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Wakefield Chair
Jonathan P. Chines
At-large · 8 terms in this record
Jonathan Chines
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Board years
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Start my ballot →Record at a glance · 2021–2022 Council
On split votes, Chines voted the same way as…
- Anne P. Danehy100% (9 of 9)
- Julie Smith-Galvin100% (9 of 9)
- Ann McGonigle Santos89% (8 of 9)
- Mehreen N. Butt78% (7 of 9)
- Edward F. Dombroski33% (3 of 9)
How these numbers work
- Counted from the official minutes, for 2021–2022 Council only. Committee meetings and routine votes (adjourning, approving minutes) are not counted.
- Attendance counts the meetings where the minutes list Chines as present or absent at the start.
- Only votes the minutes record member by member are counted. Voice votes and votes given only as a count (for example 6-3 with no names) are not.
- Percentages are shown only when there are at least 10 meetings or votes to count.
- A split vote is one where at least one member voted yes and another voted no. “In the minority” means on the side with fewer votes; ties are not counted.
- “Whole board” combines every member’s record for the same term.
These numbers describe the record; they are not a grade. A no vote, an abstention or a minority vote is neither good nor bad. MassVoter never rates officials.
In the news
No recent stories found that name Jonathan P. Chines in the headline or opening.
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Attendance
At the start of 25 of 25 Town Council meetings in 2021–2022 Council.
Missed none.
Every meeting (25)
- Apr 25, 2022 · Regular: Present
- Apr 11, 2022 · Regular: Present
- Mar 28, 2022 · Regular: Present
- Mar 14, 2022 · Regular: Present
- Feb 28, 2022 · Regular: Present
- Feb 14, 2022 · Regular: Present
- Jan 24, 2022 · Regular: Present
- Jan 10, 2022 · Regular: Present
- Dec 15, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Dec 6, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Nov 22, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Nov 8, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Oct 25, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Oct 21, 2021 · Joint: Present
- Oct 14, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Sep 27, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Sep 13, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Aug 30, 2021 · Joint: Present
- Aug 2, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Jul 12, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Jun 28, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Jun 14, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Jun 10, 2021 · Special: Present
- May 24, 2021 · Regular: Present
- May 10, 2021 · Regular: Present
Votes where members disagreed · 2021–2022 Council
Apr 25A two-week extension for the removal of abandoned vehicles…Motion: Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. motioned for a two-week extension for the…Passed 6–1 · Chines: Yes
April 25, 2022: A two-week extension for the removal of abandoned vehicles and other material to May 9th, 2022
Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. motioned for a two-week extension for the removal of abandoned vehicles and other material to May 9th, 2022. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. Motion passed 6-1-0 with Edward F. Dombroski, Jr., Jonathan P. Chines, Ann Santos, Anne P. Danehy, Mehreen N. Butt and Julie Smith-Galvin voting in favor of the motion. Michael J. McLane voting against the motion.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Butt, Chines, Danehy, Dombroski, Santos, Smith-GalvinNo: McLane
From the minutes
“Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. motioned for a two-week extension for the removal of abandoned vehicles and other material to May 9th, 2022. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. Motion passed 6-1-0 with Edward F. Dombroski, Jr., Jonathan P. Chines, Ann Santos, Anne P. Danehy, Mehreen N. Butt and Julie Smith-Galvin voting in favor of the motion. Michael J. McLane voting against the motion..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Chines)
Apr 11Move the slate to appoint the applicants as proposed…Motion: Appointments: Mehreen N. Butt motioned to move the slate to appoint…Passed Unanimous, 7 present · Chines: Yes
April 11, 2022: Move the slate to appoint the applicants as proposed with three-year terms starting May 1st, 2022 and ending April 30th, 2025 to the Advisory Board of Public Works; Albion Cultural…
Appointments: Mehreen N. Butt motioned to move the slate to appoint the applicants as proposed with three-year terms starting May 1st, 2022 and ending April 30th, 2025 to the Advisory Board of Public Works; Albion Cultural Exchange Committee; Arts Council; Capital Planning Committee; Commission on Disabilities; Council on Aging; Historical Commission; Human Rights Commission; Permanent Building Committee and Veteran Advisory Board. Ann Santos seconded. Motion passed 7-0 with Julie Smith Galvin recusing from the Permanent Building Committee.
Voted: Yes
The minutes say the slate passed 7-0, with Julie Smith-Galvin stepping aside (recusing) only from the Permanent Building Committee appointment; the 7-0 count includes her vote on the rest of the slate.
