LETTER: Selectwoman Lil Maselli Endorses Jim DeFeo & Gary DePalma For Select Board

Dear Fellow Residents of Wilmington,

I am pleased to endorse Jim DeFeo and Gary DePalma for this Saturday’s Town Select Board election. Through my work and friendship with these two individuals, I am confident they are more than qualified to lead our town in the right direction.

Jim DeFeo’s experience in Law Enforcement, the U.S. Army, and as a small business owner makes him prepared to contribute to the good and welfare of Wilmington. His commitment to his community and country gives me confidence that his volunteerism on the Select Board will be valuable for all residents. With his work experience as a union representative with the Boston Police Department and a District Detective, Jim clearly understands defending and working for those in need—and is not afraid to ask the hard questions. I appreciated his ideas and honesty when he ran for School Committee in 2021 in the COVID-19 environment. His outside perspective and engagement with residents made him a qualified candidate for that office; this still rings true for the Wilmington Select Board. I ask that one of your votes for Select Board go to Jim. I am confident he will bring a strong voice and be an asset to the Select Board and most importantly, to the residents of Wilmington.

I also ask that you join me in re-electing Select Board Member Gary DePalma. I have had the pleasure of working with Gary ever since I was elected to the Select Board back in 2021. His focus on the COVID-19 response was clear, with his support of Town Personnel and the Board of Health working with the Select Board.  He has also been a vocal advocate of the Senior Center and successfully pushed against the rezoning off Route 125 when it came to a vote at the 2021 Town Meeting. Along with the rest of the board, he has been a strong proponent of holding the MBTA accountable for safety and service standards in town. He is a leader that is not afraid to voice his opinion—whether it is in the majority or the minority­—and we have always been able to cordially share ideas, opinions, and solutions that are most beneficial for our constituents. I am happy to have known Gary as a colleague and a friend and I hope to have the opportunity to continue working with him in public service.

Once again, please join me in electing Jim DeFeo and Re-electing Gary DePalma to join me on the Wilmington Select Board. The town will reap many benefits from their commitment to community and character.

Polls will be open from 8am to 8pm on Saturday, April 22. Those living in Precincts 1, 2 and 3 can vote at the Boutwell School, and those living in Precincts 4, 5 and 6 can vote at the Town Hall.

Sincerely,

Lilia Maselli

Member of the Wilmington Select Board