By Emma Gulaskey 

With the Swampscott local elections on Tuesday, April 28, residents will see a few new names on the ballot, while some familiar incumbents will noticeably be absent. 

Recognizable names on the ballots include School Committee Member John Giantis and Public Library Trustee Debbie Friedlander; while Planning Board Chair Ted Dooley, Board of Assessors Chair Charlie Patsios and Solid Waste Advisory Chair Wayne Spritz are instead running for two open Select Board positions along with Democratic Town Committee Member Wayne Godfrey this election. 

At the same time, several longtime officials are stepping away from their roles: Select Board Members Doug Thompson and David Grishman, Town Moderator Michael McClung and School Committee Member Suzanne Wright.

Time For New Leadership

Thompson, McClung and Wright pointed to timing and a desire to make room for new leadership. Grishman did not respond to request comment at the time of publication.

McClung, who has served as town moderator for 10 years and previously spent seven years on the Finance Committee, said he believes it is time for a new generation to step forward.

 “It’s time for the people who are as old as I was when I got involved to carry the torch,” McClung said. “This next generation of folks in Swampscott, it’s time for them to take their turn at bat and decide what they want the place to be.”

Ryan Hale is running uncontested for the town moderator position. 

Thompson also agreed that it’s time for a new wave of locals to fill their spots.

“I had accomplished a lot of what I had set out to do in my campaign, and I always think it’s good for new voices, new perspectives to come along,” Thompson said. “So I felt like it was a good time to let the other people participate.” 

Thompson also reflected on his working alongside Grishman. 

“When you look back over the last few years, there’s just so many things that we’ve done together,” he said. 

Dooley, Godfrey, Patsios and Spritz are running for the two Select Board positions Thompson and Grishman are leaving open.

Wright, who served 12 years on the School Committee, said her decision was shaped by both timing and her belief in balanced representation.

“I really believe that the school committee should have a mix of people who have kids in the district and who don’t have kids in the district,” Wright said. “I think it’s time for the young parents that are going to be with it for 12 years.” 

Wright said she initially ran with specific goals, including supporting a new superintendent, strengthening the athletic department and advancing a technology plan. As her children grew older, she shifted her focus from school-based volunteer work to district leadership.

She also chaired the committee to build the new Swampscott Elementary School, a project she viewed as a natural endpoint for her service.

“I wanted to see the school built and the transition to a new superintendent,” Wright said. “That made this decision something I had been thinking about for a long time.”

Katie Arrington is running uncontested for Wright’s empty seat, as Giantis is uncontested for his position and Martha Cesarz is running for the two-year position left open after Amy OConnor resigned last fall.

Accomplishments Throughout Service

All three departing officials pointed to accomplishments they said made their service worthwhile.

McClung highlighted major milestones during his tenure, including the acquisition of open space, construction of a new elementary school, the start of development of the Rail Trail, an improved bond rating and expanded recreational programs. He also noted increased participation in Town Meeting and the challenge of keeping local government functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Still, he said the most meaningful moments were often smaller.

“Recognizing residents with distinguished service awards — those are the moments I’ll remember most,” McClung said.

Thompson pointed to several initiatives during his time on the Select Board, including the adoption of the Community Preservation Act, starting to develop veterans’ housing on Pine Street, plans to convert the Hadley School into a hotel, housing at the Gen. John Glover property while preserving the historic farmhouse, and cleanup efforts at King’s Beach.

Wright said she is proud of her role in building the new elementary school and helping guide the district’s growth.

“It was a really good experience,” she said. “I’m proud of what I did and how the district has improved.”

Disparaging Comments and Misinformation

Two recent departures came earlier this year. Water and Sewer Infrastructure Advisory Committee Member Liz Smith and School Committee Chair Amy OConnor stepped down citing negative experiences on social media, including what they described as gossip, misinformation and personal attacks shared to Swampscott Tides in 2025.

Three members who are not running this year acknowledge and have experienced negativity due to their roles in the community, but it is not why they are leaving. 

While each acknowledged that public service can bring criticism, they said their decisions to not remain on their committees were not solely driven by negativity. 

Even still, with several open seats, voters will play a key role in shaping the town’s leadership. 

Residents will elect candidates to a variety of positions. Voters will be able to choose Swampscott’s new town moderator, two Select Board members, Board of Health member, three School Committee members, trustee to the Swampscott Public Library, Housing Authority member and 108 Town Meeting members.

“Engagement matters,” McClung said. “You’re voting for what this town will be like for a long time.”

Emma Gulaskey is a student at Endicott College studying journalism. This story is published in partnership with the Massachusetts News Service.