Following loss, Fagan looks back

By Johanna Seltz, Globe Correspondent

Looking back on her last three years as a selectwoman, Kathryn Fagan said she’s particularly proud of helping two new tax-paying restaurants open in town, with the first full-service liquor license issued in Milton in 20 years.

She’s also proud of helping to get the new library bonded and open, and with getting closer to having a municipal wind turbine in town.

“I was honored to be part of appointing a new fire chief, a new police chief, and a new DPW head,” she said. “It was a great three years. We got a lot accomplished.”

Fagan, who lost to Robert Sweeney by 32 votes, said her outspoken comments on the Temple Shalom controversy probably contributed to her defeat. She was the only selectman or selectwoman who supported rezoning the property to allow a grocery and CVS to move there. The zoning change would have given the Jewish congregation the financial resources to build a smaller synagogue on the site.

“I had people tell me not to weigh in on this [in an election year], but that’s not how I’m wired,” Fagan said. “I’m happy I didn’t listen" to the advice.

Fagan, a lawyer who works at the charity Cradles to Crayons, said she doesn’t know whether she’ll run again, and won’t decide anytime soon.

“I still remain a member of Town Meeting,” she said. “I still will be involved.”

Johanna Seltz can be reached at seelenfam@verizon.net.