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Leominster city council

City Councilor-At-Large candidate Q&A: Thomas” Frank” Ardinger

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LEOMINSTER — City Councilor-At-Large Thomas” Frank” Ardinger is among the five candidates running for four at-large seats on the City Council during the 2023 municipal elections and one of the four going for reelection.

City Council candidates running for at-large seats have answered a short questionnaire in order to provide important details about each before voters cast their ballots next Tuesday. This is the second Q&A in this series.

The 2023 municipal election polling locations are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 7, 2023. To find your polling locations go to sec.state.ma.us/WhereDoIVoteMA.

Leominster City Councilor-At-Large candidate questionnaire:

Occupation

Retired

Hobbies

Model Trains. Riding historic trains. Camping

Last book read

“Johnny Appleseed: The Man Behind the Folklore” by Mark Bonanza

Favorite spot in the city

Sholan Farms

What are some of your experiences and/or accomplishments that voters should know about?

I am married, have five children and eight grandchildren. I served eight years in the U.S. Navy and was a Nuclear Reactor Operator aboard a Fast Attack Submarine. I am active in a number of Veterans organizations and was recognized as Leominster’s Veteran of the Year. I volunteered in the Boy Scout of America program for 35 years and received the highest award granted by a local Boy Scout Council. I’m currently involved with the Leominster Rotary Club. I ran for City Council because I wanted to give back to a city that I fell in love with in 1974.

What are some of the goals you would pursue if elected/reelected as a city councilor-at-large?

If Re-Elected, I will work with the mayor and other Council members to maintain the strong fiscal status of Leominster. I will also advocate with our legislators to get an increase in school funding and road funding.

Senate special, mayor’s races highlight Tuesday ballots

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BOSTON — Eighty Massachusetts communities will complete elections on Tuesday, with several choosing new mayors, during a cycle that usually produces lower turnout due to the lack of big name up-ballot federal or statewide races.

Though most votes will be cast for municipal leaders, there is also a special Senate election in Central Massachusetts where voters in 22 communities will choose who will replace former Sen. Anne Gobi, who resigned in early June to become the state’s director of rural affairs.

The election could inflate the Senate Republican caucus from three to four members if Republican Rep. Peter Durant of Spencer defeats Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik, a Gardner Democrat who has a chance to again give Democrats 37 out of 40 Senate seats.

“This particular district, by enrollment, has a fairly higher number of Republicans than many of the other legislative districts around the state,” Secretary of State William Galvin, who oversees elections, said during a press conference on Monday. “The opportunity for any candidate is to bring out their supporters, whatever their enrollment is, and vote for them. And that’s what we’ll see tomorrow.”

This will be the first major election where a GOP candidate has the opportunity to flip a legislative seat under the new chair of the state’s Republican Party, Amy Carnevale, who started in February.

“Congrats to Rep Peter Durant, the #GOP nominee in the upcoming MA State Senate special election. It will be all hands on deck at the @massgop to flip this competitive seat in Nov #mapoli,” Carnevale tweeted after Durant won his primary election in October.

Worcester and Gardner — two of the largest municipalities in the Worcester and Hampshire Senate district — also have municipal elections on Tuesday, likely drawing out more voters in those two communities.

In 2019, the last comparable election year with no presidential or gubernatorial races, just 17% of registered voters filled out a ballot in Worcester, Radio Worcester reported at the time.

That was also the last time the city re-elected Mayor Joe Petty, who on Tuesday faces four challengers: Councilors-at-Large Khrystian King and Donna Colorio, chair of the city’s Human Rights Commission Guillermo Creamer Jr., and perennial candidate William Coleman.

Galvin said he is “hopeful” for good turnout in the Senate contest and in the 55 communities that are holding annual municipal elections, choosing local officials such as mayors and local council members.

Six towns are holding special municipal elections, including Arlington, where voters will decide the fate of a tax increase under Proposition 2 ½ and could vote to provide local property tax relief for seniors.
Galvin said anything from 30 to 50% turnout is “reasonably acceptable” for municipal races.

“It’s going to vary dramatically depending on the intensity of the races, but generally speaking, for municipal races anything from 30% to 50% is considered reasonably acceptable. It’s not acceptable to me. But that’s the range, historically,” Galvin said.

In 2019, the secretary said a turnout rate of 30% to 40% in any community would be “exceptionally high” during an election cycle without statewide and presidential contests. Galvin on Monday identified some hot spots in cities with open mayoral races, including in Revere, Springfield, Waltham and Windsor.

