Planning board member is finally chosen
Published on April 28th, 1999
STONEHAM, MA - Residents got the resolution they desired on Tuesday night, albeit two weeks late, when a joint committee chose Chestnut Street resident Matthew Kilty for the vacant seat on the Planning Board.
Members of the Board of Selectmen and Planning Board reconvened the meeting that was continued from April 13 when a decision was made to readvertise the opening in hopes of attracting more candidates. At that time, only two residents had applied prior to the deadline with an additional two expressing interest. Three candidates came forward in the second round: Kilty, Tamarock Terrace resident Daniel Moynihan, Jr. and Kathleen Danieli of Calthea Street.
John Biggio, an Emery Court resident who had tendered his letter of interest one day after the original deadline, did not step forward for the second round in the selection process. The 5-4 decision of the joint committee to readvertise the seat was seen by many as a show of favoritism toward the former selectman.
The nine member joint committee eventually chose Kilty after hearing all three candidates explain their interest in the post.
"I was born and raised here in Stoneham and went through the school system," Kilty told the board. "I have a lot of interest in what goes on in the town.
"I think my qualifications make me a good candidate."
Kilty pointed to his past experience on the Zoning Board of Appeals and his current service on the School Building Committee as two areas which had prepared him for the one year appointment. He also stated that he would seek reelection next April when the seat expired.
Danieli, who lost a race for the Planning Board by a narrow margin earlier this month, said that she believed she was the most qualified candidate given the time she put in to campaign for a seat.
"The only reason I submitted my letter of intent is because I had the support of many people," she told the board. "I am not a politician. I am tired of the few people who say I am not qualified for the board."
When questioned, Danieli admitted that, if chosen, she may choose not to run for election next year.
Moynihan, also a former member of the Zoning Board of Appeals and a current member of the Town Common/Parking Committee, said his interest in the Town of Stoneham began 11 years ago when he moved his family here.
"I was not born in this town, but I see that as a positive thing," he explained. "I have no agendas. In the last 10 or 11 years, I have seen a lot of change and I will continue to see a lot of change in the town.
"I have a commitment to this town for its future ... and I plan to see to its future one way or another."
A roll call vote resulted in four votes for Kilty, four for Moynihan and one for Danieli. After Danieli was qualified for her lesser amount of committee support, a revote of 5-4 in favor of Kilty was completed, with Selectman Darin Leahy switching from Danieli to the Chestnut Street resident.
"It's very difficult obviously to go through this process," said Albert Conti, chairman of the Board of Selectmen. "My hat goes out to anyone who runs."
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