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Date: 3/29/2021
SOUTH HADLEY – South Hadley residents are vying for a spot on their town government during the April 13 election.
The election features races for seats on both the School Committee and Selectboard. The selectboard, which consists of five members has two seats open. Among the candidates are current president of the Selectboard, Jeffrey Cyr; resident, Trevor Baptiste; resident, Carol Constant; and resident, Renee Sweeney.
Reminder Publishing reached out to each candidate and asked each of them to outline their experience, why they’re hoping to be elected to the Selectboard and any other information they may want voters to know about them. Their responses are listed below in alphabetical order.
Trevor Baptiste
My name is Trevor Baptiste, Ph.D. The value of working to make your community better was instilled in me from an early age and has been the underlying motive behind all I do. In order to contribute to curing cancer, I was trained as a research scientist and for years contributed to understanding breast cancer metastasis at UMass Amherst.
In order to prepare people for careers in the health profession, I taught physiology at both Greenfield and Springfield Technical Community Colleges. In order to produce positive and productive citizens, I taught AP biology and environmental science at Putnam Vocational High School. To shape the holders of our future I was recruited to UMass where I engaged with students interested in careers connected to sustainability. I have served on the School Committee of Pelham and as the chair of the Amherst Regional School board. Those experiences have shown me what it takes to build consensus, think outside of the box and address issues important to local constituents.
Now that South Hadley is my home, I want to put my experience and perspective to the greatest use for the most people. I believe that this is a great place to live and has much more to offer the world. To talk more with me about how we can make South Hadley a model for the 21st century, find me on Zoom from 9-10 and 5-6 on Tuesdays and Thursdays (meeting ID. 71317548889 passcode SoHadley). Please vote Baptiste on April 13.
Carol Constant
I have called South Hadley home for 34 years. During that time, I have advocated and volunteered for the schools, for the arts, for young people, for older adults, and for individuals living with disabilities. I am a collaborator who believes that we build a better community when we work together to find common ground on issues, solve problems, and set policies. I view my candidacy as a new way to serve our community.
There are some important issues on the horizon for South Hadley: Residents have stated that they would like a community that is more affordable, accessible, and welcoming. We have upgraded the Middle and High Schools, and replaced the Plains School. It is time to review the facility needs of Mosier School. I believe making a community Age Friendly enhances life for everyone, including families with children, individuals with disabilities, and older adults.
The insights I have gained through my community engagement in South Hadley and across the Pioneer Valley will help inform the issues that come before the South Hadley Selectboard. Now more than ever, I consider the work of local government as an opportunity to work through the issues before us without confrontational rhetoric. The Selectboard has a history of doing this well and I look forward to continuing this tradition. Please reach out if you have questions or thoughts: cpconstant@gmail.com. I hope you’ll vote for me on April 13!
Jeffrey Cyr
To the voters of South Hadley, my name is Jeff Cyr and I am running for re-election to the South Hadley Selectboard. I have always admired this community and I want to continue to see it prosper. My position on the board has assisted me in understanding the various needs of our community.
Within my tenure on the Selectboard, there have been some great assets added. Some examples are new condominiums in the falls area addressing re-development, a proposed multi- tiered workforce housing project at the Newton St. plaza that addresses a housing deficiency and a long awaited Senior
Center on Dayton St. that will accommodate our deserving seniors with a state-of-the-art facility. South Hadley will be facing new departmental leadership with a new town administrator and a new school superintendent.
I feel I have the skill set to support both roles in order to adequately address the needs and at the same time be mindful of costs. Our community is fortunate to have a very diverse populace of great people. I was proud to be part of the statement on racism the Selectboard endorsed to recognize and ensure all of South Hadley felt safe and included. I support volunteerism on all of the various boards and committees in order to keep the lines of communication open and at the same time are sure that South Hadley remains affordable for all. I firmly believe South Hadley is a great place to live!
Renee Sweeney
Mount Holyoke College was far from my Iowa upbringing, but the small-town vibe felt like home. When my wife and I moved back in 2012 I laid roots, joining the Cultural Council, volunteering with Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and being elected to Town Meeting.
When we vote at Town Meetings, it seems the cake is baked and all we can choose is whether or not to eat it. I want to be involved earlier in the process of policy development, and to bring new perspectives into those decisions. My views are unbounded by “how weve always done it.” Thriving as a first-generation college student takes grit; no one will work harder for you. I studied politics at MHC, and my Hampshire career deals with data analysis, IT, and communications.
People need information about how our town operates and which board or committee handles various functions. I want everyone to feel informed and involved. Sharing information and gathering input from residents would be my top priority on the Selectboard.
Local elections suffer from low turnout; often candidates run unopposed. Increased participation at every level is vital. More voices, especially those we're not used to listening to, will make our community stronger. Appointments for boards and committees is one of the most powerful roles of the Selectboard, and I would pay careful attention to them.
Our decisions should balance input from residents, thorough research, examples from communities facing similar challenges, and values we hold. Please share your concerns, ideas, and experiences with me.