SWAMPSCOTT — Two candidates are running for one vacant seat on the Housing Authority Board of Directors in the April 26 town election.
Charles Patsios, a real-estate developer, and Sean Regan, an attorney, are looking to fill the seat that was left vacant when Naomi Dreeben resigned from the position in September 2021.
The Swampscott Housing Authority (SHA) manages three public-housing sites on Pitman Road, Burrill Street and Doherty Circle, which house almost 140 residents in 121 units.
The SHA board consists of five members, who make sure that Authority properties and maintenance are in line with federal and state policies, and oversee SHA finances and the executive director’s performance. The SHA reports to the Massachusetts Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD).
Patsios, 62, has been living in Swampscott since 1990. He has worked both with commercial and residential real estate and would like to apply his knowledge and experience for the good of the community he lives in, he said.
“In today’s day and age, our seniors are being left behind and, I believe, are grossly overlooked, along with other individuals that might have a physical disability or mental impairment and require assistance (with housing),” said Patsios.
Seniors living on fixed incomes and Social Security cannot afford so-called affordable units, Patsios said. Since Swampscott has not created any new senior housing in some time, Patsios would like to be a part of efforts to improve the quality of the town’s existing stock.
He said his experience goes beyond selling and buying real estate. He understands maintenance issues, zoning code and compliance, pursuing grants and other forms of assistance to maintain buildings in the best possible condition.
“Our largest demographic of the Town of Swampscott is the population that is aging, and to ignore that fact is to ignore reality,” said Patsios. “And to ignore reality is to not serve the most vulnerable people in our society that need our help, who have contributed over the years but, quite frankly, don’t have all the benefits of a big income. They are no less important than anyone else in the town and they deserve the best representation possible, and that is my goal.”
Patsios sought to temporarily fill Dreeben’s seat in January until the April election, but the Select Board could not agree with the Housing Authority Board on the appointment process, and decided to leave the seat vacant until the general election.
Patsios was able to garner the support of the Swampscott Senior Tenants Association and the Association reaffirmed that support with a letter to The Item, published on March 28.
“Charlie’s long Swampscott residence, history as a Town Meeting member, prior business experience, numerous state contacts and his past philanthropic endeavors place him in a unique position to help guide our small Housing Authority through the quagmire of expansion between the need for affordable and low-income units and those currently living in public housing,” the letter said.
Regan, 39, a father of three, has been living in Swampscott with his family for eight years.
“I saw that it was a good opportunity for me to put my personal and professional experience to good use,” said Regan about his decision to run.
Regan currently works as an attorney at the University of Massachusetts (UMass), where he is closely involved in board governance of public bodies and public authorities, and with public construction carried out by UMass Building Authority, he said.
He previously worked for the administration of former Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, closely cooperating with the Boston Housing Authority and making sure that residents and constituents received access to city services.
While in law school, Regan focused on studying issues related to affordable housing as well.
On a personal note, Regan’s father grew up in public housing in the Archdale Village in Jamaica Plain.
“It has been a foundational piece of his life and our family’s identity,” Regan said.
Regan said his experience working with public bodies and bidding laws would enhance the board. He sees the success of a housing authority in good governance, good fiscal management and communication with the residents to ensure the delivery of services to them.
“I just have a general belief in public service and the government’s role in improving lives,” Regan said.
Reggie Pagan, a retired firefighter who was originally running for the Housing Authority Board as well, dropped out of the race at the end of March in order to support Regan. She said that after speaking with him, she believes Regan has a lot to offer to the town.
“I really liked him,” said Pagan. “He sounds like he is really for giving back to the community because his father is from public housing.”
