In alphabetical order: Ted Dooley, Wayne Godfrey, Charlie Patsios, Wayne Spritz
Tell us about yourself and your background.
Ted Dooley: I moved to Swampscott in early 2019 and have loved every moment living in this community. I work professionally as a public affairs consultant to corporate and non-profit organizations, helping them navigate complex regulatory challenges, representing clients across the healthcare, high-tech, commercial construction, and gaming spaces. I am a graduate of Boston College, where I am currently completing my MBA, and in 2022 received a public leadership credential from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. My wife and I have a dog, Kennedy, and two kids – Jack (4) and Merritt, who was born in January. I love to spend as much time as possible on Swampscott’s beaches (in any season!), and during the summer months can be found sailing in Nahant Bay.
Wayne Godfrey: I am a Massachusetts native who became involved in policy during my time at SUNY Oneonta, although I’ve always found myself interested in people’s stories. Those two passions crossed during my time as a student when I served as a research assistant tasked with interviewing LGBTQ+ youth leaders and documenting their histories.
This work as a student and after graduation in New York led me to being selected to serve on the national board of the Human Rights Campaign, advancing several policy initiatives during some fraught times, including debating the language of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. I learned a lot, but also realized the importance of intentionally listening to people not to respond, but to understand.
David and I have been married for the past 30 years and while building our home together I began my career in sales. I am a licensed real estate agent and currently manage a large department at a retail store. Since then, I have become very local in my activism, including as an elected Town Meeting member and as the outreach coordinator for the Swampscott Democratic Town Committee.
Charlie Patsios: My name is Charlie Patsios. I moved to Swampscott in May of 1990, so I’ve been here going on 26 years. I’m married. I have two children, both graduates of Swampscott High School. I love the town I live in, and I want to preserve the town’s history. I want to add to its legacy, and I want to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. Let’s start at home here – I have a preservation award that was given by the Historical Society, and I value that tremendously. I’m trying to live up to that even more so, which is why I’m a fan of the Save the Glover! I want to give back to the town. I believe that living in town can require absolutely no contribution back. You can just take and leave when you’re done, or you can decide that you want to contribute to the town, and you can contribute to your heart’s content. Since I now work for myself and am semi-retired, that’s exactly what I am doing, giving back to the town as the chair of the Housing Authority, as one of the Board of Assessors on the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee, forming the Water and Sewer Rate Committee, as a Town Meeting member. I’m not done. I want to do more.
Wayne Spritz: My wife and I have lived in the Olmsted District for 26 years, where we have raised our family. I grew up in a suburb of Kansas City, graduated from University of Kansas, started my career in San Jose California then moved to the area in 1999. I built a 30 year career as a mechanical engineer doing research and development for high speed fluid sealing devices installed in pumps worldwide in over 10 different industries. I loved my work. No job was ever the same and innovation was an everyday challenge to improve product performance and keep equipment running. Eventually I became chief engineer and was foundational in building the company’s first wireless equipment monitoring program. I was fortunate to take an early retirement right around COVID, and have found a sense of deep gratitude giving back. In the past two decades I have served as member, contributor, and chair to various town committees serving the public interest. I also chaired the program advisory committee when Essex Tech High School launched their first engineering technology program.
What makes you qualified for this position?
Ted Dooley: I believe my experience in Swampscott positions me to hit the ground running. I’ve served on the Planning Board since 2021 and as chair for the past two years, where I’ve developed a strong understanding of how town government operates and how to move projects forward effectively. I’ve helped advance long-discussed initiatives, including zoning reforms in Vinnin Square that are now producing tangible results like new restaurants and economic activity, and I want to bring that experience to the Select Board, because broadening and deepening our commercial tax base helps offset residential taxes. From my work on the Planning Board, I’m ready to help stand up a focused effort on day one, bringing together Town Hall and key stakeholders to advance that goal. I’ve also had a front-row seat to community input as a member of the Master Plan Committee, which helps inform the lens and community priorities I’ll bring to long-term decisions.
Wayne Godfrey: I intend to leverage decades of servant leadership & entrepreneurship toward building consensus, growing synergies & developing alignment for Swampscott’s future.
Charlie Patsios: Being appointed by the governor to the Housing Authority and realizing that the need that existed under the Housing Authority was great. Even more work was needed to really meet the growing needs. I was successful in creating the Swampscott Housing Development Corporation, our own 501c3. Our goals are limited to the town of Swampscott and only the town of Swampscott. We want to create senior housing. We want to create affordable housing. We want to create workforce housing.
