Select Board Backs Local Veteran Officer Hire

Select Board · Meeting of January 21, 2026

NAHANT — The Nahant Select Board leaned toward keeping a local veteran service officer rather than regionalizing the role with Lynn and Swampscott. Town Administrator Allison told the board a survey of local veterans, conducted with help from the American Legion, found most wanted an in-town officer for convenience and a personal relationship. Board member Rob Thibault said a veteran facing upcoming surgeries described the comfort of "the ability to have a close and almost personal relationship with our veteran's officer." Allison said she will "march on" with recruiting locally while still exploring future regionalization with Lynn.

The board also approved minutes by a 2-0-1 roll call and heard an early pitch from Dory Club member Eric Curtin to involve Nahant in the July 2026 Sail 250 tall ships event. Allison said she has interviewed four candidates for the town's open finance director position. Veteran Service Officer John Lazar retires January 28 after 11 years.

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Source: the Select Board meeting of January 21, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.