With the April 28 Town Election approaching, four candidates competing for two open seats on the Swampscott Select Board participated in a debate Tuesday evening hosted by the Swampscott Tides.
Ted Dooley, Wayne Godfrey, Charlie Patsios, and Wayne Spritz spoke before an audience of about 30 residents, responding to ten prepared questions along with opening and closing remarks. The questions – submitted by the Swampscott Tides and its readers – focused on issues such as the town budget, future planning, candidate priorities, and the dynamics of the Select Board. Several candidates noted that they had agreed beforehand to keep the discussion respectful and positive.
Moderator Monica Sager, Managing Editor of the Swampscott Tides, asked candidates to identify the biggest challenge facing the town over the next three years, the length of a Select Board term. Dooley, Spritz, and Patsios all pointed to concerns about town revenue.
“Our revenues are not meeting our expenses,” said Spritz. “We’re going to have to make some really hard choices.”
Dooley emphasized the potential for growth in “underutilized economic corridors,” while Patsios pointed to what he described as “unique opportunities” for development. Godfrey, meanwhile, identified school funding and the cost of maintaining a high level of education as the town’s most pressing issue.
When discussing ways to manage the tax burden, candidates again highlighted economic growth. Dooley proposed forming an economic development committee, while Spritz stressed that any development must be approached carefully given the town’s limited available land. Patsios raised concerns about the lack of a full-time assessor, along with ongoing infrastructure and water and sewer issues.
“We need to increase our housing stock as well as our commercial base in order to bring an influx of new cash into town,” said Godfrey.
Asked to reflect on a recent misstep by the Select Board, several candidates cited the handling of the Hawthorne-by-the-Sea property, noting the absence of a clear plan for its use.
Candidates also agreed that avoiding a Proposition 2½ override in the near future is possible but only if meaningful progress is made.
“I believe if we change nothing, we will have to do that,” said Patsios. “I believe if we change the things that are being discussed today, we can avoid that.”
On the relationship between the Select Board and the School Committee, all candidates emphasized the importance of collaboration. Spritz said that relationship has weakened in recent years.
“There’s some trust that has been lost unfortunately,” said Spritz. “I really want to bring that back.”
Dooley noted that the recent appointments of Town Administrator Nick Conners and Superintendent Jason Calichman present an opportunity for a fresh start.
Candidates were also asked whether the Select Board should ever go against strong public opinion. Patsios said decisions should generally reflect public sentiment, while Spritz cautioned that the “loudest voices in the room” do not always represent the broader community and that data must also guide decision-making.
Following the Select Board’s recent move to restrict Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from operating on town property, candidates were asked how they would ensure residents are informed of their rights. Godfrey suggested expanding information on the town website, and all four candidates expressed support for the board’s action.
When asked whether the town faces a spending or revenue problem, responses varied. Patsios described it as “a little bit of both,” while Dooley said every dollar should be treated as an investment. Godfrey called it a revenue issue, emphasizing the need to make decisions on ongoing projects, while Spritz said stronger oversight of spending is necessary.
On handling disagreements within the Select Board, candidates agreed that respect is key.
“I think what matters most is respecting that the voters put all of those members on the board for a reason,” said Dooley.
Godfrey added that disagreements are likely to remain minor if emotions are kept in check.
The debate also included a lighter segment, with candidates answering rapid-fire questions about their favorite local coffee spots, Big Blue teams or clubs they support and what they believe the town is missing.
In closing statements, candidates made their final appeals to voters. Dooley shared how the “town is going to be headed in a good direction.”
“In order to be successful on any board or commission that I’ve been involved with,” Dooley said, “it was having respect for everybody that was at the table…My time on the Planning Board has been really informative about how I view municipal government. It’s about being responsive to the needs of the community, to families that are going through tough changes, to helping them adapt to those in their homes and their businesses, to looking at how smart development works.”
Spritz pledged to improve communication, balance short- and long-term priorities, and keep residents’ needs at the forefront. Godfrey emphasized the need for experience to guide difficult decisions and support economic growth.
“I believe that my particular combinatorial skillset…allows me the ability to communicate with almost anyone and I think that at the end of the day one of the struggles in town has been communicating to the populus,” said Godfrey.
Patsios focused on finding opportunities to bring the community together.
“We can make our town so much better,” said Patsios. I want to help the town, but I can’t without your vote.”
Residents will have the opportunity to cast their ballots on Tuesday, April 28. The full debate is available on the Town of Swampscott Youtube channel.
