Hoff announces bid for re-election

~ Submitted by Bill Hoff

LONGMEADOW Bill Hoff has announced his candidacy for re-election to the Longmeadow School Committee. Hoff is finishing his second term on the committee. He was also a member of the Long Range Planning Committee and the Charter Commission.

"I am running because I believe my experience will benefit the School Committee and the community. I will be the only member with more than two years experience. The committee needs experience to understand where we've been, how we got here, and where we are going," he said.

"I would like to build on the accomplishments of my first two terms. We completed the additions and renovation to the two elementary schools on time and under budget. We improved the committee's communication with the public through televising our meetings and regularly scheduled 'Meet and Greet' sessions. We improved relationships with other town boards. As an example, I led the effort to schedule the recent joint meeting with the Select Board."

"The more difficult challenge over the last six years has been the budget. As a member of the finance sub-committee I have worked to institute reforms in the budget and expenditure process. I began the line by line budget review three years ago. I led the effort to create an all expense and all revenue budget last year."

Hoff said his goals for his third term include working to restore cuts made over the last few years.

"Much of the savings have been in areas we could live with short-term. Eventually the cuts, if not restored, will impact student learning. If the proposed budget for the schools passes this year, we will make significant progress in getting us back where we need to be."

Hoff said he will work towards making a High School building project a reality.

"I worked on the Blueberry Hill/Wolf Swamp project from getting it passed by the town through construction. I have much to offer the school committee in developing a plan which meets the needs of the schools, but is acceptable to the residents.

"I am proud of my accomplishments and leadership of the School Committee over the past six years. We have made significant progress in some areas while enduring some very difficult financial times. My experience is critical to the challenges that are clearly in front of the schools and the town as a whole over the next three years. We only get one chance to educate our children my experience and leadership can ensure that Longmeadow continues to strive for educational excellence."

Hoff and his wife, Beth, have lived in Longmeadow for 12 years. They have three children, Lisa, Jennifer, and Carolyn. The two oldest are graduates of Longmeadow High School and the youngest is a freshman at Longmeadow High.