June 5, 2019 by Carol Britton Meyer
Lifelong resident Paul Healey's "break" from town government didn't last long.
After finishing his sixth year on the Board of Selectmen in late April following his decision not to seek re-election, Healey was appointed by the Selectmen last night to serve a three-year term on the zoning board of appeals ending in June 2022. This is an appointed rather than an elected position.
Former ZBA member Joseph Fisher, who left that board to run unopposed for Healey's selectman seat in the April election, suggested the board appoint Healey to fill his open seat on the ZBA. The vote was unanimous.
Earlier, in the 1970’s, Healey became a Hingham police officer, remaining in that position for 11 years. He went on to serve as an elected Planning Board member for 19 years before being elected as a selectman. The ZBA role builds on his Planning Board experience. Healey is also an attorney.
Healey was not present, but that didn't stop his former fellow selectmen from making a couple of comments directed at him. "Welcome back, Paul!" said Selectmen Chairman Karen Johnson.
"That was a short vacation!" Fisher quipped.
When asked by the Hingham Anchor in a text following the meeting if he had any comments about his appointment to the ZBA, Healey responded: "I’m humbled and grateful to serve the town I love."
The ZBA holds public hearings on applications for zoning variances and special permits and decides appeals of administrative decisions of the Town's zoning officials. The Board also reviews comprehensive permit, or 40B, applications. Staff is available during regular Town Hall hours to assist in the application process and to answer zoning questions.