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Photo of Thomas Fay

Wayland Vice Chair

Thomas Fay

At-large · 9 terms in this record

Thomas J. Fay; Tom Fay

A monthly email on how they voted, starting in November.

Board years

2026–2027 Board2025–2026 Board2024–2025 Board2023–2024 Board2022–2023 Board2021–2022 Board2020–2021 Board2019–2020 Board2018–2019 Board
Election Day · Tuesday, Nov 3

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Record at a glance · 2021–2022 Board

49 of 51meetings attended (96%) · whole board 94%
214votes cast by name (yes, no or abstain)
13no votes (6% of votes cast) · whole board 7%
1 of 16split votes where Fay was in the minority (6%) · whole board 21%
0abstained
9terms in this record

On split votes, Fay voted the same way as…

How these numbers work
  • Counted from the official minutes, for 2021–2022 Board only. Committee meetings and routine votes (adjourning, approving minutes) are not counted.
  • Attendance counts the meetings where the minutes list Fay 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 Thomas Fay in the headline or opening.

Stories that name Thomas Fay in the headline or opening, newest first, from 25 free news outlets (see the list). Headlines appear as each outlet published them; MassVoter does not write, choose or rate them. Only stories that are free to read are listed.

Disclosure: MassVoter’s founder, Michael Silvia, is the publisher of Fall River Reporter and New Bedford Guide.

Attendance

At the start of 49 of 51 Select Board meetings in 2021–2022 Board.

Missed

Every meeting (51)

Votes where members disagreed · 2021–2022 Board

May 15Approve Article 24 Rescind Stonebridge BridgeMotion: A. Gutbezahl moved and C. Karlson seconded the Board approve Article…Failed 0–5 · Fay: No

May 15, 2022: Approve Article 24 Rescind Stonebridge Bridge

ApproveFailed · 0–5

A. Gutbezahl moved and C. Karlson seconded the Board approve Article 24 Rescind Stonebridge Bridge.

Voted: No

No: Fay, Gutbezahl, Karlson, Martin, Watkins

From the minutes

“A. Gutbezahl moved and C. Karlson seconded the Board approve Article 24 Rescind Stonebridge Bridge. Vote: 0-5-0. Motion did not pass with Watkins, Martin, Karlson, Gutbezahl and Fay voting in the negative..” (Motion: Gutbezahl, second: Karlson)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

May 9Approve the minutes of April 19, 2022, as amendedMotion: C. Martin moved, seconded by D. Watkins, that the Board approve…Passed 4–0 · Fay: Yes

May 9, 2022: Approve the minutes of April 19, 2022, as amended

Approve minutesPassed · 4–0

C. Martin moved, seconded by D. Watkins, that the Board approve the minutes of April 19, 2022, as amended.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Fay, Gutbezahl, Martin, WatkinsAbstained: Karlson

From the minutes

“C. Martin moved, seconded by D. Watkins, that the Board approve the minutes of April 19, 2022, as amended. Roll Call Vote: YEA: T. Fay, A. Gutbezahl, C. Martin, D. Watkins. NAY: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: C. Karlson. Adopted 4-0-1.” (Motion: Martin, second: Watkins)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Apr 19Authorize the issuance of the Request for Proposal for…Motion: C. Karlson moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, that the Board vote…Passed 4–1 · Fay: Yes

April 19, 2022: Authorize the issuance of the Request for Proposal for Town Manager Recruitment Services, presented in the packet as amended

ApprovePassed · 4–1

C. Karlson moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, that the Board vote to authorize the issuance of the Request for Proposal for Town Manager Recruitment Services, presented in the packet as amended.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Fay, Gutbezahl, Karlson, MartinNo: Watkins

From the minutes

“C. Karlson moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, that the Board vote to authorize the issuance of the Request for Proposal for Town Manager Recruitment Services, presented in the packet as amended. Roll Call Vote: YEA: T. Fay, A. Gutbezahl, C. Karlson, C. Martin. NAY: D. Watkins. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Adopted 4-1-0.” (Motion: Karlson, second: Gutbezahl)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Mar 21Appoint Stephen Crane as Acting Town Manager, retroactive to…Motion: C. Karlson moved, seconded by C. Martin, that the Board appoint…Passed 4–0 · Fay: Yes

March 21, 2022: Appoint Stephen Crane as Acting Town Manager, retroactive to 5:00 p.m. on March 16, 2022, and that the Board ratify any and all ministerial actions taken since then, with an…

AppointPassed · 4–0

C. Karlson moved, seconded by C. Martin, that the Board appoint Stephen Crane as Acting Town Manager, retroactive to 5:00 p.m. on March 16, 2022, and that the Board ratify any and all ministerial actions taken since then, with an end date of the appointment to be coterminous with his existing contract.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Fay, Karlson, Martin, WatkinsThe roll call lists Adam Gutbezahl as absent for this vote.

