Published April 25, 2019

By MAUREEN DOHERTY

NORTH READING — In just five days, the North Reading Republican Town Committee (NRRTC) will host a Candidates’ Night that open to all candidates running for elective office in the upcoming town election on Tuesday, May 7.

The forum, which is open to the public, takes place on Tuesday, April 30 at Kitty’s Restaurant, 123 Main St. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with speeches beginning at 7 p.m.

“It’s going to be a great night for local democracy. All of the candidates have committed to participate, with one pending confirmation,” North Reading Republican Town Committee Chairman Jeff Yull told the Transcript on Tuesday.

He added that the NRRTC “took on the mantel” of hosting this non-partisan event “after the League of Women Voters ceased this important tradition.”

“Local governing is important to all who live in North Reading,” Yull said. With this in mind, although the School Committee is the only office with a contested race on this year’s ballot, with three candidates vying for two three-year seats, the purpose of Candidates’ Night is to give all of the candidates an opportunity to share their vision, mission, and goals for the town while providing a forum for voters to hear what each candidate brings to the table, he said.

There are a total of nine candidates on the ballot for eight seats. In addition to the three School Committee candidates the offices up for renewal and length of terms are Housing Authority (5 years), Town Moderator (1 year), Community Planning Commission (3 years) and Select Board (3 years).

The evening’s agenda is as follows:

• 6:55 p.m. – Pledge of Allegiance led by the North Reading Girl Scouts

• 7 p.m. – Housing Authority incumbent Jim DeCola (5 minutes)

• 7:06 p.m. – Town Moderator incumbent John Murphy (5 minutes)

• 7:12 p.m. – Community Planning Commission:

Incumbent Warren Pearce (12 minutes)

David Rudloff (12 minutes)

• 7:39 p.m. – Select Board (in alphabetical order):

Liane Gonzalez (12 minutes)

Rich Wallner (12 minutes)

• 8:05 p.m. – School Committee (incumbent, then alphabetical)

Incumbent Janene Imbriano (12 minutes)

Tracy DeGregorio (12 minutes). Due to a prior commitment DeGregorio will submit a prepared statement.

Chris Pappavaselio (12 minutes)

Media coverage

NORCAM will live stream the evening on their Facebook page. NORCAM will also record live, then televise starting the following Thursday.

Additionally, to reach as many voters as possible, NRRTC, the North Reading Transcript and North Reading News (Advanced Photo) will also live stream the evening on their respective Facebook pages. The Transcript will also provide print media coverage in the May 2 edition.