Barkett opts out of re-election, remains on building committee

Date: 3/7/2011

March 7, 2011

By Chris Maza

Reminder Assistant Editor

LONGMEADOW — Robert Barkett, vice-chair of the Select Board announced recently that he would not run for re-election.

Over the years, Barkett has been very involved with town government in Longmeadow, including serving as chair of the Select Board from 2009 to 2010.

"I look back at my seven years and I'm very happy with what I've accomplished in seven years and definitely the groups I've been a part of," Barkett said. "Whether I've been in debate with a specific person and/or group, I've respected every one of them. The town of Longmeadow is a beautiful place and I love it."

Barkett is also co-chair of the high school building committee and stated he wishes to devote the majority of his time to that cause.

"At this point in time with the high school project now moving into the construction phase, I'd like to focus solely on that as the co-chair of that committee," Barkett said. "I would never consider leaving in the middle of any term but at the end of the term, it's just serendipitous that the construction phase is starting."

A viewing of the commencement of demolition for the high school took place on Feb. 28 at noon.

The official groundbreaking for the new high school is scheduled for May 6.