Nahant Finance Committee member is new library trustee

NAHANT – There were no contested races at the April 30 town election, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t competition for political office as selectmen and board of library trustees chose among three candidates recently for a new library trustee.”I can’t believe this is the toughest vote I’ve had to make as a selectmen,” said Selectman Michael Manning at the joint meeting of the selectmen and the board of library trustees on Thursday evening. “I’m amazed at the candidates’ passion, expertise and instant volunteering ? and I want to encourage all three [candidates] to remain involved.”Dewitt “Bill” Brown, Daniel Munnelly and Janet Dolan all submitted their names to fill a vacancy on the board of trustees that was left by the resignation of George Richardson. The appointment will fill the remaining year of Richardson’s term, and then the seat will be up for election.Each candidate praised the library, describing it as “a jewel” and “treasure” in their prepared statements, but also acknowledged that the building and its contents needed to be adapted to accommodate modern technology and residents’ changing demands.Each selectman, in turn, praised the candidates for being well qualified for the position and encouraged the candidates to remain involved in the institution.Ultimately, however, the selectmen and trustees unanimously selected longtime Finance and Advisory Committee member Dolan. Library Trustee John Welsh praised Dolan for her “long service to the town and knowledge of finance,” in making the recommendation for her appointment.”I’m really pleased to see the interest in the library,” Dolan said afterwards. “I was surprised though, because there have been years where there has only been one candidate.””In today’s environment, people aren’t volunteering on committees,” Lombard said.But Town Clerk Peggy Barile said that the selectmen will have another difficult appointment to make.She reported that the town election revealed a 19-way tie for write-in candidates to fill a vacancy on the planning board. Each candidate received one vote, Barile said.