New Look Board of Selectmen Has New Chair, Members

STOUGHTON, MA — The Board of Selectmen officially have three new members, a new chairman, and a new vice-chair following their first meeting since last Tuesday's recall vote.

With the board lacking a chairman following the ousting of David Sousa, Selectman Robert O'Reagan was named, by unanimous vote, the new chair of the board. In addition to Sousa, the special election resulted in the ousting of former Vice-Chair Robert Cohn and Selectman Peter Brown. O'Reagan, the board's most senior member, now presides over a board of newcomers. Selectman Michael Sullivan, second most senior member with a few months on the board, was named the vice-chair.

The change comes after months of heated arguments and disagreements between supporters of the recalled selectmen and backers of the challengers. In his first remarks as a chair, O'Reagan called for more civil discussions when it comes to town issues.

"I do not think it’s a bad thing to disagree. In a democracy it’s a good thing to disagree. We should not be afraid to disagree, it’s how we disagree and work through the disagreements that will determine if we will prosper or go the other way," O'Reagan said.

Prior to the vote, new members Christine Howe, Rick Hill, and Stephen Cavey took part in a ceremonial swearing-in ceremony. Afterward, Cavey said he wants to hear from both those who supported and opposed him.

"What I hope people will come to see that I care very much about this entire town. I want my allegiance to be with all the citizens of the town," Cavey said.

Howe thanked the outgoing selectmen for their time and their hours as volunteers.

Hill pledged to work in the best interest of the town's residents.

Image Credit: Dan Libon