RMLD Board Statement: Michael Giacalone For Write-In Candidate

READING, MA — The 2021 Town Election will have a contested race for the Reading Municipal Light Department board of commissioners. Three candidates – incumbent John Stempeck and challengers Marlena Bita and James Satterthwaite – are running for two three-year seats on the board.

Michael Giacalone, who owns an accounting practice, hopes to be considered as a write-in candidate.

Read his campaign statement below:

My name is Michael Giacalone, and I am running as a write-in candidate for the Reading Municipal Light Board.

Per the Reading Home Rule Charter, duties of the Light Board include hiring the Municipal Light Department’s General Manager, appointing the Accounting Manager or Chief Accountant, and appointing the Department’s Counsel. The Light Board members are responsible for approving all warrants for payment of bills and payroll, approving all contracts which are at or above the competitive bid process, and employing the Auditor appointed by the Town of Reading Audit Committee. Finally, the Light Board shall set the electric rates as well as approve the annual operating budget and Capital Improvements Program.

My professional background consists of experience in private industry and the public accounting profession.

Upon graduating from Bentley College, which is now Bentley University, I was employed by a regional CPA firm for five years. During that time, I passed the CPA exam and earned my license to practice as a Certified Public Accountant. I left the accounting firm and entered private industry. Over the next eight years I worked for two separate companies in the financial services sectors. I was first a controller for a multi-company organization that produced multiple financial advisory newsletters for over 220,000 subscribers and managed over $1 billion for individual investors. At my second position, I served as a member of the financial team of an internet startup company that that raised $40 million and provided the means for small business owners to run their accounting and related financial systems from an internet brokerage platform.

My father had his own accounting practice and I always provided him with support even while holding my other positions. In 1996, I began my own accounting practice after taking over my father’s practice when he passed away. The focus of my practice for the past 25 years has been to provide tax and consulting services to businesses, their owners, and individuals with intricate tax needs.

The experience I have gained from my past positions, as the owner of my accounting practice, and working with my clientele has provided me with the very tools necessary to fulfill the duties of the Light Board outlined above.

In addition to my professional experience, I have been a resident of Reading since 1996 and have been involved with the Town in many areas. I am a member of the Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce, where I served on its Board of Directors and as its President. For over a decade, I have served on the Tree Lighting Committee to help organize the annual lights festival on the Town Common. In 2018 I was first elected to Town Meeting and I continue to serve in that role today.

On April 6, I ask for you to write in my name, Michael Giacalone, for the Municipal Light Board so that I may continue to be of service to the residents of our fine town.