In an urban climate currently defined by building growth in Beacon, Mayor Randy Casale, Beacon’s two-term mayor for the last eight years, was out-seated by current City Council Member, Lee Kyriacou. Mayor Casale served in public service in Beacon for a total of 40 years, most notably (besides his mayor gig) as the Highway Superintendent, and possibly most memorably as a City Council member until he ran for election and won two terms in a row.

Lee ran on a platform of cautious development and rezoning of Beacon’s rules and regulations that allow buildings to be designed in a certain way, and for a certain use. Over the years, several building projects made their way through Zoning Board, Planning Board, and City Council meetings. Several that were granted approval after required modifications are being built right now, including three four-story buildings on Main Street, which has become a hot topic for many residents of Beacon. Zoning restriction such as this was one of Lee’s main campaign points.

Mayoral Homework

Mayor Casale’s institutional memory goes deep. His involvement in many decisions rolls through several City Council administrations, such as the years-long discussed Tioronda Bridge rebuild (controversial for how close to its original state it can get, versus functionality) to the equally lengthy debate across several years and studies about the three firehouses in Beacon, and if they should be consolidated into two or one.

After covering City Council meetings for articles such as this, it has become clear that issues spread over years of council administration turnovers, require additional funding for new studies to be made for new councilperson requests, and new angles to be considered for the same project. Mayor Casale kept up with all of it.

Running a Meeting

Mayors guide decisions and vote on resolutions, but they also run a meeting. Mayor Casale ran an efficient meeting, giving people a chance to speak, signaling that he acknowledged a complaint, but firing back if speaking got too aggressive. Mayor Casale’s reputation for where he stood on every issue preceded him. Several city leaders in neighboring towns have said: “Well, you always know where Randy stands,” which could be in reference to his sometimes stern yet always outspoken manner.

Standing Ovation

During this year’s Beacon Historical Society Friendraiser held at The Roundhouse, which jointly honored its former longtime president and voice, Robert Murphy, as well as the Tioronda Garden Club, Mayor Casale was on-hand to present. Mayor Casale is an honorary member of the Tioronda Garden Club, and is best-known for his daily watering of the pink petunia baskets on Main Street every spring and summer. During a low-budget period of Beacon’s history, the watering of the Main Street flower baskets was removed from the budget. Mayor Casale replaced the responsibility by watering them himself with the watering truck

As he reached the podium, the room moved to a standing ovation. He deflected the appreciation back to the people of the City of Beacon, stating it is their will, volunteerism, and spirit that has kept Beacon on its path, to the point that other cities are trying to emulate it. Mayor Casale also revealed that he knew he wouldn’t always be the mayor, and made sure to put back the watering of the flowers back into the budget. He ended his speech by wishing the new administration well and support.

Next Steps For Mayor Casale

What are the next steps for Mayor Casale? A Little Beacon Blog reached out for comment: “Right now I am going to look at whatever options come my way and decide what the next chapter will be. I will be available if someone wants to ask questions or if I can assist.”

Will he run for mayor again? “Option’s always open,” he replied.

Thank you, Mayor Casale, for your leadership.