
Planning Board – 3 Year Term (1 Seat)
Planning Board – 2 Year Unexpired Term (1 Seat)
Board of Library Trustees (2 Seats)
Board of Health (1 Seat)
Housing Authority – 2 Year Unexpired Term (1 Seat)
Moderator (1 Seat)
The 2023 Annual Town Election will be held on Sat., April 1. The deadline for candidates to file their nomination papers is Friday, Feb. 10, before 5:00 p.m., at the Town Clerk’s Office. You will need signatures from 50 registered Tewksbury voters to get on the ballot.
For more information, visit the town’s Annual Town Election – Running for Public Office page.
Lorna Garey
Lorna is a U.S. Army veteran and 25-year resident of Tewksbury who has written for organizations ranging from the DIA to InformationWeek to a free weekly in New London that sent her to interview the pastry chef at Foxwoods.
Patrick Joyce will not be running for re-election to the Board of Library Trustees. It has been a rewarding and interesting 15 years but it is time to step down.