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Winthrop Town Council
How the Winthrop Town Council voted, from the Town Council’s official minutes. 9 members: a Council President and 2 at-large members elected townwide, and one member from each of the town’s 6 precincts. Kurt Millar (at-large), Kim Dimes (Precinct 2), Joseph Romano (Precinct 3) and Paul Reardon (Precinct 5) joined the board after the November 2025 election; Hannah Belcher, Aiello and Rob DeMarco left. Jim Letterie was re-elected Council President. On January 6, 2026 the board chose Suzanne Swope as Vice President (8-0 roll call). The Precinct 6 seat was empty until March 10, 2026, when the board chose Martin Finn; he is on the board from March 24, 2026. The end date (January 2028) is a placeholder for the next inauguration. Covers 17 meetings so far, January 6 to September 8, 2026.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
What does the Town Council do? It is the town’s lawmaking body (this town has no Town Meeting). It passes local laws (bylaws or ordinances), votes on the yearly budget, and approves borrowing and zoning changes.
The council hires the town manager or administrator, who runs the town day to day and proposes the budget.
Sources: Mass. General Laws c. 44 § 32 (city budgets)Your Winthrop ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.
Start my ballot →Vote Transparency Score
Winthrop Town Council: 7 out of 10 · Mostly open
How easy Winthrop makes it to see, online, how each member votes. It scores the town’s records, not any official. Checked October 9, 2026.
- Minutes postedMinutes are posted for most, but not all, of the past year’s meetings.Part points: 1/2
- Each vote namedWhen councilors split, the minutes list how each one voted.Full points: 3/3
- Posted quicklyMinutes are posted for every meeting more than a month old.Full points: 2/2
- Past years onlineTown Council minutes from 2020 on are online.Full points: 1/1
- Readable textAbout a quarter of the past year’s minutes are scanned images, not searchable text.No points: 0/1
- Member photosThe town’s website lists the councilors’ names but no photos.No points: 0/1
How the town can raise its score
- Minutes posted (+1): Post approved minutes for every meeting on the town website. Don’t require a sign-in to view them.
- Readable text (+1): Save minutes straight from Word or Google Docs as a PDF instead of printing and scanning them. If a scan is needed, turn on the scanner’s “searchable PDF” or text-recognition setting.
- Member photos (+1): Show a photo of each member on the board’s web page, with their name, the date their term ends and how to contact them. A group photo of the members, with everyone named in the caption or on the same page, earns half a point.
How we score · Something wrong, or has the town made a change? Email info@massvoter.com and we’ll re-check.
A monthly email on its votes, starting in November. We'll also tell you if this score changes.
Board years
Coming up
No upcoming meeting is posted yet. Check the official calendar →
Under the state Open Meeting Law, boards post notice at least 48 hours ahead, not counting weekends and legal holidays.
Members
PresidentJames LetteriePresident · Council President · at 17 of 17 meetings✓ Every meeting 2026
Vice PresidentSuzanne SwopeVice President · Precinct 4 · at 17 of 17 meetings
Patrick CostiganMember · Precinct 1 · at 17 of 17 meetings✓ Every meeting 2026
Kim DimesMember · Precinct 2 · at 17 of 17 meetingsMartin FinnMember · Precinct 6 · at 11 of 12 meetings · from Mar 2026✓ Every meeting 2026
Kurt MillarMember · At-large · at 17 of 17 meetingsPaul ReardonMember · Precinct 5 · at 16 of 17 meetings✓ Every meeting 2026
Joseph RomanoMember · Precinct 3 · at 17 of 17 meetingsMax TassinariMember · At-large · at 16 of 17 meetings"At X of Y meetings" counts the members the minutes list as present at the start of each meeting in this record. Members who step out are listed on each meeting page.
Attendance
17 full-board meetings so far this year, through September 8. Ties share a rank.
1Patrick Costigan17 of 17 meetings Every meeting100%1Kim Dimes17 of 17 meetings Every meeting100%1James Letterie17 of 17 meetings Every meeting100%1Kurt Millar17 of 17 meetings Every meeting100%1Joseph Romano17 of 17 meetings Every meeting100%1Suzanne Swope17 of 17 meetings Every meeting100%7Paul Reardon16 of 17 meetings94%7Max Tassinari16 of 17 meetings94%9Martin Finn11 of 12 meetings · served from Mar92%24 full-board meetings in 2025. Ties share a rank.
