New Leadership for Board of Aldermen

Alderman David Deane has been elected to serve as the Board President during a brief caucus Dec. 9 of the 2014 Board of Aldermen, unseating longtime President Brian McCarthy, who did not run. His opponent was Alderman Lori Wilshire.

McCarthy was voted in as Vice President over Dan Moriarty by a vote of 8 to 7.

Deane edged Wilshire for the President's seat by a vote of 9 to 6. 

Voting in favor of Deane were: David Deane, Jim Donchess, Dan Moriarty, Sean McGuinness, David Schoneman, Michael Soucy, Paul Chasse, June Caron and Ken Siegel.  Voting for Wilshire: Brian McCarthy, Diane Sheehan, Lori Wilshire, Richard Dowd, Pam Brown, and MaryAnn Melizzi-Golja. 

Voting for McCarthy were: Brian McCarthy, Diane Sheehan, Lori Wilshire, Richard Dowd, Pam Brown, Paul Chasse, June Caron, Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja. Voting for Moriarty: David Deane, Jim Donchess, Dan Moriarty, Sean McGuinness, David Schoneman, Michael Soucy, Ken Siegel.

Alderman Diane Sheehan asked if a vote by ballot was allowable. City Clerk Paul Bergeron said it was only if a majority of members agreed to it. However, a majority voice vote resolved to stick with a roll call vote.

The new President and Vice President will officially be seated Jan. 5, 2014.

In discussing his bid for the Presidency last week, Deane said he felt it was time for a change in leadership.

"The caucus sets everything in place – which committees we serve on, etc. I think it's time  for some change in leadership. I've got some good support and will be fair and balanced with my colleagues, if elected. I want to put people where they'd like to be for committee appointments. I want to utilize them where they have the best of their knowledge or ability," Deane said.