WILMINGTON, MA – Lou Cimaglia announced today he will not seek re-election to the Board of Selectmen when his term expires this April.
The popular Cimaglia has been a Selectman since 2007. He topped the ticket in his last two elections – 2010 and 2013.
“I’ve done three terms. That’s nine years.” Cimaglia told Wilmington Apple. “I am proud of what the Board has accomplished in that time.”
Cimaglia, who serves as the Town’s Veterans’ Agent, said one of the major reasons he decided not to run for re-election is because of the time commitment that his job requires of him.
“The Veterans’ Agent Office has become all encompassing, including nights and weekends, and I just won’t be able to put enough time into the Selectmen position that it deserves,” said Cimaglia.
Cimaglia was honored as Massachusetts Veterans Agent of the Year in 2012. He’s also been recognized for his volunteer work with Local Heroes, a Wilmington-based non-profit organization he founded that supports local servicemen, servicewomen and their families.
“I’m proud to say I was a Selectman,” said Cimaglia. “Every Selectman I served with always did what they felt, in their hearts, was best for the town. And we got things done without yelling and screaming.”
“You serve because you want to do it. You do it for the good of the town,” continued Cimaglia, who noted he’s happy that Wilmington doesn’t provide a salary or health insurance to its Selectmen, unlike many other Massachusetts towns.
Cimaglia points to the construction of the new high school as one of the town’s greatest accomplishments during his tenure.
Cimaglia also pointed to the town’s financial stability, balanced budgets, and all the awards and accolades it regularly receives, as things that set Wilmington apart from other communities.
Cimaglia will most miss no longer being a representative of the town, a town he believes possesses a very strong community spirit and a very big heart.
“It sounds cliché, but I love the way we do things in this town. The volunteerism in Wilmington, for example, is amazing – you put the word out and things get done,” Cimaglia said.
Cimaglia asked that residents be reminded that Lowell Catholic High School is holding its Annual St. Patrick’s Day Family Breakfast honoring Wilmington’s John Landry Jr. on Sunday, March 16, from 9:30am to 11:30am, in the school’s gymnasium. 20-year-old Private First Class John Landry Jr. was killed in Iraq in 2007. Proceeds from the breakfast will benefit the Landry Memorial Scholarship Fund. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased online HERE. Contact Robbie Barnes at 978-452-1794 x 141 or rbarnes@lowellcatholic.org with questions.
“I want to thank everyone who has supported me over the years,” concluded Cimaglia.
NOTE: Cimaglia’s decision not to run creates a rare situation in Wilmington politics. It’s been seven years since a sitting Selectman has decided not to seek re-election. Those vying for Cimaglia’s seat will have until Thursday, March 3 to submit nomination papers to the Town Clerk’s Office. This year’s Town Election will be held on Saturday, April 23. Make sure to follow Wilmington Apple for the latest local election news over these next three months!
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