1Hannah Belcher24 of 24 meetings Every meeting100%1James Letterie24 of 24 meetings Every meeting100%1Suzanne Swope24 of 24 meetings Every meeting100%4Max Tassinari22 of 24 meetings92%5Joseph Aiello21 of 24 meetings88%5Patrick Costigan21 of 24 meetings88%7Rob DeMarco20 of 24 meetings83%8John DaRos17 of 22 meetings · served until Nov77%9John Munson6 of 8 meetings · served until Apr75%26 full-board meetings in 2024. Ties share a rank.
1Hannah Belcher26 of 26 meetings Every meeting100%1James Letterie26 of 26 meetings Every meeting100%1Suzanne Swope26 of 26 meetings Every meeting100%4Max Tassinari24 of 26 meetings92%5Joseph Aiello23 of 26 meetings88%6Patrick Costigan15 of 17 meetings · served from May88%7John DaRos21 of 26 meetings81%7John Munson21 of 26 meetings81%9Rob DeMarco18 of 26 meetings69%10Richard Fucillo0 of 4 meetings · served until Feb0%24 full-board meetings in 2023. Ties share a rank.
1Hannah Belcher24 of 24 meetings Every meeting100%1James Letterie24 of 24 meetings Every meeting100%3Rob DeMarco23 of 24 meetings96%3John Munson23 of 24 meetings96%5Barbara Flockhart22 of 24 meetings92%6Tracey Honan21 of 24 meetings88%6Stephen Ruggiero21 of 24 meetings88%8Richard Fucillo20 of 24 meetings83%9Joseph Aiello19 of 24 meetings79%24 full-board meetings in 2022. Ties share a rank.
1Hannah Belcher24 of 24 meetings Every meeting100%1Barbara Flockhart24 of 24 meetings Every meeting100%1James Letterie24 of 24 meetings Every meeting100%4John Munson21 of 22 meetings · served from Feb95%5Richard Fucillo22 of 24 meetings92%5Stephen Ruggiero22 of 24 meetings92%7Rob DeMarco21 of 24 meetings88%7Tracey Honan21 of 24 meetings88%9Joseph Aiello20 of 24 meetings83%26 full-board meetings in 2021. Ties share a rank.
1Rob DeMarco26 of 26 meetings Every meeting100%1Rich Ferrino26 of 26 meetings Every meeting100%3Peter Christopher25 of 26 meetings96%3Barbara Flockhart25 of 26 meetings96%3Tracey Honan25 of 26 meetings96%3James Letterie25 of 26 meetings96%3Stephen Ruggiero25 of 26 meetings96%8Philip Boncore24 of 26 meetings92%9Nick LoConte12 of 26 meetings46%23 full-board meetings in 2020. Ties share a rank.
1Philip Boncore23 of 23 meetings Every meeting100%1Peter Christopher23 of 23 meetings Every meeting100%1Rob DeMarco23 of 23 meetings Every meeting100%1Barbara Flockhart23 of 23 meetings Every meeting100%1Tracey Honan23 of 23 meetings Every meeting100%1Stephen Ruggiero23 of 23 meetings Every meeting100%7Rich Ferrino22 of 23 meetings96%8James Letterie21 of 23 meetings91%9Nick LoConte19 of 23 meetings83%From the official minutes: full-board meetings only (committee meetings are not counted). Members are counted only for meetings held while they served, and arriving late counts as attending. The minutes rarely say why a member was absent.
A monthly email on its votes and who was there, starting in November.
Meetings
About missing minutes
Loaded: Winthrop Town Council minutes from January 7, 2020 through September 8, 2026, full board meetings only (regular, special and joint meetings). Council committee meetings, budget forums and precinct listening posts filed in the same Agenda Center list are not included. Older minutes are not here: the Agenda Center begins in January 2020, the town’s older online archive ends in January 2016, and minutes from February 2016 through December 2019 are not online (MassVoter has asked the town for the 2018–2019 minutes). Also not here: January 21, 2020 and December 19, 2023 (the posted “minutes” are the agendas), and August 10, 2020, October 27, 2021, March 22 and March 31, 2022, May 14, 2024, August 27, 2024 (joint meeting with the Planning Board), January 14, 2025, October 30, 2025, January 26 and January 29, 2026, and April 8 and April 14, 2026, which have agendas but no minutes posted. Most minutes from 2020 and 2021, and some later ones, are scanned copies, which MassVoter read with text-recognition software and checked by hand. Winthrop’s minutes usually record a roll call by name, and we show each member’s vote as recorded. “Passed Unanimously” means every member present voted yes. In 2020 and 2021 the clerk often wrote counts such as “8-1” where the second number was an absent or abstaining member rather than a no vote; when the roll call names add up, we show the names and explain the count in a note. Where the minutes say only “Motion Passed,” or a roll call does not match the members present or lists a name twice, we show the count or the result only, with a note. At joint meetings with the School Committee, Planning Board or Housing Authority, only the members’ votes are shown. We will ask the town to confirm any noted vote.