From the minutes

“C. Karlson moved, seconded by C. Martin, that the Board appoint Stephen Crane as Acting Town Manager, retroactive to 5:00 p.m. on March 16, 2022, and that the Board ratify any and all ministerial actions taken since then, with an end date of the appointment to be coterminous with his existing contract. Roll Call Vote: YEA: T. Fay, C. Karlson, C. Martin, D. Watkins. NAY: None. ABSENT: A. Gutbezahl. ABSTAIN: None. Adopted 4-0.” (Motion: Karlson, second: Martin)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Mar 21Withdraw Article Q. Transfer of 212 Cochituate Rd from…Motion: C. Karlson moved, seconded by D. Watkins, to withdraw Article Q.…Passed 3–1 · Fay: Yes

March 21, 2022: Withdraw Article Q. Transfer of 212 Cochituate Rd from the Warrant

ApprovePassed · 3–1

C. Karlson moved, seconded by D. Watkins, to withdraw Article Q. Transfer of 212 Cochituate Rd from the Warrant. In discussion, D. Watkins and C. Martin expressed preference for the property to be used for affordable housing.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Fay, Karlson, MartinNo: WatkinsThe roll call lists Adam Gutbezahl as absent for this vote.

From the minutes

“C. Karlson moved, seconded by D. Watkins, to withdraw Article Q. Transfer of 212 Cochituate Rd from the Warrant. In discussion, D. Watkins and C. Martin expressed preference for the property to be used for affordable housing. Roll Call Vote: YEA: T. Fay, C. Karlson, C. Martin. NAY: D. Watkins. ABSENT: A. Gutbezahl. ABSTAIN: None. Adopted 3-1.” (Motion: Karlson, second: Watkins)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Mar 21Recommend appointment of G. Anand to fill the vacancy…Motion: A. Gutbezahl moved, seconded by C. Martin, that the Select Board…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · Fay: Yes

March 21, 2022: Recommend appointment of G. Anand to fill the vacancy of Susan Green's term set to expire at the close of 2022 Annual Town Meeting

AppointPassed · Unanimous, 5 present

A. Gutbezahl moved, seconded by C. Martin, that the Select Board recommend appointment of G. Anand to fill the vacancy of Susan Green's term set to expire at the close of 2022 Annual Town Meeting. In discussion, the sense of the Board was supportive of Dr. Eyre to join the Board of Health when able to do so.

Voted: Yes

This was a joint vote with another board (count 7-2, including the other board’s members: yes: S. Green, A. Soslow; no: R. Defrancesco, J. Schuler; absent: B. McNamara). Only the Select Board members’ votes are shown.

From the minutes

“A. Gutbezahl moved, seconded by C. Martin, that the Select Board recommend appointment of G. Anand to fill the vacancy of Susan Green's term set to expire at the close of 2022 Annual Town Meeting. In discussion, the sense of the Board was supportive of Dr. Eyre to join the Board of Health when able to do so. Roll Call Vote: YEA: S. Green, A. Soslow, T. Fay, A. Gutbezahl, C. Karlson, C. Martin, D. Watkins. NAY: R. Defrancesco, J. Schuler. ABSENT: B. McNamara. ABSTAIN: None. Adopted 7-2.” (Motion: Gutbezahl, second: Martin)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Mar 21Approve the order of articles as shown in the…Motion: C. Karlson moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, that the Board approve…Passed 4–1 · Fay: Yes

March 21, 2022: Approve the order of articles as shown in the supplemental packet, understanding that Article 7 and Article 14 are being withdrawn; including the abbreviated procedure notations