From the minutes
“Appointments: Mehreen N. Butt motioned to move the slate to appoint the applicants as proposed with three-year terms starting May 1st, 2022 and ending April 30th, 2025 to the Advisory Board of Public Works; Albion Cultural Exchange Committee; Arts Council; Capital Planning Committee; Commission on Disabilities; Council on Aging; Historical Commission; Human Rights Commission; Permanent Building Committee and Veteran Advisory Board. Ann Santos seconded. Motion passed 7-0 with Julie Smith Galvin recusing from the Permanent Building Committee..” (Motion: Butt, second: Santos)
Mar 14Authorize the Town Council chair to execute the Settlement…Motion: Ann Santos motioned to authorize the Town Council chair to execute…Passed 6–0 · Chines: Yes
March 14, 2022: Authorize the Town Council chair to execute the Settlement Participation forms as proposed
Ann Santos motioned to authorize the Town Council chair to execute the Settlement Participation forms as proposed. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. Motion passed 6-0-0 by a roll call vote.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Chines, Danehy, Dombroski, McLane, Santos, Smith-GalvinThe minutes say “Mehreen N. Butt left the meeting”; “Mehreen N. Butt rejoined the meeting”. The count (6-0-0) matches the 6 other members present, so they are shown voting yes and Mehreen N. Butt is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“Ann Santos motioned to authorize the Town Council chair to execute the Settlement Participation forms as proposed. Jonathan P. Chines seconded. Motion passed 6-0-0 by a roll call vote..” (Motion: Santos, second: Chines)
Feb 28Approve Budget #26 Health and Human Services department in…Motion: Mehreen N. Butt motioned to approve Budget #26 Health and Human…Passed 6–1 · Chines: Yes
February 28, 2022: Approve Budget #26 Health and Human Services department in the amount of $383,076.00 Ann Santos seconded
Mehreen N. Butt motioned to approve Budget #26 Health and Human Services department in the amount of $383,076.00 Ann Santos seconded. Motion passed 6-1-0 with Mehreen N. Butt; Ann Santos; Jonathan P. Chines; Anne P. Danehy, Michael J. McLane and Julie Smith-Galvin voting in favor of the motion. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. voting against the motion and stated the work the department does is important but the whole budget is a step too far.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Butt, Chines, Danehy, McLane, Santos, Smith-GalvinNo: Dombroski
From the minutes
“Mehreen N. Butt motioned to approve Budget #26 Health and Human Services department in the amount of $383,076.00 Ann Santos seconded. Motion passed 6-1-0 with Mehreen N. Butt; Ann Santos; Jonathan P. Chines; Anne P. Danehy, Michael J. McLane and Julie Smith-Galvin voting in favor of the motion. Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. voting against the motion and stated the work the department does is important but the whole budget is a step too far..” (Motion: Butt, second: Santos)
Feb 14End the mask mandate for municipal buildings upon the…Motion: Matters Not Anticipated for Agenda: Jonathan P. Chines motioned to end…Passed 5–1 · Chines: Yes
February 14, 2022: End the mask mandate for municipal buildings upon the expiration of the town-wide mask mandate enacted by the Wakefield Board of Health
Matters Not Anticipated for Agenda: Jonathan P. Chines motioned to end the mask mandate for municipal buildings upon the expiration of the town-wide mask mandate enacted by the Wakefield Board of Health. Ann Santos seconded. Motion passed 5-1-0 with Mehreen N. Butt voting against the motion. Jonathan P. Chines; Ann Santos; Edward F. Dombroski, Jr.; Anne P. Danehy and Julie Smith- Galvin voting in favor of the motion.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Chines, Danehy, Dombroski, Santos, Smith-GalvinNo: Butt
From the minutes
“Matters Not Anticipated for Agenda: Jonathan P. Chines motioned to end the mask mandate for municipal buildings upon the expiration of the town-wide mask mandate enacted by the Wakefield Board of Health. Ann Santos seconded. Motion passed 5-1-0 with Mehreen N. Butt voting against the motion. Jonathan P. Chines; Ann Santos; Edward F. Dombroski, Jr.; Anne P. Danehy and Julie Smith- Galvin voting in favor of the motion..” (Motion: Chines, second: Santos)
Jan 24Approve Budget #20 Inspectional Services in the amount of…Motion: Mehreen N. Butt motioned to approve Budget #20 Inspectional Services in…Passed 5–1 · Chines: Yes
January 24, 2022: Approve Budget #20 Inspectional Services in the amount of $438,778.00
Mehreen N. Butt motioned to approve Budget #20 Inspectional Services in the amount of $438,778.00. Ann Santos seconded. Motion passed 5-1-0 with Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. voting against the motion as he feels there is not a need to add a full-time position. Mehreen N. Butt, Ann Santos, Julie Smith-Galvin, Anne P. Danehy and Jonathan P. Chines voting in favor of the motion.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Butt, Chines, Danehy, Santos, Smith-GalvinNo: Dombroski
From the minutes
“Mehreen N. Butt motioned to approve Budget #20 Inspectional Services in the amount of $438,778.00. Ann Santos seconded. Motion passed 5-1-0 with Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. voting against the motion as he feels there is not a need to add a full-time position. Mehreen N. Butt, Ann Santos, Julie Smith-Galvin, Anne P. Danehy and Jonathan P. Chines voting in favor of the motion..” (Motion: Butt, second: Santos)
Jan 10Fiscal Year 2023 BudgetsMotion: Motioned to approve Budget #25 Council on Aging in the amount…Passed Unanimous, 6 present · Chines: Yes
January 10, 2022: Fiscal Year 2023 Budgets
Motioned to approve Budget #25 Council on Aging in the amount of $27,800.00. Seconded. Motion passed 6-0-0 by a roll call vote.
