Shocker:Sanford Not to Seek Re-Election; To Retire from Town Council

By Sue Ellen Woodcock

This election year has been full of surprises for Winthrop voters. And there seems no end to the shockers as Council President Russ Sanford has announced on Wednesday that he will not run in November for Council President nor will he seek his old seat back in Precinct 5.

Sanford simply stated his decision not the run is all about timing.

In a telephone interview yesterday, Sanford said he has been on the council for 12 years. Prior to that he was on the Charter Commission and was a Town Meeting member prior to that.

“There’s been a lot accomplished and at this point in my life I want  to re-focus my business and enjoy my family,” he said.

Sanford said he absolutely wants to be Council President until his term runs out on December 31. The election in November will decide who the next Council President will be.

“There’s still work to do. We have a town manager to put in place and economic development work to follow though on,” Sanford said.

He would also like to see his long time dream of having a community center come to fruition.

“We’ve made great strides as a council,” Sanford said.

Looking to serve on the council is Councilor Rich Boyagian and Christopher Aiello, a lawyer and member of the town’s Transportation Committee. Aiello took out nomination papers last week.

Running for an at-large seat on the Town Council are Rob DeMarco, Mike Lucerto and Dawn Sullivan, who now serves on the School Committee.

For Precinct 1 the race will be between incumbent Paul Varone and Michael McDuffee

In Precinct 3 looks like Board of Health chair Nick LoConte may run unopposed.

In Precinct 5, newly appointed Councilor Peter Christopher will face off with Center business owner Steve Koutalakis.

For Housing Authority its will be a race with Frederick Silk, Peter Gill, Marie Matanazzo and Peter Burke Jr.

For the Board of Library trustees two incumbents Jillian Teixeira and Virginia Wallace will be running.

With three seats open for election on the School Committee no incumbents, Brian Perrin and William Holden have not pulled papers yet. But challengers James Fabiano, Jennifer Powell and John Lyons have pulled papers.

The last day to return nomination papers is Sept. 19. On Oct. 5 the lottery will be held for ballot position. The last day to register to vote in the Nov. 7 election is Oct. 18.