SALEM — The city is inviting the public to submit nominations for the newly created Sam Zoll Civic Leadership Award, honoring residents who have dedicated themselves to the betterment of the Salem community.
In September, the City Council introduced an order to create the Sam Zoll Civic Leadership Award to be presented annually to a living Salem resident who had demonstrated exceptional commitment to public service, civic engagement, and the betterment of the Salem community.
Zoll, a beloved civic leader in Salem who died in 2011, served as a city councilor from 1958 to 1965, state representative from 1965 to 1969, and mayor from 1970 to 1973. Zoll then served as a district court judge from 1973 to 1976, and a district court chief justice from 1976 to 2004. After retiring as a judge, he was appointed as the Joint Labor-Management Committee chairman from 2004 to 2010.
“Sam Zoll dedicated his life to his community,” said Councilor at-Large Ty Hapworth in a statement. “As mayor, he stopped the destruction of historic Salem through urban renewal, played an early role in creating Pickering Wharf, reclaimed Winter Island for the people of Salem, and laid the foundation for the thriving city we enjoy today. The award will recognize Salem residents who, in the spirit of Mayor Zoll, rise each day to do the quiet, unheralded work of making our city better, whether by volunteering, serving on boards, or organizing their neighbors to get things done.”
A selection committee is formed each year consisting of two city councilors, appointed annually by the council president; the mayor or their designee; one Salem resident at-large appointed annually by the mayor; and one past recipient of the ward. The committee will solicit public nominations and make a final recommendation to the full City Council.
Nominations will be accepted through Aug. 14 using the online form at forms.office.com/r/Hs23hkw5h7.
Michael McHugh can be contacted at mmchugh@northofboston.com or at 781-799-5202