Reading, MA — 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
