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Reminder Assistant Editor LONGMEADOW It's 6:30 a.m. Most of you are probably still asleep, at least a half hour away from the alarm clock's buzzing. Hal Haberman is pouring a bucket of ice into the soda dispenser at Benson's Bagels on Sumner Avenue. This reporter met with the chair of the Longmeadow Select Board one very early morning last week during his "office hours" at the bagel shop. He said he's there every morning, seven days a week, and although he enjoys the usual breakfast fare to eat, he doesn't drink coffee hence the reason he was loading up the soda machine with ice. He needed his morning Diet Coke. Haberman will, after the elections taking place on June 10, be leaving the Select Board after more than 12 years of service therein to the town. Elected to the board in March 1996, Haberman believes it's time he took a little break. "When I moved to Longmeadow, I wanted to serve, I wanted to get involved," Haberman said over his soft drink and an everything bagel schmeared with cream cheese. "I like trying to help people out with little problems." The owner and operator of Haberman Hardware in Holyoke said that even though he works 60 hours a week, he "always made time for the town." A graduate of the Williston Northampton School, Holyoke Community College and Western New England College, Haberman began his political career in Holyoke as an Alderman-at-Large at age 21. "There were 26 people running for eight seats in that election," Haberman said. "It was my first time running for any office, and I knocked on every door and went to every function. I beat out seven incumbents to get that seat." He added that he had a goal back then to become Holyoke's youngest mayor. He might have achieved that goal, too, if he, his wife Lori, and his children hadn't moved to Longmeadow in 1988. "After the move, I spent seven years coaching and spending time with my kids," Haberman said, "but every time elections happened, I felt like I was missing out on the fun." He explained that he ran for a seat on the then-Board of Selectmen not because he was against any of the incumbents, but because he felt it was his time to serve. The first board he served with included Gerry Nolet and Arlene Miller. "Gerry said 'Do your homework and listen to people,'" Haberman said. "I've kept that idea going for the past 12 years." As much as he likes to listen, though, Haberman will be the first to admit that he loves to talk, too. He's seen a lot during his terms as a Select Board member, but said he couldn't have done what he did without the help of other town servants. "We are blessed in Longmeadow with employees that are true professionals," he stated. "And Longmeadow is a beautiful place to live, to work and to raise kids." One of the most challenging trials during his tenure was the recent problem with the water and sewer rates. "I agreed with residents that it was wrong and we tried to work out a compromise," Haberman said. "You can't please everyone." The most rewarding part of his service, however, was the service itself. "I'm going to walk out after 12 years with my head held high because I did help people. I'm proud of being an ear people could talk to." Leaving the Select Board is his retirement "for now." "I may want to come back in a year," he said. "I wouldn't rule it out." He did offer advice for anyone considering running for the Select Board, however: "Be open minded in everything that comes before you and don't be afraid to take advice from other people. Your goal should always be to help the people." Haberman's last meeting with the Select Board will take place on June 2. "I don't know what I'll do with my Monday nights now," he smiled. | ||||||
