Preliminary elections to feature several races

Date: 2/16/2009

By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor



EAST LONGMEADOW -- Several important positions in town government are up for election this year, and residents willing to fill those seats have stepped forward to earn the town's support.

Selectman Joe Townshend's seat on the Board of Selectmen, a three-year term, is open as of April 14. Five residents took out papers from the Clerk's Office to run for this position, and three returned them with the required amount of signatures.

Ron Cutler, who ran last year against incumbent Jack Villamaino, is running for a seat again this year. A 14-year resident of East Longmeadow, Cutler hasn't held any positions in town government previously and works for DHL.

"I want to participate in town government," Cutler said. "I think I'd be a good asset, a good addition to the Board of Selectmen. I gotta try to make a difference."

Cutler said he's looking forward to the election race and that "it's gonna be a lot of fun."

Paul Federici, who's worked in town for 24 years and has lived here for 13, has also never held a town government position. An accountant, Federici believes that in these economic times, someone with his background could help the town to negotiate the changes that will be created as a result of state cuts in local aid.

"I appreciate the town and what it's done for me," Federici said.

Jim Martin works as a correctional officer at the Hampden County House of Corrections in Ludlow and has been living in East Longmeadow for four and a half years. He has two daughters, one a senior in high school, one a freshman.

He said he decided to run for selectman because he thought it was time for a new face.

"It's time for somebody new to step in," Martin said. "Granted, not everyone's gonna like a decision. You can't make everybody happy...but I don't see a point in arguing."

Incumbent Townshend has opted not to run for re-election this year.

Other races include a three year term with the School Committee and a three year term on the Board of Public Works.

School Committee incumbent Thomas McGowan, who's served on the committee for nine years, said he's decided to run again because of his years of experience and his experience in education. He has served on the State Department of Education Health Education and Human Services Interdisciplinary Advisory Council, holds a Master of Education in Elementary School Administration and a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education.

McGowan is being challenged by Joseph Cabrera, a town resident since 1988. He is a graduate of Notre Dame University and Western New England College and has been practicing law for 23 years. He is the father of four boys, ages 13, 12, 11 and 8, all in East Longmeadow Public Schools.

Cabrera said he is running for School Committee because he "wants to protect the children."

"The School Committee needs someone with kids in school," Cabrera said.

The preliminary election is scheduled to take place March 17, and town elections will take place April 14. Other positions to be voted on include seats on the Board of Assessors, for Library Trustees, the Planning Board and the Housing Authority.