Votes where members disagreed
Most board votes are unanimous. These are the ones where at least one member voted no or abstained, newest first.
Sep 8The That the Town appropriates the sum of ONE…Motion: Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that the…Passed Unanimous, 8 present · see note
September 8, 2026 (Special meeting): The That the Town appropriates the sum of ONE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,500,000) to pay costs of water main replacement at Winthrop St, including costs incidental or related...
Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that the That the Town appropriates the sum of ONE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,500,000) to pay costs of water main replacement at Winthrop St, including costs incidental or related thereto; that to meet this appropriation, the Treasurer, with the approval of the Town Manager, is authorized to borrow said amount under and pursuant to M.G.L. c.44, §8(5), or pursuant to any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor; that the Treasurer, with the approval of the Town Manager, is authorized to borrow all or a portion of such amount from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (the "Authority") and in connection therewith to enter into a loan agreement and/or financial assistance agreement with the Authority and otherwise to contract with the Authority with respect to such loan and for any grants or aid available for the project or for the financing thereof; that the Town Manager is authorized to accept and expend any grants or aid available for the project or for the financing thereof, provided that the amount of the authorized borrowing for the project shall be reduced by the amount of any such grants or aid payments received prior to the issuance of such bonds or notes; and that the Town Manager is authorized to take any other action necessary or convenient to carry out this project.
The roll call lists Max Tassinari as absent. The motion came from a council committee, so no mover or seconder is named.
From the minutes
“Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that the That the Town appropriates the sum of ONE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,500,000) to pay costs of water main replacement at Winthrop St, including costs incidental or related thereto; that to meet this appropriation, the Treasurer, with the approval of the Town Manager, is authorized to borrow said amount under and pursuant to M.G.L. c.44, §8(5), or pursuant to any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor; that the Treasurer, with the approval of the Town Manager, is authorized to borrow all or a portion of such amount from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (the "Authority") and in connection therewith to enter into a loan agreement and/or financial assistance agreement with the Authority and otherwise to contract with the Authority with respect to such loan and for any grants or aid available for the project or for the financing thereof; that the Town Manager is authorized to accept and expend any grants or aid available for the project or for the financing thereof, provided that the amount of the authorized borrowing for the project shall be reduced by the amount of any such grants or aid payments received prior to the issuance of such bonds or notes; and that the Town Manager is authorized to take any other action necessary or convenient to carry out this project. No 2nd Needed ROLL CALL VOTE Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano, Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Tassinari Motion Passes.”
Sep 8Approve TSAC is recommending Court Rd become a one-way…Motion: Motion by the Rules & Ordinance with a Positive Recommendation That…Passed Unanimous, 8 present · see note
September 8, 2026 (Special meeting): Approve TSAC is recommending Court Rd become a one-way From the Southwestern corner of the intersection of Court Rd and Circuit Rd near 265 Court Rd to Pleasant St. This…
Motion by the Rules & Ordinance with a Positive Recommendation That the Town Council approve TSAC is recommending Court Rd become a one-way From the Southwestern corner of the intersection of Court Rd and Circuit Rd near 265 Court Rd to Pleasant St. This distinction is important because Court and Circuit intersect twice. The section of Court Rd between Circuit and Sargent St where Court Rd becomes Johnson Ave would remain two-way at this time so that cars coming out of the Southern end of Circuit aren't forced back into the maze.
The roll call also has a blank entry ("Councilor," with no name); every councilor present is named. The roll call lists Max Tassinari as absent. The motion came from a council committee, so no mover or seconder is named.
From the minutes
“Motion by the Rules & Ordinance with a Positive Recommendation That the Town Council approve TSAC is recommending Court Rd become a one-way From the Southwestern corner of the intersection of Court Rd and Circuit Rd near 265 Court Rd to Pleasant St. This distinction is important because Court and Circuit intersect twice. The section of Court Rd between Circuit and Sargent St where Court Rd becomes Johnson Ave would remain two-way at this time so that cars coming out of the Southern end of Circuit aren't forced back into the maze. No 2nd Needed ROLL CALL VOTE Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano, Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Tassinari Motion Passes.”
