Borrelli Joins Selectman Race

Finance Committee chairman Matt Borrelli has joined the race for Needham selectman. Borrelli is vying for a two-year term that became available in January when Selectman Jim Healy for personal reasons.

Borrelli is the second person to announce his candidacy for the open seat, joining in the race.

“I think that the board needs someone with the fiscal background, the Finance Committee background, and also someone who can represent young children coming up through the school system as well as the older generation,” Borrelli said, after pulling nomination papers Tuesday morning.

Borrelli is a third-generation Needhamite, having lived most of his life in town and graduating through the system. He and his wife Alison have two children—a daughter who is in first grade at and a son who will be starting kindergarten at Hillside next fall.

Borrelli said he chose to run for the two-year term rather than one of the two open three-year terms because he feels he has an approach similar to that of outgoing Selectman Jim Healy.

“He brought a lot of fiscal perspective to the board, and I feel I can represent that area as well,” said Borrelli, who has served on the Finance Committee for three years and is currently the chairman.

He also serves as the Finance Committee’s liaison to the Needham School Committee.

In addition, Borrelli is a Town Meeting member and a member of the . He also served on the Senior Center Exploratory Committee.

As a self-employed attorney with an office in Needham, Borrelli said he understands what it means to operate a local business. He also works in his family’s real estate development business, Needham Investment Company.

“The Council of Economic Advisors is always looking to promote and support Needham businesses, and I bring that perspective to the board,” he said.

Currently, selectmen Moe Handel and John Bulian for re-election to their three-year terms.

Tuesday, Feb. 21 to file nomination papers with the Board of Registrars to run in the April 10 town election