Spicer Will Resubmit Rejected Parks, Disability Nominees

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Mayor Yvonne Spicer on Thursday replied to the City Councils rejection of her nominees to the Disability Commission and Parks and Recreation Committee.

Spicer is resubmitting the same candidates, saying that they are qualified and should be confirmed by the City Council. She also pushed back on accusations that the process for picking nominees was not properly followed.

"There are times we are faced with difficult decisions; however, I assure you that my office is consistent, inclusive, and welcoming in the process of appointment," she said in a statement. "It is my hope that this information clarifies the false narrative, which resulted in the rejection of five qualified candidates."

In two separate recent votes, the Council rejected Spicer's picks for the two boards.

On Aug. 4, the Council voted 9-1-1 to reject the Disability Commission candidates because Spicer sought to replace member Karen Dempsey, who founded the commission in 2002. District 2 Councilor Cesar Stewart-Morales voted no, and District 7 Councilor Margareth Basilio Shepard abstained.

On Aug. 18, the Council unanimously rejected parks board nominees David Gudejko and new appointee Tony Colson. The Council wanted an answer why Judith Grove, a former councilor who is deeply involved in parks issues, was not picked for a seat on the commission.

In her statement Thursday, Spicer didn't her specific reasons for passing over Grove and Dempsey. But she did advocate for why her picks should be confirmed.

"[Tony Tolson's] experience in programming and collaborating with local organizations will benefit the community-at-large. Mr. Tolson will also bring a missing piece to the committee as existing committee composition includes membership of residents whom all identify as white," she said.

Patch reached out to Spicer and her office multiple times requesting comment about the nominations, but did not hear back.