Sep 8The provisions of Section 17.52.030 of the Winthrop Town…Motion: Motion by the Rules and Ordinance with a Positive Recommendation that…Passed Unanimous, 8 present · see note
September 8, 2026 (Special meeting): The provisions of Section 17.52.030 of the Winthrop Town Ordinances, titled Variances, be amended by striking the words "use or" in the fist sentence. The amended ordinance shall read as…
Motion by the Rules and Ordinance with a Positive Recommendation that the provisions of Section 17.52.030 of the Winthrop Town Ordinances, titled Variances, be amended by striking the words "use or" in the fist sentence. The amended ordinance shall read as follows: 17.52.030 - Variances. The board of appeals may authorize a variance from the terms of this title for a particular parcel of land or for an existing building where, owing to conditions especially affecting such parcel or such building but not affecting generally the district in which it is located, a literal enforcement of the provisions of this title would involve substantial hardship, financial or otherwise, to the appellant and where desirable relief may be granted without substantial detriment to the public good and without nullifying nor substantially derogating from the intent or purpose of this title. Before any variance is granted the board of appeals must find all conditions to be present as specified in G. L. c. 40A.
The roll call lists Max Tassinari as absent. The motion came from a council committee, so no mover or seconder is named.
From the minutes
“Motion by the Rules and Ordinance with a Positive Recommendation that the provisions of Section 17.52.030 of the Winthrop Town Ordinances, titled Variances, be amended by striking the words "use or" in the fist sentence. The amended ordinance shall read as follows: 17.52.030 - Variances. The board of appeals may authorize a variance from the terms of this title for a particular parcel of land or for an existing building where, owing to conditions especially affecting such parcel or such building but not affecting generally the district in which it is located, a literal enforcement of the provisions of this title would involve substantial hardship, financial or otherwise, to the appellant and where desirable relief may be granted without substantial detriment to the public good and without nullifying nor substantially derogating from the intent or purpose of this title. Before any variance is granted the board of appeals must find all conditions to be present as specified in G. L. c. 40A. No 2nd needed ROLL CALL VOTE Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano, Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Tassinari Motion Passes.”
Sep 8Delete the following Taxi Fare Ordinances (5.28.130 & 5.28.140)…Motion: Motion by the Rules & Ordinance with a Positive Recommendation That…Passed Unanimous, 8 present · see note
September 8, 2026 (Special meeting): Delete the following Taxi Fare Ordinances (5.28.130 & 5.28.140) from the Town's Ordinances. 5.28.130 - Fares Fares for transportation shall be as follows: For transportation of senior citizens...
Motion by the Rules & Ordinance with a Positive Recommendation That the Town Council Delete the following Taxi Fare Ordinances (5.28.130 & 5.28.140) from the Town's Ordinances. 5.28.130 - Fares Fares for transportation shall be as follows: For transportation of senior citizens (sixty-five (65) years of age and older) between one point in the town and another: seven dollars ($7.00); For transportation of others between one point in the town and another: eight dollars ($8.00). The minimum Livery Service shall cost a minimum of thirty-five dollars ($35.00). The town council may from time to time amend the schedule of fees as provided in Section 5.28.140. 5.28.140 - Amendments to fees and fares. The town council, after a public hearing, notice of which shall be published fourteen (14) days prior to the date of such hearing, may amend the license fees and schedule of fares established under this chapter. Such amendments shall be made by vote of the town council and shall become effective seven days following publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the town.
The roll call lists Max Tassinari as absent. The motion came from a council committee, so no mover or seconder is named.
From the minutes
“Motion by the Rules & Ordinance with a Positive Recommendation That the Town Council Delete the following Taxi Fare Ordinances (5.28.130 & 5.28.140) from the Town's Ordinances. 5.28.130 - Fares Fares for transportation shall be as follows: For transportation of senior citizens (sixty-five (65) years of age and older) between one point in the town and another: seven dollars ($7.00); For transportation of others between one point in the town and another: eight dollars ($8.00). The minimum Livery Service shall cost a minimum of thirty-five dollars ($35.00). The town council may from time to time amend the schedule of fees as provided in Section 5.28.140. 5.28.140 - Amendments to fees and fares. The town council, after a public hearing, notice of which shall be published fourteen (14) days prior to the date of such hearing, may amend the license fees and schedule of fares established under this chapter. Such amendments shall be made by vote of the town council and shall become effective seven days following publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the town. ROLL CALL VOTE Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano, Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Tassinari Motion Passes.”
Sep 8Amend main motion Section D to read after pursuant…Motion: Motion by Member Romano to amend main motion Section D to…Passed Unanimous, 8 present · see note
September 8, 2026 (Special meeting): Amend main motion Section D to read after pursuant to the authority granted to the Town Council under the Town Charter section 2-10 to investigate candidates and require their appearance…
Motion by Councilor Romano to amend main motion Section D to read after pursuant to the authority granted to the Town Council under the Town Charter section 2-10 to investigate candidates and require their appearance each nominee for appointment or re-appointment shall appear before the Town Council or committee designated by the Town Council prior to a confirmation vote when required by the majority of the Town Council.
