Arlington Selectmen Applications: Six In The Running

ARLINGTON, MA — After Steven Byrne stepped down abruptly from the Arlington Board of Selectmen, citing family and work obligations, the town is in the market for someone to fill his seat. And within 30 days from Dec. 11. The board is hoping a former selectmen, someone who won't need much catching up will come forward and apply for the job.

There are 10 former Arlington selectmen in town not including Byrne, said Selectman Kevin Greeley who reached out to them all. "Five of them have expressed they'd be willing to do this, and five of them said no," he said. Steve Gilligan would have loved to do it but he's going to be moving, he said.

John Maher, former town council, told the Town Moderator John Leone that he was interested in the temporary position, too.

But as of Thursday, Dec. 14, six Arlington residents, including Maher had applied to fill the seat left by Byrne, Joan Roman over at Town Hall told Patch in an email.

And just two of those are former selectmen, according to YourArlington.

Town council says they have to fill the seat within 30 days of Dec. 11. Voted by a majority of the board and town moderator. They're limiting the search for former selectmen who still live in town and someone who isn't interested in running for election after.

On Dec. 18 the selectmen will vote on a vice chair and then to fill the vacancy on the board.
The two former selectwomen are Annie LaCourt and Clarissa Rowe. The other three were Town Meeting Member Dave Levy, executive board member for a technician and artisan union Taryn Walsh, and nurse practitioner Samantha Nugent.

On Dec. 4 at his last meeting Byrne thanked the rest of the board and officials and town staff.

"It's really been an honor and a privilege to serve on this board. We don't always agree but I think we do a good job of listening to each other," said Steven Byrne.

He got a bit choked up remembering what he said were some of his favorite moments, serving time with Marie in the inspectional services department. He composed himself and then explained he grew up in Arlington. "It's been a real pleasure to serve," he said.

The list in alphabetical order:

-Annie LaCourt
-David Levy
-John Maher
-James Munsey (Munsey had expressed interest but later withdrew his application, according to Town Hall)
-Samantha Nugent
-Clarissa Rowe
-Taryn Walsh

Previously On Patch:

Arlington Selectman Abruptly Resigns

Arlington Selectman Seat Vacancy After Abrupt Resignation

Read Byrne's goodbye letter.
Read about the ethics complaint
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Photo by Jenna Fisher/ Patch