Lynn School Committee: Starbard in; Newhall out

LYNN – The School Committee’s newest member said he will introduce an ethics committee for consideration by his colleagues designed to “instill the most basic form of character building” in public school students.Richard Starbard galvanized support around programs cuts at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute and the Ford School to win the committee’s sixth place slot Tuesday night.He edged committee veteran Jeffrey Newhall out of his seat by 6,192-6,128 votes. Newhall said he was disappointed by the loss and will consider mounting a recount effort.”I had eight great years. I’d never change one vote I made. I always voted for what I thought was right,” Newhall said.Starbard left his teaching job in the Tech automotive body shop to spend more time in his Revere business, Rick’s Auto Collision.”Then the cuts and changes at Tech came down along with the Ford annex closing,” he said by way of explaining his decision to run for School Committee.He said his win brings someone with a business and teaching background onto the committee where members Donna Coppola and John Ford shared bragging rights for a first place finish with Coppola winning 6,953 to 6,951 for Ford. Maria Carrasco finished third with 6,733 votes with Vincent Spirito receiving 6,476 to win fourth place followed by Patricia Capano who received 6,395 votes.Click here for PDF of School Committee race