Residents urge Select Board to consider outside candidates for Needham Housing Authority

Two residents used the public comment period at the Town of Needham Select Board meeting on June 10 to urge the board to appoint outside candidates to the Needham Housing Authority and to widen the pool of volunteers.

Jamie (resident of Hill Circle) told the board she supported Barbara McDonald and Ross Donald for the housing authority appointment the board was deliberating that night. "They bring real world experience, civic involvement, and more importantly, they're not already serving on 3 or 4 other boards," Jamie said. She added, "We don't just recycle the same names. We invite new ones to the table." Jamie also noted that "they will be making the decision, but that doesn't mean residents shouldn't speak up."

Ross Donald, who identified himself as a resident at 25 H Chambers Street and a former town meeting member, said he supported both candidates and listed areas he believes need attention from authority appointees and town government. He told the board the topics he expects will continue include "potholes, pavement," a long-running use question at 164 Linden Street, and "the status and condition of the Residents Association," including its bank account and office.

The comments were delivered during the public comment portion of the meeting; speakers were reminded to state their names and addresses and were given about three minutes each. The transcript shows no formal appointment or vote by the Select Board on the housing authority candidates during the portion of the meeting provided.

No formal board action on the housing authority appointment is recorded in the available transcript; the meeting moved into an executive session later in the agenda.