In Revere, Acting Mayor Patrick Keefe – who took the helm in April following Brian Arrigo’s departure to serve as commissioner of the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation – is looking to retain his mayoral post. His opponent, former mayor and current councilor-at-large Daniel Rizzo, has criticized Arrigo’s administration, and by extension his ally, Keefe, during the lead-up to the election.

Rizzo said the Arrigo administration allowed rampant residential development at the expense of city services, during a recent debate covered by the Revere Journal. Keefe said Rizzo spent his time as mayor “chasing down a corrupt casino and failed and lost and cost the city millions of dollars.”

In Springfield, the incumbent mayor of 16 years Domenic Sarno is facing longtime city councilor Justin Hurst.
City council races in Watertown and Newton boil down to housing and development, Charles River Regional Chamber CEO Greg Reibman wrote in his newsletter last week.

Controversial city council races in Boston display the growing divide among progressives and moderates in the city’s leadership.

Two of the leftmost members of the council, Kendra Lara and Ricardo Arroyo, were ousted in preliminary elections in September, and now both districts will have a contest between progressive candidates supported by Mayor Michelle Wu and more moderate options.

A similar dynamic is playing out for the seat Councilor Frank Baker left open, with one candidate supported by the Democratic Socialists of America and another who has the backing of former Mayor Marty Walsh. For an open at-large seat Wu is supporting Henry Santana against self-described “right of center” candidate Bridget Nee-Walsh.

“These races, obviously, as I said, are significant at the local level. And this is where historically our communities have made their decisions on education or local leadership, development, about housing, about taxes. These really are the elections that affect people where they live. So they’re extremely important to participate in,” Galvin said.

He added that each municipality sets its own hours for the local elections, and encouraged voters to check the times they can vote.

Galvin also warned that those who requested ballots to vote by mail who haven’t sent in their ballots yet should either drop them off in drop-boxes or at voting centers.

“At this present moment, literally tens of thousands of ballots are as yet unreceived. That is to say, they are still currently in the custody of the voters” he said Monday morning. “It’s very important these ballots get counted. These people took the time to participate, we want to make sure their ballots are counted.”

City Councilor-At-Large candidate Q&A: Brandon L. Robbins

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LEOMINSTER — School Committee member Brandon L. Robbins is among the five candidates running for four at-large seats on the City Council during the 2023 municipal elections.

City Council candidates running for at-large seats have answered a short questionnaire in order to provide important details about each before voters cast their ballots next Tuesday. This is the fourth Q&A in this series.

The 2023 municipal election polling locations are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 7, 2023. To find your polling locations go to sec.state.ma.us/WhereDoIVoteMA.

Leominster City Councilor-At-Large candidate questionnaire:

Occupation

Executive Director, Ginny’s Helping Hand, Inc.

Hobbies

Spending quality time with my fiancée and enthusiastically watching football (Go Pats!)

Last book read

“Becoming” by Michelle Obama

Favorite spot in the city

Sholan Farms

What are some of your experiences and/or accomplishments that voters should know about?

For the past four years, I have been “putting kids first” as an at-large member and vice chair of the Leominster School Committee. I am incredibly proud of the steps our district has made during my tenure with my “Putting Kids First” vision. First and foremost, I am honored to have led the effort to establish the position of student representatives, bringing the student voice directly to every School Committee meeting. Second, I actively participated in negotiating contracts with every bargaining unit in the school district, ensuring Leominster schools are not only a great place to learn, but a competitive place to work.

Finally, I oversaw the most robust budget the school district has ever seen, allowing us to take critical steps to remove barriers and enhance the learning experience for all students by waiving all fees for clubs, sports, bussing, and funding the construction of brand-new playgrounds at all of our elementary schools. My leadership on the Leominster School Committee and as executive director of Ginny’s Helping Hand has given me a unique connection to our diverse community, and I am ready to serve you as an at-large member of the City Council. I will bring my hard work and dedication to our community to ensure that we are “putting people first” with every decision that the City Council makes!

What are some of the goals you would pursue if elected/reelected as a city councilor-at-large?

As an at-large member of the City Councilor, I would be committed to being a passionate advocate for our public schools. Throughout my tenure on the Leominster School Committee, I have tirelessly championed the cause of prioritizing education in our city.

Furthermore, I will work relentlessly to expand access to affordable housing. My fiancée, Carly, and I recently purchased our first home in Leominster and faced the challenges of the current housing market. It is important to me that Leominster remains an attractive city for new families, as well as ensuring that existing Leominster families can continue to live and thrive here.

