LtE: Select Board Chair Haley Endorses 3 Candidates for Select Board

Dear Editor,

As Chair of the Reading Select Board, I am personally endorsing three candidates for the two open seats: incumbent Carlo Bacci, Sal Bramante, and Tony D’Arezzo.

I have spoken with all the candidates running and am confident that these three are well prepared to serve effectively and respectfully.

I first met Carlo Bacci in 2021 when he encouraged me to run for office. At the time, I had little idea how demanding town government could be. Carlo is not perfect, no one is, but he has become one of my closest friends and a trusted colleague. His value was clearly demonstrated during the October 2025 trash contract discussion. His detailed questions exposed a potential financial pitfall in how barrels were being counted. As a direct result, the board selected a different vendor than the one recommended by town staff, helping protect taxpayers on a significant $12.6 million contract.

I also got to know Sal Bramante through his service on the Board of Health and community involvement. He speaks less often than others, but when he does, it’s always measured and substantive. He reminds me in many ways of Karen Rose-Gillis in how he carries himself. Sal is a thoughtful, measured leader who brings real-world experience. A Reading Memorial High School graduate, he has successfully managed multiple businesses and currently serves as Director of Operations for a company with nearly $280 million in revenue. His strong financial and operational expertise will be a major asset as the town navigates upcoming budget challenges and a potential override.

I have spoken several times with Tony D’Arezzo during his campaign. Tony has shown consistent professionalism. When he made an error in his comments about the MMA vote at the DTC forum, he took full responsibility at the Reading Recap candidate forum and issued a sincere apology. In local politics, admitting a mistake is not always easy. Tony did so, and I believe he is someone the board can work with collaboratively and constructively.

All three candidates understand the importance of respectful, efficient meetings. I have no doubt each of them would attend the Select Board retreat in May to help set clear goals and the tone for the year. They will also participate in future major decisions, including the next trash contract during their three-year term.

If you want to see how the Select Board can function at its best, please watch this meeting: https://www.youtube.com/live/CZRQ_8XO-So In it, the board was split 2-2 after more than an hour of discussion. Through respectful dialogue, hard work, and good-faith negotiation, the board reached a unanimous 4-0 consensus for the benefit of the town on a significant $12+ million contract.

I encourage every resident to vote on April 7 th and Together, we will move Reading forward.

Christopher Haley
Tennyson Road
Chair, Reading Select Board
Chair, Charter Committee