Stagnone, Anderson Picked to Lead Stoughton Board of Selectmen

With no opposition for either selectman seat in the , the current five-member board remained intact, but in their first meeting following the election, the selectmen voted to reshuffle the leadership positions on the board.

Citing that “fresh ideas are good” and that “it’s important that everyone be heard,” Selectmen chairman Steve Anastos nominated John Stagnone to become the next chairman of the board at Tuesday night’s Selectmen’s meeting.

Anastos’ nomination was supported by a majority of the board, as Stagnone was elected 3-2. John Anderson was elected by the same 3-2 margin to serve as the new vice-chairman. Cynthia Walsh had previously served in that role.

“I know for me it’s been a lot of fun, but I think that change is healthy,” Anastos said at the meeting. “I believe that fresh ideas are good. This is a volunteer board; I think it’s important that everybody be heard.”

“There are five people up here and I think all five could be and would be effective leaders,” he continued, “but we can only choose one, and given the work we have going forward, given the recent by the state to expand it through Stoughton and some of the other projects going on with the downtown, I believe Selectman John Stagnone would be the best one to lead.”

Following a town election the selectmen traditionally reorganize, nominating and voting for chairman and vice-chairman.

Cynthia Walsh also nominated John Anzivino to be chairman. Anastos, Anderson and Stagnone voted for Stagnone and Walsh supported Anzivino, with Anzivino voting for himself.

Stagnone nominated Anderson to be vice-chair and Anzivino nominated Walsh to retain her position. The vote broke down the same way: Anastos, Anderson and Stagnone voted for Anderson and Anzivino supported Walsh, with Walsh voting for herself.

After the voting period, the board took a brief recess before rearranging their seats. Stagnone assumed the middle seat and chairman’s role for the remainder of the meeting.

Prior to nominating Stagnone, Anastos thanked the other members of the board for giving him the opportunity to serve as chairman for the last two years.

“I think we’ve made a lot of progress in our community,” Anastos said. “I think this board has worked hard at rebuilding the image of this community.”