Published May 13, 2020
By MARK SARDELLA
WAKEFIELD — Ann Santos will lead the Town Council for the next year, as she was the unanimous choice of her colleagues to succeed previous chairman Edward Dombroski. Town Councilor Julie Smith-Galvin will serve as vice chair.
Traditionally, the Town Council reorganizes at the first meeting after the Town Election in late April. But with the election postponed until June 23 due to the COVID-19 shutdown, board members decided to choose new officers when they would have if this were a normal year.
Prior to surrendering the gavel, Dombroski reflected on the past year.
“I am thankful for the support of this body in advancing along many important initiatives, through a bold agenda that I believe has, and will, continue to make a profoundly positive impact on the residents of Wakefield for years to come,” he said. “I look forward to working with all of you to continue to carry forward the many exciting projects we have underway and the new opportunities that await.”
Dombroski thanked a number of people for their support, including Town Administrator Stephen P. Maio and board clerk Sherri Dalton. He also thanked WCAT for their work in making the meetings available for viewing from the studio and and now via Zoom teleconferencing.
Councilor Paul DiNocco nominated Santos to chair the Town Council for the next year. Councilor Mehreen Butt seconded the motion. The vote to elect Santos was unanimous.
Santos thanked Dombroski for his leadership in the past year and for “putting a form around things that didn’t always have a form.”
Santos then called for nominations for the position of vice chair.
Councilor Jonathan Chines nominated Julie Smith-Galvin. DiNocco seconded the motion. That vote was also unanimous.