Finally, with my work at Ginny’s Helping Hand, I am uniquely positioned to collaborate with our local businesses and community members to further broaden economic opportunities for all residents. Leominster is strategically positioned, both geographically and in its commitment to growth. I am eager to witness the positive changes we can bring about together. I make a solemn promise that you will continue to experience the same unwavering dedication and love for our community that I have demonstrated during my four years as an at-large School Committee member.

I am committed to being present at our community events, responsive to your calls, texts, and emails, and working relentlessly to find solutions to the concerns you bring forth. Having recently invested in our first home in Leominster, you can trust that this city has my heart. I am enthusiastic about being the voice that puts people first and the voice that our community needs as your next at-large city councilor.

City Councilor-At-Large candidate Q&A: Susan A. Chalifoux-Zephir

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LEOMINSTER — City Councilor-At-Large Susan A. Chalifoux-Zephir is among the five candidates running for four at-large seats on the City Council during the 2023 municipal elections and one of the four going for reelection.

City Council candidates running for at-large seats have answered a short questionnaire in order to provide important details about each before voters cast their ballots next Tuesday. This is the third Q&A in this series.

The 2023 municipal election polling locations are open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 7, 2023. To find your polling locations go to sec.state.ma.us/WhereDoIVoteMA.

Leominster City Councilor-At-Large candidate questionnaire:

Occupation

Nonprofit senior advisor and consultant

Hobbies

Gardening, reading, exercise

Last book read

I’m reading GEORGE HARRISON, THE RELUCTANT BEATLE by Philip Norman

Favorite spot in the city

The Leominster Public Library

What are some of your experiences and/or accomplishments that voters should know about?

My husband and I are both lifelong residents of Leominster and graduates of Leominster High School. We chose to live and raise our three daughters in Leominster and now have four grandchildren, two of whom live close by and attend local schools.

I have a business background and have worked mostly for nonprofit organizations – in public television and most recently as executive director of a local nonprofit food pantry. As a lifelong city resident, I have been active in local organizations – coaching youth soccer, volunteering with organizations that provide housing and support for homeless individuals and families. I serve as vice chair for the Trustees of the Leominster Public Library and have supported the library for many years to help make it the beautiful and outstanding community resource it is today. I served on the Library Building Committee and co-chaired the Fundraising Committee that raised private funds to furnish and equip the renovated and expanded Library.

What are some of the goals you would pursue if elected/reelected as a city councilor-at-large?

I’m running for reelection to continue the work that I’ve done on the council.

Advocating for the people of Leominster. Asking tough questions. Working with others to promote and encourage transparency and inclusivity in local government. Working with the mayor, our state representative, the Mass Nurses Association and other community activists to ensure we all have access to the health care we need. The birthing center at Leominster Hospital may be closed but the fight for accessible birthing services for our families continues. I am proud to be endorsed in this campaign by the Mass Nurses Association.

As a councilor-at-large I’ve helped constituents with a broad range of concerns including helping neighborhood businesses get a crosswalk for a very busy street to ensure they and their patrons could get safely to and from their parked cars, getting potholes filled and working through the process to get new telephone poles installed for better service and old poles replaced for public safety reasons.

The job is varied and details count. I petitioned the council to make sure abutting homeowners are notified when a zoning change is proposed and recently also petitioned to ensure the plan drawn for a new utility service is included with the legal notice to abutters. These issues may not seem important – unless you’re a homeowner who could be impacted. If reelected, I will continue working with constituents to provide thoughtful solutions to their problems and be their voice and advocate on the city council.

City Councilor-At-Large candidate Q&A: Claire M. Freda

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LEOMINSTER — City Councilor-At-Large Claire M. Freda is among the five candidates running for four at-large seats on the City Council during the 2023 municipal elections and one of the four going for reelection.

City Council candidates running for at-large seats have answered a short questionnaire in order to provide important details about each before voters cast their ballots next Tuesday. This is the second Q&A in this series.

The 2023 municipal election polling locations are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 7, 2023. To find your polling locations go to sec.state.ma.us/WhereDoIVoteMA.

Leominster City Councilor-At-Large candidate questionnaire:

Occupation

Registered Real Estate Broker and Licensed Appraiser

Hobbies

Time with family, sporting events (especially Revolution soccer) and cooking

Last book read

“The Stranger in the Lifeboat” by Mitch Albom

Favorite spot in the city

Wherever people are enjoying their community

What are some of your experiences and/or accomplishments that voters should know about?

