Thanks for the many memories, Cosmo
Published on June 28th, 2006
STONEHAM, MA - Politics in a small town is often very tricky business.
There are often agendas, friends asking for and expecting help, the sense that difficult and sometimes impossible to please the public at large and the temptation to allow a little bit of clout and political power to get to one’s head and make a politician forget why they ran for office in the first place — longtime Selectman and Stoneham Town Father Cosmo Ciccarello never fell victim to any of these political pitfalls.
Cosmo was instead one of the last of a dying breed: a cunningly intelligent steward for the Town of Stoneham, who often showed unwavering preference for all things Stoneham and more often than not had the best interests of his town in mind. Even in times of conflict, Ciccarello kept a level of civil decorum and always managed to keep whatever happened in the Town Hall hearing room within those four walls; the kind of subtle and classy demeanor underneath that oftentimes belied a loud, booming voice that could intimidate the faint of heart and a legendary temper that was quick to explode when ignited.
Whether angry at the outcome of a hearing or delighted at a victory during Town Meeting, Ciccarello was always ready to talk, always willing to listen and always willing to ponder both sides before making a judgement. Once that judgement came down — good, bad or indifferent — the seven-term Selectman always believed and respected the process of democracy and town government, and never tossed around blame or pouted like a tantrum-throwing child when things didn’t fall his way.
Ciccarello simply moved on and plotted the next course of action for the town — often seen with others in nearby restaurants discussing the issues and always willing to give an opinion.
It was Stoneham’s loss when Cosmo decided enough was enough and ended a celebrated run as a member of the Stoneham Board of Selectmen — his presence on the board and knowledge of all things Stoneham simply can’t be replaced.
Cosmo often spoke of cake and Stoneham getting their just-deserved piece of the cake — it’s a different kind of cake that Cosmo should be angling for these days. A retirement cake. A piece of cake that the colorful politician so richly deserves and should enjoy greatly after more than 20 years of brilliant and dedicated work for the Town of Stoneham.
Thanks Cosmo...it was a treat and an education to watch you in action.
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