Thank you for your support Theresa! I look forward to working for you and all of the residents of Reading!
Thank you for your support, Boris!
Early Voting Starts Today 3/28 at Town Hall and continues through Thursday 4/2. Election Day is April 7th. Please review my website and positions to learn more about me and my campaign. I’d love to earn your early vote today!
Hi friends,
I will be at a meet-and-greet event at Presence&Co (557 Main Street, Reading) this Friday, March 13th, at 7pm together with several other non-incumbent candidates. We thought it would be a perfect opportunity for everyone to meet the non-incumbents in a relaxed setting.
Feel free to stop by, say hello, ask any questions, and get to know me better—I’d love to chat!
I was happy to attend the joint Council on Aging & Recreation Committee meeting the other night and hear the proposed operating budget for our new Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL). The presentation outlined a thoughtful plan, including a projected net increase of about $260,000 in FY28 operating costs (after revenues and offsets), staffing tied to the new facility, programming alignment, and the smooth transition from current senior services at Pleasant Street to the vibrant new space on Symonds Way. It’s exciting to see this level of collaboration and planning come together to create a welcoming, active hub for our growing 60+ community. Definitely a project worth keeping an eye on!
At last night’s Select Board meeting, it was announced that Matt Kraunelis will no longer be serving as Town Manager for Reading. I want to sincerely thank Matt for his years of dedicated service to our community and wish him continued success in his future endeavors.
I also want to express my confidence in Jayne Wellman, who will step in as Acting Town Manager while a contract is finalized. Strong leadership and steady guidance are essential during times of transition, and I appreciate her willingness to serve.
In the days ahead, the Town will begin a search for our next Town Manager. This is a pivotal moment for Reading. We need a leader who brings experience, vision, and a commitment to transparent, accountable government. My professional hiring experience has prepared me to help lead a thorough and thoughtful search process—one that attracts top-tier talent and ensures a smooth transition for our residents, businesses, and town employees.
Reading deserves strong leadership and a clear path forward. I remain committed to helping our community move ahead with stability, professionalism, and purpose.
Out with hands on mentality, just like I will do on the Select Board if elected. Nothing will stop me from getting the job done!
Reach out to Vote@SalForReading.com to get yours over the next couple weeks.
“If a friend needs help, he is there. That is the type of person Sal has always been.”
– Maureen Trickett, Friend of Sal
Sal Bramante announces his candidacy for one of the two open seats on the Reading Select Board in the April 7, 2026, election. A 1991 Reading Memorial High School graduate, Sal and his wife Heather have lived in Reading since 2001. As a longtime community member, small business owner, and active volunteer, he is running to provide balanced, thoughtful, and fiscally responsible leadership.
“I’m running for Select Board to listen first, then lead together—ensuring every voice is heard as we keep Reading moving forward,” Sal said. “I’m running to bring strong, practical leadership to our town as we continue to grow and thrive. Together, we can keep Reading a place we’re all proud to call home: fiscally sound, welcoming, and forward-looking.”
Sal’s four children attended Reading Public Schools (two currently at RMHS). He has volunteered extensively with youth, school, and town activities. Currently, he serves on the Reading Board of Health and is in his second term as Town Meeting member and chair of Precinct 1.
Sal began his career on his father’s commercial fishing boats and at age 21 launched his own wholesale seafood company and restaurant, operating both successfully until age 40. He later served as COO of Red’s Best (2010–2019), growing revenue from $1.5 million to $45 million, followed by senior operations roles at Stavis Seafoods ($250M revenue) and Boston Sword & Tuna ($350M revenue). In these positions, he managed large budgets, reduced costs, achieved goals, and built teams. He intends to apply his expertise in operational efficiency and long-term planning to the town’s current challenges.
Campaign Priorities:
- Protecting Taxpayers & Controlling Costs Sal supports a multi-year fiscal roadmap that secures savings from completed debt before new exclusions. He advocates for independent cost reviews and value engineering on major capital projects.
- Preparing Responsibly for Potential Override Sal opposes premature or oversized overrides and seeks transparent, data-driven rationale for any override, which he views as last resort. He supports protecting free cash as a true reserve, aligning budgeting to sustainable revenue, and protecting education, public safety, and senior services.
- Strengthening Downtown: Drawing from his business background, Sal supports policies that make it easier to open and operate businesses, revitalizing downtown as a community hub.
- Not the Right Time for the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Sal believes the proposed permanent 1% CPA property tax surcharge is poorly timed amid current resident financial pressures. He supports delaying until the operating budget stabilizes and long-term tax impacts of operating Killam (including new townwide centralized preschool) and ReCal are fully understood.
“Reading is a special place—strong schools, vibrant neighborhoods, and a close-knit community, “ Sal said. “As we face important decisions on budgets, infrastructure, and growth, I’ll bring fiscal discipline, real-world experience, and a deep commitment to our families and future. I’d be honored to earn your support in the upcoming election.”
For more visit www.SalForReading.com and also visit his Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/SalForReading