I’m proud to have been involved in many decisions that have had a positive impact on the city of  Leominster, which I consider personal accomplishments. I’ve authored legislation protecting and serving Veterans, children and elderly. Three school buildings, three school additions, a new library and courthouse have all had my input. I am presently serving on the new Leominster Police Station Committee.

Professionally, I am a Harvard University, JFK School of Government fellow; I hold a Platinum level of  leadership in Municipal Government from the National League of Cities; first councilor to lead the Massachusetts Municipal Association as president along with service on the Womens Elected Municipal Officials and Councillors Association Board for over 25 years. I am a Notary Public for the commonwealth and a member of the North Worcester County, Massachusetts and National Association of Realtors, Mount Wachusett Community College Trustee, and Finance Committee member.

Civic involvement includes Vietnam Veterans 116, Blue Star Mothers, DAV Auxiliary and Rotary Club for over 30 years.

Personally, Leominster Citizen of the Year; Sentinel and Enterprise Salute to Women; St. Bernard’s High School Hall of Fame; St. Anna Catholic School Award and Lifetime Achievement Award from Mass. Association of School Committees for support of education; and the first councilor to receive this statewide award.

My family and faith – Diocesan Review Board Chair; Catholic Charities Board and Past president; St.  Anna Parish.

I am a Gold Star Wife, widow of Ron Freda and have two children, Kelley and Anthony. I also have one grandchild, Patrick, who is serving in the U.S. Coast Guard.

What are some of the goals you would pursue if elected/reelected as a city councilor-at-large?

I have served the city of Leominster proudly for 36 years making me the longest serving elected official  in the city. I am most grateful for the faith and trust our residents have shown me during that time and I  take this position seriously. I love this community and I hope it shows. During my tenure, I have served  on every council committee including serving as finance chair and president for two years.

My experience in the real estate field, coupled with my municipal knowledge both locally and on the  state level gives me the tools to help address the serious affordable housing issue we are facing and will  continue to face. Our citizens should be able to remain in their city.  Education will also be a key issue in the coming years as federal funds will no longer be available.  Budgeting education adequately will continue to be a priority.

We need to continue upgrading our infrastructure. Our departments have been diligent over the years  which clearly showed during the recent flooding disaster. The city needs the Council’s support to continue these necessary upgrades.

I have always been passionately supportive of public safety and will continue to support their efforts to  “stay ahead of the curve”. I believe I take a common sense approach and govern with fairness. I respectfully ask for the public’s  vote on November 7.

City Councilor-At-Large candidate Q&A: Todd M. Deacon

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LEOMINSTER — City Councilor-At-Large Todd M. Deacon is among the five candidates running for four at-large seats on the City Council during the 2023 municipal elections and one of the four going for reelection.

City Council candidates running for at-large seats have answered a short questionnaire in order to provide important details about each before voters cast their ballots next Tuesday.

The 2023 municipal election polling locations are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 7, 2023. To find your polling locations go to sec.state.ma.us/WhereDoIVoteMA.

Leominster City Councilor-At-Large candidate questionnaire:

Occupation

Retired Police Officer and Marine Veteran

Hobbies

Vacationing, cooking, Go for long walks, participating in all my granddaughters ventures

Last book read

“When The Lion Roars” by DiAnn Mills

Favorite spot in the city

Doyle Field and Sholan Farm

What are some of your experiences and/or accomplishments that voters should know about?

I’ve led a life of service and giving back to the community. I  started by joining the U.S. Marine Corp. at the age of 18. I served my country which led me to Desert Shield/Desert Storm. I voluntarily extended my enlistment to go over with my fellow Marines.

Upon my return to the U.S., I became a Worcester County Sheriff’s Department officer. Shortly after, I then became a police officer for 23 years. When I retired in 2015, I began to look for additional ways to serve. I work for Richardson Funeral Home, became a Rotarian, joined the Board of Directors at the LEFCU (Leominster Employees Federal Credit Union) and lastly a City Councilor. I am proud to continue representing the Leominster community as we grow, develop and prosper.

What are some of the goals you would pursue if elected/reelected as a city councilor-at-large?

If reelected I will continue to support a strong stabilization fund, to be a strong advocate for public safety, invest in our youth/schools, as well as ensuring that our elderly and veterans are receiving appropriate care. Through a well managed budget that is fiscally responsible and balanced, Leominster and its residents will continue being so very proud that they reside here.