Swampscott moderator to helm final Town Meeting

SWAMPSCOTT – This evening at Town Meeting will mark the end of an era.Town Moderator Martin Goldman, who was elected to another one-year term on April 28, announced he would be stepping down at the end of his term, making tonight the last regular Town Meeting Goldman will open or adjourn.Goldman pointed out this is his 21st term as town moderator. He said he would continue to serve out the remainder of his term, including making appointments and serving as moderator for special Town Meetings, but he would not seek another term next April.”I felt the time has come,” he said. “I believe I’m the longest serving moderator in the history of the town. I’ve really enjoyed it and it has been an honor to serve the town. But it’s time to let younger people step up.”Goldman is quick to admit he would miss serving as moderator, but said he would continue to remain active in town.”I still have a year on my term to go,” he said. “I’ve been lucky I got to participate in town government for such a long time. I’ve had a great run and really enjoyed it. I have been at Town Meeting every year for 52 years and will continue to run for Town Meeting member.”One thing Goldman is known for at Town Meeting is his white bucks. Goldman said white bucks signal the beginning of summer and that is why he wears them on what he believes should be the last night of Town Meeting each year. Goldman said the white bucks tradition started more than a decade ago on a whim.”Who knows, I might wear them in the audience next year,” he said.In addition to serving as Town meeting member and town moderator, in the past Goldman also served on the Housing Authority, Finance Committee and as town counsel.”I was lucky enough to be raised in this town,” he said. “I will continue to remain involved. My only regret is we never got to renovate Phillips Park and upgrade the facilities there. Maybe it’s something I can get involved in after my term expires. Unless we keep trying to keep up the infrastructure in our community, it will go to seed.”Town Meeting member and former School Committee member Mary DeChillo said Goldman has been of great service to the town.”He grew up here and loves the town of Swampscott,” she said. “He was helpful supporting the new high school and leaves behind a lot of positive things”With a laugh, DeChillo admitted she looks for the white bucks each night during Town Meeting.”Maybe we can get the new moderator to wear them,” she said.