I also realize that this town runs on taxes. As a member of the Board of Assessors, who advocate for the taxpayer, we evaluate and vote on abatements and things of that nature. I realized that there was a lot of room to make improvements. We fired our full-time assessor and we’ve gone to a part-time assessor. As a result of that, without the plan being this, we now have a mechanism that the tax rate is set by the Select Board. The assessment is done by the assessor. If your assessments are keeping pace with everything else, the only mechanism that this board has is to raise a tax rate. I understand real estate development, and it seems that Swampscott has gotten into the real estate businesses but no one on the Select Board right now is in a role that has responsibility for that process, has any practical experience in real estate development or understanding real estate value, other than being a homeowner. I bring to Swampscott the value and experience that we pay consultants hundreds of thousands of dollars to do.
Wayne Spritz: I’m not a stranger to managing competing ideas, needs, and financial constraints. I did this in the private sector for 30 years and 20 years in public town government. I take a different approach that will provide new perspectives to town leadership. Some people call it an “engineering mindset.” It’s a meaningful fact based approach based on evidence and management of risk. It’s the articulation of converting “what we want, what we need” to “how we can get there.”
Why did you choose to live in Swampscott?
Ted Dooley: My wife and I moved to Swampscott nearly eight years ago, and when we moved to town, we didn’t know a single person here. We immediately fell in love with the town and the community, from the beautiful coastline, to the walkable downtown and remarkable people who call this town home, some for just weeks and others for generations. Having lived in a few different places, it is safe to say nowhere has felt like home more than Swampscott has, and I am very grateful to live in a town this special, with such a great community who has welcomed us with open arms.
Wayne Godfrey: My husband and I have called Swampscott home for the last 20-odd years. We love it here. We have found community here in Swampscott surrounded by kind people imbued with passion and a sense of purpose. I aim to honor our 15,000 residents with a kind steady hand, neighborly care, and a future we can all be proud of.
My goals are simple – listen carefully, act dutifully, and debate wisely and with respect.
Charlie Patsios: I was dating my wife Mary, who was from Lynn. I said, “Let me show you some houses in Watertown,” which is where I grew up. She said, “Let me show you some houses in Swampscott.” So the deal that we made was she won and I came in second. The deal was that I’ll happily buy the home in Swampscott if we go to church in Watertown. I came here because my wife loves Swampscott, always admired Swampscott. I’ve never regretted that decision.
Wayne Spritz: When my job moved us to the area, of course we came early to search for a place to live. I had not heard of Swampscott until my cousins invited us over. The proximity to the sea was a quick sell, but honestly, the largest draw to settling down was falling in love with the town’s character, roots and particularly the warmth of the Olmsted area. It just felt permanent and a place where we could raise our family. What we didn’t expect is how quickly our neighbors would become lifelong friends and our extended family.
What made you decide to run for this office now?
Ted Dooley: I decided to run now because Swampscott is facing a series of important long-term decisions that will shape the town for decades, including major projects like Hawthorne by the Sea. Many of these conversations have been ongoing for years, and we need to move from discussion to thoughtful, actionable decisions. My experience in long-term planning has shown me the importance of bringing people together in a way that leads to progress, not delay. I believe we have a responsibility to be strong stewards of the town as it is today while planning responsibly for the next generation. I’m running to help ensure we approach these decisions with clarity, collaboration, and a focus on results.
Wayne Godfrey: I have always been curious about politics and people and the way that the personal is political. For the last 18 months, I have been unable to participate to my fullest extent as I was battling lymphoma. This journey of diagnosis, treatment, and eventually beating this disease is something that every cancer survivor can understand, and we all have our own stories, but I can honestly say that it was community support which paved the way for my recovery. I say all of that to make it clear that I have been paying attention actively to our town and now that I am fully able to make this commitment, I am willing to.
I am also realistic about the fiscal futures of municipalities all over the Commonwealth, with Swampscott being no exception. We are entering extremely trying times and budgets are going to tighten. We cannot tax our way out of this situation or we will end up taxing our residents out of this town. It is going to take careful, deliberate considerations of what the town needs, creative thinking about grants and consolidations, and a new perspective from someone who hasn’t been in these meetings before and can bring a fresh look.
