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| By Natasha Clark Assistant Managing Editor EAST LONGMEADOW On Nov. 27, Peter Punderson was selected out of four candidates to fill the Planning Board seat vacated by Louis Calabrese. The Board of Selectmen participated in the interview process and questions were assigned to each member of both boards and asked of each candidate. Punderson has been a regular attendee of Planning Board meetings and he has participated in other town projects, including Bluebird Estates on Apple Blossom Lane which was recently destroyed by arson. He told the board that he has sat in on many hearings and enjoyed watching the process. Punderson has been a town resident for 56 years and he said he has watched it grow. He said the board is "very vital" to the town and town government. The father of three owns the East Longmeadow-based Community Oil Company. Donald Anderson wanted to know how Punderson would react to citizen complaints. He responded that he would take the information back to the board. Board of Selectmen Chair Enrico Villamaino asked him his thoughts on teamwork. Punderson said the Planning Board requires it and while not everyone has to agree, they should work together so that the best situation comes about. He also admitted that there would be a learning curve to the position and that he would sit down and go over the bylaws. Thomas J. Morrissette inquired if Punderson had any objectives he wanted to see come to fruition during his term. Punderson said he would like to see the home-based business issue resolved and a decision made that would benefit the town and business owners. In reply to Planning Board Chair Marilyn Richards' question about his availability, he said that he is available to do whatever he has to, that required reading for the meetings are of the utmost importance, he understands that meetings can run late and that he looks forward to getting involved on subcommittees. All board members agreed that the boards had an opportunity to interview some stellar candidates. Punderson will only have a four month appointment. The term expires in April in time for the town's annual elections. Other candidates included George Kingston, Don Thompson and Michael Carabetta. Candidates will still have another opportunity to vie for a Planning Board seat during the April elections when Punderson's seat will re-open and Chair Marilyn Richards' seat will be up for grabs due to her decision to not seek re-election. |