Scharfman Picks Up Selectman Nomination Papers

Around 1:30 p.m., today, Jan. 4, Dan Scharfman walked into the Town Clerk's office with two items on his "to do" list: first, to get the necessary forms to register his daughter to vote since she is turning 18 on April 1.

Second was to pick up nomination papers for a run for the open seat on the Board of Selectmen.

The member in his first term joins and the running to succeed on the three-member board.

"The work ahead for the Board of Selectmen is incredibly important for the town. It's interesting, it's exciting and I want to be part of it and improve it," said the School Street resident.

Also taking papers out is newly-appointed School Committee member who is seeking a full-three year term. So far there are no challengers in the school committee races.

Scharfman was elected to the School Board in April 2010 with nearly 2,300 votes suggesting that he has a base of support along with the name recognition important when running for town election.

Scharfman said he believes finding the right person for the newly-empowered Town Administrator position will be of up most importance as it will allow the board to transform into a policy-making board that can then tackle issues such as a long-term financial plan for the town, both agendas that are supported by the two current selectmen, Ralph Jones and Mark Paolillo.

He also advocates looking into expanding the board to five member that, he believes, could serve the town better as it will allow for the creation of subcommittees that can perform technical work that's required before presenting issues coming to the full board.

Candidates for town election have until Monday, Feb. 13 to hand in nomination papers to the Town Clerk with 50 certified signatures of town residents.

Town election is Monday, April 2.