Charlie Patsios: There’s been a lot of “entertainment,” some people might call it. I call it dysfunction. Some decisions that have been made, I question. Not that I doubt that people wanted what’s best in their minds for the town, but I believe that the evaluation process was not fully understood by the people: what the true cost of everything is, what we’re getting and what we’re giving up. I decided to run for Select Board this time because I’ve also learned from the inside of being on the Housing Authority and being the assessor. I was able to look at the same problem from different positions. I realized that you can’t sit in one place and judge everybody fairly. You need to be able to look at things in different ways and see how they impact as a whole. The town – almost like a parent – needs to look at the decision they’re going to make and how it takes the family short and long term. I believe that has not happened properly.
Wayne Spritz: Perhaps I’m a glutton for punishment? Seriously, the timing is right and I honestly feel that I can be effective. I am no stranger to calling our leaders to account, but I am much more interested in building public trust, transparency, and good governance. I’m bringing a different set of skills that will compliment the other board members. After two decades in multiple technical advisory roles, I realized that instead of just recommending action, I want to be in the role of implementation. I have the time, the experience, and a track record of making decisions based on hard facts and consensus building rather than optics. Still, being a technocrat is not enough. It is crucial to remember that real people’s lives are affected. You can’t make everyone happy all the time, but I want people to realize they have a voice. I believe in active listening and delivering with empathy and consideration for others.
What life or professional experiences most shaped your perspective on public service?
Ted Dooley: My experience on the Planning Board has most shaped my perspective on public service. I’ve worked with residents navigating major life changes, from adapting their homes to care for aging loved ones to making space after life-changing circumstances, and those moments make clear that local government decisions have real, immediate impacts on people’s lives. Those experiences have reinforced for me that public service, especially at the local level, is fundamentally about serving others, and being responsive to the needs of the community. You see the results of decisions in real time, which creates a responsibility to be thoughtful and compassionate, but most importantly, responsive.
Wayne Godfrey: Covered in question 1 😊
Charlie Patsios: My father. I never knew what some of the things that my dad did. He always described himself as a carpenter. He was a developer, but he was a hands-on guy. You’d see him building with everybody else. Years later, this woman lost her husband to MS. She came over and hugged my dad and she said “Do you remember when you built that ramp?” My father looked and goes, “I remember. That was a long time ago.” She said, “I walk up that ramp now and I need it now.” I went to my dad and I said, “What did you do?” He said, “While he was at the hospital, I went with the guys and we built a ramp for him and we left.” When she tried to pay him, my father said “you already paid me.” In my eyes, doing things for others that they can’t do for themselves – that’s why we’re here. That shaped me.
Being on the Housing Authority and seeing people’s food budgets of $12 to $20 a week, seeing people suffer and other people unwilling to do anything about it. The callousness of some of the things that we do is seen on the Select Board, fighting and bickering. It needs to stop. In the process of competing with other people, sometimes standing your ground against Goliath is okay.
Wayne Spritz: I spent my career in the private world where decisions are often made without consensus. When I started volunteering in public service it was clear and refreshing to lead with “we,” not “I.” In my role as an engineer I designed complex mission critical components that required a serious eye on detail at all times from multiple points of view. I managed interdepartmental project teams that brought together engineering, manufacturing, marketing and quality. I oversaw the input from our customer, our machinists and our board of directors. The exposure to diversity of thought and perspective has been critical to my success.
What are the top three issues facing Swampscott now?
Ted Dooley: The first is making a clear, conclusive decision on Hawthorne-by-the-Sea. We’ve studied this issue for years, with multiple committees and ongoing discussions, but at this point discussion needs to lead to decisions, not further delay. With the current lease expiring, we need to act now to ensure there is an actionable plan in place the moment that opportunity opens, rather than continuing to defer tough choices.
Second is advancing economic development to strengthen and broaden our commercial tax base. Swampscott has real opportunities for thoughtful business growth, and I believe we can bring together a focused economic development task force, drawing from Town Hall and key stakeholder groups, to identify where growth makes sense and how to effectively incentivize and support it. I have experience identifying barriers for investment in Swampscott from my experience on the Planning Board, and hope to bring that experience to the Selectboard to help offset the tax burden on residents while enhancing the vibrancy of our community.
Third is maintaining fiscal prudence today to prepare for significant capital investments in the non-distant future. We need to continue demonstrating to both creditors and residents that we are disciplined stewards of the town’s finances, protecting our strong credit position while making responsible budget decisions. That credibility is essential so that when we ask voters to support major investments, like renovations to a Middle School, they can do so with confidence that their resources are being managed efficiently.
Wayne Godfrey: 1. Budget and Avoiding an Override – We must do all we can to keep our budget under control during very difficult fiscal times through careful, considerate budgeting. Look at neighboring Marblehead and the losses they face. We cannot make the same mistakes that led Marblehead into the position they are in. At the same time, a budget override is out of the question as our residents are not immune to the trying economic times we find ourselves in.