Voted: Yes
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Motioned to approve Budget #25 Council on Aging in the amount of $27,800.00. Seconded. Motion passed 6-0-0 by a roll call vote..”
Jan 10Approve the Traffic Advisory Recommendation that a No Parking…Motion: Traffic Advisory Recommendation: Ann Santos motioned to approve the Traffic Advisory…Passed 5–0 · Chines: Not recorded
January 10, 2022: Approve the Traffic Advisory Recommendation that a No Parking restriction be approved for the westerly side of Hopkins Street from the Reading town line to the corner of South Street
Traffic Advisory Recommendation: Ann Santos motioned to approve the Traffic Advisory Recommendation that a No Parking restriction be approved for the westerly side of Hopkins Street from the Reading town line to the corner of South Street. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. Motion passed 5-0-1 by a roll call vote with Mehreen N. Butt, Jonathan P. Chines, Anne P. Danehy, Edward F. Dombroski, Jr., Ann Santos and Julie Smith-Galvin voting in favor. Jonathan P. Chines recused.
The minutes record Jonathan P. Chines both ways. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Traffic Advisory Recommendation: Ann Santos motioned to approve the Traffic Advisory Recommendation that a No Parking restriction be approved for the westerly side of Hopkins Street from the Reading town line to the corner of South Street. Mehreen N. Butt seconded. Motion passed 5-0-1 by a roll call vote with Mehreen N. Butt, Jonathan P. Chines, Anne P. Danehy, Edward F. Dombroski, Jr., Ann Santos and Julie Smith-Galvin voting in favor. Jonathan P. Chines recused..” (Motion: Santos, second: Butt)
Nov 8Hold a Special Election to fill the unexpired term…Motion: Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. motioned to hold a Special Election to…Failed 1–5 · Chines: No
November 8, 2021: Hold a Special Election to fill the unexpired term on the Town Council through April 2022
Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. motioned to hold a Special Election to fill the unexpired term on the Town Council through April 2022. Ann Santos seconded. Motion did not pass 1-5-0 with Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. voting in favor. Julie Smith-Galvin, Mehreen N. Butt, Jonathan P. Chines, Anne P. Danehy and Ann Santos voting against the motion.
Voted: No
Yes: DombroskiNo: Butt, Chines, Danehy, Santos, Smith-Galvin
From the minutes
“Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. motioned to hold a Special Election to fill the unexpired term on the Town Council through April 2022. Ann Santos seconded. Motion did not pass 1-5-0 with Edward F. Dombroski, Jr. voting in favor. Julie Smith-Galvin, Mehreen N. Butt, Jonathan P. Chines, Anne P. Danehy and Ann Santos voting against the motion..” (Motion: Dombroski, second: Santos)
Oct 14Appoint Elaine Silva of 1 Furness Circle to the…Motion: Board of Health member Gourville motioned to appoint Elaine Silva of…Passed Unanimous, 6 present · Chines: Yes
October 14, 2021: Appoint Elaine Silva of 1 Furness Circle to the Board of Health for the unexpired term through April 2022 (joint vote with the Board of Health)
Board of Health member Gourville motioned to appoint Elaine Silva of 1 Furness Circle to fulfill the unexpired term on the Board of Health through April 2022. Motion passed 7-0-0 by a roll call vote with Julie Smith-Galvin, Mehreen N. Butt, Jonathan P. Chines, Anne P. Danehy, Edward F. Dombroski, Jr., Ann Santos and Laurel Skinder Gourville voting.
Voted: Yes
Joint vote with another board; only the Town Council members’ votes are shown. The minutes say the motion, made by Board of Health member Laurel Skinder Gourville, passed 7-0-0 by roll call “with Julie Smith-Galvin, Mehreen N. Butt, Jonathan P. Chines, Anne P. Danehy, Edward F. Dombroski, Jr., Ann Santos and Laurel Skinder Gourville voting.”
From the minutes
“Board of Health member Gourville motioned to appoint Elaine Silva of 1 Furness Circle to fulfill the unexpired term on the Board of Health through April 2022. Motion passed 7-0-0 by a roll call vote with Julie Smith-Galvin, Mehreen N. Butt, Jonathan P. Chines, Anne P. Danehy, Edward F. Dombroski, Jr., Ann Santos and Laurel Skinder Gourville voting..”
Votes with no disagreement (230)
From the Wakefield Town Council’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center (Town Council). We check every vote against the members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos (the town’s website has no member photos): Jonathan Chines from his own Wakefield Patch posts (2026); Stacey Constas (2025), John Crisley (2025, captioned group photo) and Ami Ruehrwein Wall (April 2026 WCAT candidate forum screenshot) from the Wakefield Daily Item; Douglas Butler and John Carney from WCAT’s 2024 candidate interview photos (Barbara Worley); Brian Fox from WCAT’s board page (2021). All cropped by MassVoter. Former members show initials.
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