Adopt orderPassed · 4–1

C. Karlson moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, that the Board approve the order of articles as shown in the supplemental packet, understanding that Article 7 and Article 14 are being withdrawn; including the abbreviated procedure notations. In discussion, C. Martin suggested some revisions to the order of articles and asked C. Karlson to withdraw the motion to wait until after Executive Session.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Fay, Gutbezahl, Karlson, WatkinsNo: Martin

From the minutes

“C. Karlson moved, seconded by A. Gutbezahl, that the Board approve the order of articles as shown in the supplemental packet, understanding that Article 7 and Article 14 are being withdrawn; including the abbreviated procedure notations. In discussion, C. Martin suggested some revisions to the order of articles and asked C. Karlson to withdraw the motion to wait until after Executive Session. Roll Call Vote: YEA: T. Fay, A. Gutbezahl, C. Karlson, D. Watkins. NAY: C. Martin. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Adopted 4- 1.” (Motion: Karlson, second: Gutbezahl)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Mar 14Insert Article EE. Capital Improvement Planning Committee into the…Motion: D. Watkins moved, seconded by C. Martin, to insert Article EE.…Failed 2–3 · Fay: No

March 14, 2022: Insert Article EE. Capital Improvement Planning Committee into the Annual Town Meeting Warrant

ApproveFailed · 2–3

D. Watkins moved, seconded by C. Martin, to insert Article EE. Capital Improvement Planning Committee into the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. There was a discussion about the need for a capital plan, to wait for the Town Manager Act.

Voted: No

Yes: Martin, WatkinsNo: Fay, Gutbezahl, Karlson

From the minutes

“D. Watkins moved, seconded by C. Martin, to insert Article EE. Capital Improvement Planning Committee into the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. There was a discussion about the need for a capital plan, to wait for the Town Manager Act. Roll Call Vote: YEA: C. Martin, D. Watkins. NAY: T. Fay, A. Gutbezahl, C. Karlson. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion failed. 2-3-0.” (Motion: Watkins, second: Martin)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Mar 14Support Article. LL Appointment of Finance CommitteeMotion: C. Martin moved, seconded by D. Watkins, that the Board support…Passed 3–2 · Fay: No

March 14, 2022: Support Article. LL Appointment of Finance Committee

AppointPassed · 3–2

C. Martin moved, seconded by D. Watkins, that the Board support Article. LL Appointment of Finance Committee. In discussion, T. Fay expressed opposition with the reduction in the number of elected individuals who appoint the Finance Committee and the impact on checks and balances.

Voted: No

Yes: Gutbezahl, Martin, WatkinsNo: Fay, Karlson

From the minutes

“C. Martin moved, seconded by D. Watkins, that the Board support Article. LL Appointment of Finance Committee. In discussion, T. Fay expressed opposition with the reduction in the number of elected individuals who appoint the Finance Committee and the impact on checks and balances. Roll Call Vote: YEA: A. Gutbezahl, C. Martin, D. Watkins. NAY: T. Fay, C. Karlson. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Adopted 3-2.” (Motion: Martin, second: Watkins)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Mar 14Approve the minutes of February 16, 2022, February 23,…Motion: D. Watkins moved, seconded by C. Martin, to approve the minutes…Passed 4–0 · Fay: Yes

March 14, 2022: Approve the minutes of February 16, 2022, February 23, 2022, as amended

Approve minutesPassed · 4–0

D. Watkins moved, seconded by C. Martin, to approve the minutes of February 16, 2022, February 23, 2022, as amended.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Fay, Karlson, Martin, WatkinsAbstained: Gutbezahl

From the minutes

“D. Watkins moved, seconded by C. Martin, to approve the minutes of February 16, 2022, February 23, 2022, as amended. Roll Call Vote: YEA: T. Fay, C. Karlson, C. Martin, D. Watkins. NAY: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: A. Gutbezahl. Adopted 4-0-1.” (Motion: Watkins, second: Martin)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Votes with no disagreement (177)

    From the Wayland Select Board’s official minutes: 2018 to 2024 from the town’s Document Center (Agendas & Minutes prior to 2025, Select Board), and 2025 on from its Agenda Center. We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: Wayland Patch candidate profiles (Thomas Fay, May 2022; William Whitney, April 2023; Carol Martin, April 2024; Doug Levine, May 2024), photos courtesy of the members. Christopher Reynolds from his candidate profile in The Wayland Post (April 2026).

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