2. Hawthorne Site – The Hawthorne by the Sea site is a generational opportunity for Swampscott to create a potentially permanent change to our scenic downtown. However, the process we have followed has led us to the worst case scenario: the most expensive municipal parking lot in history. It is time to make a decision that is looking to the future of the site.
3. Welcoming, Clean Beaches – We know that King’s Beach is polluted and we know what is causing it. What we don’t know still are the potential costs and timelines. Last summer’s UV pilot program taught us a lot about the contamination, but what are the next steps? Additionally, that program was only possible through partnership with state officials and the city of Lynn. It is imperative to pressure and partner these officials to work with us on what is an issue that impacts our town daily.
Charlie Patsios: One in the top three, not in order, is the quarry. I believe it’s a revenue stream. That’s not just a real estate tax. I believe it’s much more than that. It’s parcel surplus, parcels whose future is undefined. There is the Clarke School and the undefined future use of that building, which no one knows what it is. We look at these assets and we fight over them. The Hawthorne too – what’s the highest and best use to the town? Not from one perspective but from all perspectives: financial to maintaining open space.
The second is the schools and funding. Coming to the understanding that the growth rate, not only for the school budget, is unsustainable. We need to have a better plan on how we are able to maintain the high quality of education in the town but also putting guardrails up that don’t allow it to consume senior services, the public good and as a whole new approach to education, whether it’s through collaborations from other communities or new approaches to education.
The third thing is being able to fund the community. The 21st century requires that we don’t tax like the 19th century. We have to take a look at future growth, sustainability and equitable services because seniors are underserved. We have a growing demographic of seniors. We have a shrinking enrollment in our schools. Nowhere near what it was at one time. I believe that we need to do more for our seniors and also be able to see that there’s a relationship between open space: playgrounds, activities that seniors can benefit from.
Wayne Spritz: Trying our best to minimize the taxpayer burden from real financial pressures. We have rising costs everywhere including needed infrastructure investments both above and below ground. Costs of trash service, sewer pipe repairs to fix Kings Beach, high energy costs, and a half million dollars of lost water. The skyrocketing costs of labor and material for everything including school repairs are going to take some careful balancing and planning. State and federal aid is unreliable. All of this will be shouldered on the taxpayer. The Select Board must find opportunities for new revenue while balancing our services and the character of our town. I cannot reinforce enough how much consensus building this will take.
The Hawthorne property is the gateway to our town. Critical decisions will be made in the next three years. It’s important to develop a strong revitalized Humphrey Street district while balancing the feedback for both open space and economic opportunity. We need creative solutions that build both character and opportunity for that site. A place that will draw people both to the new hotel across the street but also from the hotel to a mix of local businesses and open space on Humphrey.
Planning for the future. There are two points to this. First is the prioritization of coastal resilience planning as the oceans rise and sunny day floods become the norm in the future. This means protecting assets like seawalls, beach erosion, the Fish House and our pier. The second point is more about a generational gap in our institutional knowledge. We need to pair decades of experience with emerging talent. To create pathways where there are fewer barriers for residents of all ages to engage with and volunteer in Swampscott.
If elected, what will be your top priorities for the first year?
Ted Dooley: My first and top priority would be to convene an Economic Development Task Force, bringing together members of key stakeholder committees, Town Hall, and local experts. This group would focus on identifying barriers to economic development that the town can revisit and where targeted changes could better incentivize new businesses and support existing ones. That could include practical steps like improving parking management along Humphrey Street, as well as evaluating areas best suited for thoughtful commercial growth. Other communities have taken a proactive, strategic approach to expanding their commercial tax base, and Swampscott should do the same. By aligning stakeholders and acting on clear, actionable recommendations, we can strengthen our local economy and help ease the burden on residential taxpayers.
Additionally, coming to a conclusive decision on the future of the Hawthorne parcel. We have discussed it, committees have deliberated on it, and we now have a short-term tenant there. But that does not mean we have endless time to continue to debate the future of a parcel that was purchased years ago. We need conclusive action on that property, and we can’t wait 2 more years to come to that decision.
Wayne Godfrey: Community outreach and engagement. Gain further understanding of the nooks and crannies of our budgetary landscape.
