Stoneham Select Board Reorganizes, Debates Second Override After $14.6 Million Measure Fails

STONEHAM -- April 8, 2025, Stoneham Select Board reorganizes after override defeat, debates whether to pursue a second ballot question. The board unanimously reappointed Ramey Torabi as chair, named David Pinto vice chair, and swore in newly elected member Ryan Foreman as clerk at its April 8 meeting, one week after voters rejected a $14.6 million operating override. More than 40 minutes of public comment followed, with residents, library staff, and senior center employees urging the board not to implement Finance and Advisory Board proposals to close the public library, senior center, and recreation department. Newly seated member Foreman, in his first meeting, argued that "the only way forward for fiscal year 26 is an override" and proposed a resident advisory committee of yes and no voters to recommend a new number, suggesting the board's $15,000 in stipends cover the cost of a special election. Member David Pinto said he was "very challenged to do a do-over," citing both the democratic process and growing economic uncertainty. The board accepted a $3,819.92 donation from Stoneham Bank to refurbish the Gene Passaro Family Room at the police department and took no formal action on the override, agreeing to meet again within a week.