The roll call lists Max Tassinari as absent.
From the minutes
“Motion by Councilor Romano to amend main motion Section D to read after pursuant to the authority granted to the Town Council under the Town Charter section 2-10 to investigate candidates and require their appearance each nominee for appointment or re-appointment shall appear before the Town Council or committee designated by the Town Council prior to a confirmation vote when required by the majority of the Town Council. 2nd by Councilor Costigan Discussion Council President refers the charter refers shall investigate not shall require…. Councilor Romano sees both sides of this motion but supports this motion and amendment Main Motion as Amended ROLL CALL VOTE Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano, Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Tassinari Motion Passes.” (Motion: Romano, second: Costigan)
Sep 8Approve the appointment made by Council President of Fred…Motion: Motion by Council Romano that the Town Council approve the appointment…Passed Unanimous, 8 present · see note
September 8, 2026 (Special meeting): Approve the appointment made by Council President of Fred Guiterrez to the Board of Appeals
Motion by Council Romano that the Town Council approve the appointment made by Council President of Fred Guiterrez to the Board of Appeals
The roll call lists Max Tassinari as absent.
From the minutes
“Motion by Council Romano that the Town Council approve the appointment made by Council President of Fred Guiterrez to the Board of Appeals 2nd By Councilor Dimes ROLL CALL VOTE Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano, Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Tassinari Motion Passes.” (Motion: Romano, second: Dimes)
Aug 18Is Voted on UnanimouslyMotion: Motion is Voted on UnanimouslyPassed · see note
August 18, 2026 (Special meeting): Is Voted on Unanimously
Motion is Voted on Unanimously
The minutes say only "Motion Passes", with no count and no names. The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Motion is Voted on Unanimously Motion Passes.”
Aug 4Adopt the Hazard Mitigation PlanMotion: Motion from the Public Health Safety & Works Committee with a…Passed Unanimous, 9 present · see note
August 4, 2026: Adopt the Hazard Mitigation Plan
Motion from the Public Health Safety & Works Committee with a positive recommendation that the Town Council vote to adopt the Hazard Mitigation Plan
The motion came from a council committee, so no mover or seconder is named.
From the minutes
“Motion from the Public Health Safety & Works Committee with a positive recommendation that the Town Council vote to adopt the Hazard Mitigation Plan No 2nd Needed ROLL CALL Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope, President Letterie Zoom-Councilor Romano Motion Approved.”
Aug 4Appropriate $1,100,000 Water Meter & Valve Replacement Project -Year…Motion: Motion from the Finance Committee with a positive recommendation that the…Passed Unanimous, 9 present · see note
August 4, 2026: Appropriate $1,100,000 Water Meter & Valve Replacement Project -Year 3
Motion from the Finance Committee with a positive recommendation that the Town Council Appropriate $1,100,000 Water Meter & Valve Replacement Project -Year 3
The motion came from a council committee, so no mover or seconder is named.
From the minutes
“Motion from the Finance Committee with a positive recommendation that the Town Council Appropriate $1,100,000 Water Meter & Valve Replacement Project -Year 3 No 2nd Needed ROLL CALL Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope, President Letterie Zoom-Councilor Romano Motion Approved.”
Aug 4Amend by Member Romano to change the proposed fare…Motion: Motion to Amend by Member Romano to change the proposed fare…Failed 3–6 · No: Dimes, Finn, Millar, Reardon, Swope, Tassinari
August 4, 2026: Amend by Councilor Romano to change the proposed fare increase from $8.00 to $9.00
Motion to Amend by Councilor Romano to change the proposed fare increase from $8.00 to $9.00.
Yes: Costigan, Letterie, RomanoNo: Dimes, Finn, Millar, Reardon, Swope, Tassinari
From the minutes
“Motion to Amend by Councilor Romano to change the proposed fare increase from $8.00 to $9.00. 2nd by Councilor Costigan ROLL CALL No: Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope Yes: Zoom-Councilor Romano, Councilor Costigan, President Letterie Amendment Not Approved.” (Motion: Romano, second: Costigan)
From the Winthrop Town Council’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center. We check every vote against the members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Member photos: Winthrop Sun Transcript (candidate announcements for Letterie, Millar, Dimes and Romano; Costigan and Swope from a captioned June 2026 Strawberry Festival photo by Salza). Former members and Tassinari, Reardon and Finn show initials for now.
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