Charlie Patsios: To make sure that the town assessor has everything he or she needs to do the job. As the state says, every ten years, every property in town is supposed to be visited by the assessor, either inside or outside. How can you get that done as a part-time assessor? I would focus on Town Hall services. We have to be able to provide all the services to have the departments done in a professional way. That allows for workforce housing to be developed. That allows for affordable housing to be developed and market rate housing to be developed. If we don’t understand the nature of the town’s operation and the only thing we’re faced with is cutting money to fund something, the funnel is going to get small and smaller and smaller to where we’re crushed under the weight of not being able to afford our services.
Wayne Spritz: In addition to the above my main priorities, I am also in favor of the following:
Creating a new official Veterans Advisory Committee formed by Swampscott veterans to report to the Select Board on all issues and future planning.
Review the Olmsted Historic District guidelines. It’s been 12 years since the bylaw enhanced the oversight by the town government to protect the nature of the district. Feedback from Olmsted residents is frustrating, overstepping and burdensome. Their voices must be heard and feedback be considered for changes to the guidelines.
Keeping pressure on National Grid to permanently fix the miles of leaking natural gas lines.
Promoting our incredible library and all the things they’re doing. From the new teen room, programming, and the makerspace with 3d printers, laser cutters, and sewing machines. It’s one of the most utilized and unfortunately understaffed assets in town.
How will you make sure residents’ voices are heard?
Ted Dooley: I believe the most effective way to ensure residents’ voices are heard is simply to be present, not just during formal meetings, but throughout the community. My experience on the Planning Board has shown me that people are more than eager to share their perspectives when given the opportunity, especially in more informal settings. Being visible and accessible at community events and in everyday interactions creates space for more honest, productive conversations. It’s often outside the meeting room where you hear the most candid and valuable feedback. That kind of consistent presence is essential to representing the community.
Wayne Godfrey: My goals are simple-listen carefully, act dutifully and debate wisely & with respect.
We have found community here in swampscott surrounded by kind people imbued with passion and a sense of purpose. I aim to honor our 15000 residents with a kind steady hand, neighborly care & future we can all be proud of.
Charlie Patsios: I would be willing to have a bi-weekly time available to meet with anyone that wants to discuss anything. I would welcome it to be in writing via email or in person.
Wayne Spritz: Democracy requires an engaged citizenry. My goals are to actively listen first, use town resources to inform and educate, and make sure we remain available for feedback. Often residents are heard in committee and board meetings. Unfortunately, in the public arena we only hear the most vocal. But I always know there are residents with quiet daily struggles of food and housing insecurity, mental health, dementia and aging in place. We have to continue to be their advocates as well.
If voters remember only one thing about your campaign, what do you hope it is?
Ted Dooley: I hope voters remember that I care deeply about this community and am committed to doing the work to move it forward. Swampscott has been an incredible home for my family, and I’ve tried to give back through my service and involvement across town. I want people to know I’ll bring that same energy – working collaboratively, making thoughtful decisions, and following through – to the Select Board. At the end of the day, it’s about helping ensure Swampscott remains a place we’re proud to call home for years to come.
Wayne Godfrey: I’ve used this quote from Theodore Roosevelt as a guiding light personally and professionally for decades: “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” I trust our community will remember the empathy and value I place on their voices.
Charlie Patsios: I promise to take into account every facet that’s required before reaching a decision. It’s like the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. When you can lie by telling only half the truth, that’s a very shrewd person that does that. I don’t ever want to be that guy. I have integrity.
I’m semi-retired, but I’m not out to pasture. If I was to do anything in town in the future, I commit to making it affordable. I would consider making it entirely affordable. If I were in office and I was developing something I would make my priority for the greater good of the community, not just the selfishness of the developer.
Wayne Spritz: We are a village of volunteers looking to better one another and to hold ourselves accountable. It is not enough to make good choices. We need to have meaningful conversations, agree to disagree sometimes, while showing respect for the process and each other.
Favorite spot in town?
Ted Dooley: The Lucky Williams Pier at Fishermans Beach.
Wayne Godfrey: Varies season to season with an eye toward sunsets. We are so lucky to call Swampscott home.
Charlie Patsios: I have warm memories where you can’t always revisit those locations physically today. One of my prizes is a coupon book – I raised my kids on Greenwood Avenue, across from the middle school at the time and I guess my favorite place in town would have to be my memories of the town. I know that sounds cliche a little bit. I ate at the John Glover before it closed in the ‘90s. I loved the Hawthorne-by-the-Sea restaurant because of the view of Boston.
Wayne Spritz: Any porch, stoop, or sidewalk on Farragut Road where our neighbors hang out on any given day.
