TOM BOGART
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The Lynnfield Housing Authority (LHA) Board of Commissioners has a new member.
The Select Board and the LHA Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to appoint Veterans Memorial Committee member Tom Bogart to the Board of Commissioners during a recent meeting. He succeeds former Commissioner James Wilkie, who resigned recently.
Bogart said his “number one goal” for serving on the LHA Board of Commissioners is “doing what is in the best interest of our residents.”
“That will be my number one priority,” said Bogart. “I have had a long history of serving in different capacities in this town. It is just something I have always done. In addition to serving 30 years on the Fire Department, I am also a veteran. I have served my community and I have served my country. I have been doing this my whole adult life.”
Bogart stated in his letter of interest that his “background aligns well” with the Lynnfield Housing Authority’s “objectives.”
“I strongly believe in the importance of providing the highest quality of housing for the residents of the LHA,” stated Bogart. “I will work diligently to ensure that the residents are made to feel welcome, secure, fully supported and well taken care of regarding their housing needs. That will be my highest priority if the Lynnfield Select Board sees fit to appoint me to fill out the remainder of the now-vacated current term.”
In addition to serving as the Veterans Memorial Committee’s secretary, Bogart stated in his letter of interest that he is serves on the Recycling Committee and is American Legion Post 131’s commander. The U.S. Navy veteran also served as the Fire Department’s chief before retiring in July 2012. Bogart also served on the Recreation Commission, Lynnfield Community Schools’ Board of Directors, the Lynnfield 9/11 10th Anniversary Remembrance Committee along with other committees in town and Lynnfield Public Schools.
“I have always felt a strong desire to serve my community,” stated Bogart. “I am very familiar with how municipal agencies operate, as demonstrated by having served for nearly 30 years in the Fire Department, rising to the rank of fire chief. As such, I have a proven ability to understand and effectively manage municipal budgets and personnel. I have an advanced degree in the area of public administration. I am a Navy veteran, having served during the Vietnam Era. I firmly believe that my past and current contributions would make me an asset to the LHA. I am confident in my ability to actively contribute to their goals and collaborate effectively with other LHA members.”
Bogart said during the joint meeting that volunteering is “just in my DNA.”
“I want to follow in my footsteps of my grandfather, Ernest Allen of Lynn,” said Bogart. “Ernest Allen was on the Lynn Housing Authority back when it was first created in the 1940s. I am just trying to follow in the footsteps of my grandfather. My goal is work with Executive Director Dan Macintyre and all of the members of the Housing Authority to give the best housing situation that we can give to our residents.”
Select Board Chair Phil Crawford said he has known Bogart for 40 years.
“Thank you for all of your service not only to the country, but to the town,” said Crawford. “I think you will be a great fit. I thank you for stepping forward and volunteering your time.”
Select Board Vice Chair Alexis Leahy agreed.
“Thank you for stepping forward,” said Leahy.
Select Board member Dick Dalton concurred with Crawford and Leahy’s viewpoint.
“In knowing Tom all these years, when he commits to something, he gives it his all,” said Dalton.
Dalton said Bogart has been a dedicated member on the Veterans Memorial Committee.
“Tom did not just serve on the committee, he was truly a working member,” said Dalton. “I was up there one day as it was being completed. Tom had a blower on his back, blowing leaves and clearing debris. That is not the typical work of someone planning a project as opposed to working on it. I have complete confidence that he will do a great job.”
Housing Authority Board of Commissioners member Stephanie Petty thanked Bogart for “everything you have already done for our town and our country.”
“I am definitely looking forward to working with you,” said Petty.
Housing Authority Chair John Nunziato concurred with Petty’s viewpoint.
“We certainly applaud people like Tom and his predecessors for really offering their time and giving back to the community,” said Nunziato. “We have no reason to object to the Select Board’s decision to appoint the applicant to the vacant position. We trust the judgment of the board in vetting and appointing a board member that we believe is a Lynnfield resident in good standing and qualified to serve the remaining term of vacated Commissioner James Wilkie’s position.”
After the discussion, the Select Board and Housing Authority Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to appoint Bogart to the panel. He will be serving on the Housing Authority to the Town Election next April. Bogart will have the opportunity to run for his seat during the next Town Election.
“Tom thank you and welcome aboard,” said Crawford.
Bogart thanked both boards for unanimously appointing him to the LHA Board of Commissioners.
“My main objective will be to provide the residents of the Lynnfield Housing Authority the best housing we can give them,” stated Bogart in an email sent to the Villager. “This is not just housing, this is their home. Nothing is more important than that, and I will make sure I never lose sight of that fact.”
TSAC resignation
The Select Board unanimously voted to accept Traffic Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC) member Lauren Hurton’s resignation “with regret.”
“I’m writing to formally resign from my position on the TSAC,” Hurton stated in a letter sent to TSAC Chair Anthony Guerriero and Town Administrator Rob Dolan. “This decision was not made lightly, as I’ve truly appreciated the opportunity to contribute to this committee. However, due to increased personal and professional commitments, I feel I can no longer give the committee the attention it deserves.”
Crawford thanked Hurton for her service on the TSAC.
“Lauren, thank you for all of your work on that committee,” said Crawford. “I appreciate it very much and all of the work that you do in town.”
MarketStreet extended hours
The Select Board approved MarketStreet Lynnfield’s request to extend its hours of operation on three dates.
While MarketStreet has previously requested to be open for longer hours during the holiday season, General Manager Charlotte Woods said the outdoor mall is requesting “less hours this year than in the past.”
“For Dec. 21, which is a Sunday, we are looking to open at 9:30 a.m. instead of the documented 10 a.m. that we are supposed to be open,” said Woods. “The other two are New Year’s Eve and then Super Bowl Sunday for 2026.”
Crawford expressed his support for Woods’ request.
“It has always worked well,” said Crawford. “You do a nice job up here. And you like said, it’s less than in the past, which is even better.”