Bill McLaughlin To Run For Westwood Select Board

The following was submitted as a candidacy announcement for the Westwood town election. If you would like to submit a candidacy announcement, email samantha.mercado@patch.com

William “Bill” McLaughlin, a lifelong resident born on Burgess Avenue in Westwood and who graduated from Westwood High School in 1988, announced at Comella’s Restaurant in Westwood on January 30th that he is running for the Westwood Select Board.

The Westwood town election will take place on April 28.

“The residents of Westwood have always supported me and my family, and now it is my turn to give back to this great community, which is why tonight I am announcing my candidacy for Westwood Select Board.” McLaughlin said.

McLaughlin has been consistently active in all-things Westwood--coaching youth sports is one highlight of a myriad of other Westwood initiatives to which he has donated his time. McLaughlin also serves on the Ride 22 Committee which works to prevent suicide in veterans and first responders.

McLaughlin has three children all of whom attended Westwood Public Schools: Shannon, who is currently attending Bridgewater State College; Billy, who is at Massasoit Community College; and Emily, who is a sophomore at Westwood High School.

“It is all about them,” McLaughlin stated. “The future of Westwood is our children. I have served for 29 years in the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department and have risen to the rank of Lieutenant. I now want to serve my fellow residents of Westwood. I am looking forward to meeting residents and hearing your concerns over the next few months.”

As a member of the Select Board, McLaughlin cited the following priorities:

• “We must spend our tax dollars wisely and no longer prioritize our municipal buildings over our schools. We are now facing a debt exclusion override to fund the first-class modern schools that our first-class teachers and students deserve.
• Many of our seniors, who made this community great, are being forced out due to burgeoning housing costs and lack of available housing units. They deserve better, and I will work tirelessly to build affordable, age-restricted housing.
• We have seen a dramatic increase in crime as a result of the new commercial developments, such as University Station. Not all growth is smart growth. We need to be wise as to what we build, and where we build.”

For more information, email mclaughlin4ww@gmail.com or visit www.billmclaughlinforsb.com.