Goodwin named new chairman

By Matthew Bernat
Turley Publications Staff Writer

STURBRIDGE – Hoping to sweep away the acrimony of last year selectmen voted unanimously to make Edward “Ted” Goodwin the board’s new chairman on April 13.
The vote came a week before the board’s scheduled reorganization. It occurred during the first meeting to feature incoming Town Administrator Shaun Suhoski and newly elected Selectwoman Mary Dowling.
Selectman Scott Garieri’s initial motion to name former Chairwoman Mary Blanchard to the position was defeated in a 3-2 vote that saw both voting in favor.
Selectman Thomas Creamer countered with a motion to name Goodwin chairman.
He accepted the nomination. Goodwin noted it was not an indication of how he felt about Blanchard’s leadership.
“I think that there is some animosity on the board and I think that the chemistry could use a shakeup,” he said.
Blanchard agreed. “There is that unsettledness that’s been on the board for the past year and as chairman I’ve done my best to quell it,” she said.
Goodwin also said the personality problems on the board have hampered town progress. He said the amount of work the board has done has decreased as of late.
“The board as a whole needs a quick shakeup…It’s not something I relish,” Goodwin said.
Creamer said Goodwin was the “perfect” candidate for the job.
“I think Ted would do an outstanding job in providing a stable face, an objective face and he’s the senior member of this board,” Creamer said. Goodwin has served on the board for four years.
After voting on Goodwin, Creamer then introduced a motion that would have named Dowling vice chairman. He noted her years of experience on the Finance Committee and the overwhelming support she received in the election made her the right choice.
Dowling respectfully declined and thanked Creamer. She said she hoped to gain more experience before taking on those responsibilities. In the absence of the chairman the vice chairman is charged with overseeing meetings.
Dowling then nominated Creamer for the position, a move that met opposition.
“I personally can not support that nomination,” Blanchard said. “We have been privy to Tom’s behavior in some executive sessions and some of his outbursts in open session.”
Creamer objected and said her comments were “uncalled for.” Before the conversation could continue Dowling stepped in.
“I don’t like really being what might be considered a swing vote…With all due respect Tom, if you are going to be the vice chair I think that we need some kind of affirmation from you that we will be forward looking and not backward looking,” she said.
Dowling said she was concerned his comments were focused on the past. “This is what I would like to avoid,” she said, adding she wanted to “foster an environment that is positive.”
Creamer agreed and made that affirmation.
Blanchard also said it was time to move forward in the best manner possible. She noted, “This past year has been horrendous.”