Two make their decisions on race for mayor

McPherson opts in, police chief takes self out of running

By JACK ENCARNACAO
The Patriot Ledger

Two potential candidates to become Weymouth’s second mayor made their intentions clear Monday on the eve of the deadline to turn in the signatures needed to compete in next month’s primary.

Colin McPherson, a former town councilor and one of two Weymouth representatives on the board of South Shore Tri-Town Development Corp., confirmed he will run for mayor.

But Police Chief James Thomas, who surprised many when took out papers earlier this month, said he has decided not to run.

McPherson said Monday he was just 15 signatures short of the number he needs and was confident he would be in the race.

“I think Weymouth could use skilled leadership,” said McPherson, 48. “There’s going to be financial challenges, and I think I have a track record of strong financial positions.”

Thomas said he decided against running “after careful consideration and consultations.”

“I believe that I can better serve the citizens of Weymouth as their chief of police,” Thomas said in a statement. “My interest in the position was sincere, and I greatly appreciate the support and encouragement that so many voters have offered.”

In addition to McPherson, Town Councilor Sue Kay, Braintree’s executive secretary, has confirmed she is running. Washington Street resident Robert Montgomery Thomas and North Weymouth resident Michael Acciola are also in the race.

McPherson said he decided to get into the race last week. He said the decision wasn’t easy, in part because he’d be giving up his career and taking a pay cut if he was elected.

A certified public accountant, McPherson has worked at Ernst & Young for the past 11 years as a consultant to those in the affordable housing industry trying to raise equity.

The Blake Road resident served on the town council from 2000 to 2005 and was a town meeting member from 1982 to 1999.

He was chairman of the council’s budget/management committee for a time and had a hand in approving new union contracts when they expired. Whoever becomes the next mayor would likely face a series of contract negotiations, as virtually all town contracts expired in June.

“My reputation was I was strong on budget issues and I had a good understanding of the budget process,” McPherson said of his time on the council. “I would characterize myself as the fiscal conservative on the council during my years. I look forward to working on providing services to the citizens of Weymouth during what could be difficult financial times.”

McPherson is married to Jane Hackett, Mayor David Madden’s cousin and his chief of staff. McPherson said it is not yet clear what will happen to his seat on the Tri-Town board, the public agency overseeing the redevelopment of the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station. Madden appointed McPherson to the position in October 2005.

“It’s my intention to stay on as a board member as long as I feel like I’m doing an adequate job and the campaign isn’t detracting from it,” McPherson said. “If I get elected mayor, I’d have to step down.”

The deadline is 5 p.m. today for candidates for any office to return signatures to the town clerk in order to compete in the Sept. 18 primary.