Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.

Voters have little to decide at town election

Date: 5/31/2011

May 30, 2011

By Chris Maza

Reminder Assistant Editor

LONGMEADOW — It has been a while since voters in Longmeadow have had so few decisions to make at a town election.

In fact, before looking over the ballot for this year's election, which is slated for June 7, Town Clerk Katherine Ingram had never seen an annual town election that didn't feature a single contested race.

"This is my fourth annual town election and usually there are at least a couple [contested races] going on. Beyond that, I don't know how far back it was since this last happened. I'd have to go back and research it," she said

Ingram indicated that because of the lack of competition on the ballot, turnout should be low.

"There's really not much going on, so I would estimate probably somewhere around 10 percent," she said.

The election originally featured one battle between Mary Vogel and Laurie Flynn as both submitted paperwork for a one-year seat on the School Committee, but Vogel has since pulled out.

Marie Angelides announced her candidacy for a Select Board seat, but won't be opposed as Robert Barkett, whose term is expiring, announced that he would not be pursuing another so he can focus his efforts on co-chairing the School Building Committee.

Michael Clark submitted nomination papers for one of three open three-year seats on the School Committee, along with Gwen Burns and John Fitzgerald, who are both are up for re-election.

Walter Gunn is aiming at re-election to a five-year seat on the Planning Board, while Roy Johansen will be the lone candidate on the ballot for a three-year seat on that board as he also makes a bid for re-election.

Stephen Metz was the only resident to submit nomination papers for a five-year seat with the Housing Authority.

The town will also only have one question on the ballot after Question 2, which would have asked voters whether or not to repeal the Community Preservation Act, was nullified by an Annual Town Meeting vote. The town's negative vote on Article 21 at the meeting prohibited any vote in regards to a repeal.

Voters will still be asked in Question 1 whether or not the town will be able to use a Proposition 2 1/2 override to repair the drainage systems on Ely Way and Englewood Road. Flooding in that area has caused considerable erosion and damage to private property.



Bookmark and Share