Delaney Is Not Seeking Re-election

Selectmen Chairman Sean Delaney announced Monday that he is not seeking reelection this year.

Citing family and work commitments, Delaney, who is finishing his second term on the board, announced that he has decided to step aside.

Delaney, who has lived in North Reading since 1999, said he has been discussing his future plans with his wife and children over the past year. He said he doesn’t have enough time to commit as a selectman. 

“There are only so many hours in the day,” said Delaney. “I don’t think I can serve three masters as well as I possibly can,” he added referring to his family, work and selectman commitments.

Delaney said he always made decisions on the board in what he felt was in the best interests of North Reading.

“That’s been my guiding principle: What’s in the best interest of this community?” said Delaney.

Delaney said the past year has been a tough one for the selectmen and public squabbles have caused a “black eye” for the board – especially at the last meeting when members of the Zoning Board of Appeals offered their resignations because of previous comments made by Selectman Mike Prisco.

Delaney said he was unable to sleep after that meeting. He said Prisco may have been rightly criticized in how he voiced his concerns about the ZBA, but added that every member has the right to question things.

Though some people have criticized Prisco’s style, Delaney said no one works harder for the town of North Reading.

“He has the best interests of the community in mind,” said Delaney.  

The Annual Town Election is on May 6. Nomination papers will be available in a couple weeks.