HEATH — Although no one’s name is on the ballot for a three-year Selectboard seat, Robert Bourke is running a write-in campaign for election to the seat held by Selectboard member William Lattrell, who is not seeking re-election.
Bourke is in for a write-in race with Robyn S. Provost, who ran for a Selectboard seat last year. Provost confirmed that other residents have decided to run a write-in campaign on her behalf, and said she would probably accept the position if she wins.
Heath’s annual town election takes place May 6, with polls open from noon to 7 p.m. in the Senior Center/Community Hall.
This is his first run for Selectboard, but Bourke has held several other town positions. He was chairman of the Municipal Building Committee, which put plans in place last year for a new public safety complex. He has also served on the Board of Health, has been the premium secretary for the Heath Fair, is chairman of the Parks and Recreation Committee, a constable and a volunteer firefighter and emergency responder. He also co-chairs the Veterans Memorial Committee and is on the Heath Graveyard Guild, which repairs and repositions old cemetery gravestones.
Bourke is also a master gardener and a life member of the Heath Historical Society. He runs Bourke Renovations from his home and he and his wife, Kara Leistyna, run the Berkshire Farm Bed & Breakfast.
“With no one formally taking (nomination) papers, I was concerned that, through a lark, someone unqualified could become a Selectboard member,” he said. “I decided, with my town experience, I think I would be a good fit for the position. I do have a lot of experience with other boards and committees, and know what’s going on in town.”
Provost has lived in Heath with her husband and family since 1999. She is currently vice president of Mowry & Schmidt Inc. General Contractors in Greenfield, a family business.
Provost said she did not take out nomination papers this year, but would like to serve on the Selectboard at some point. “I believe that taking on the role of selectman is a very complex decision,” she said. “I have not changed my belief in the importance of this position. When I make a commitment to a position, I give as much of myself as I can to be a success. Since accepting the write-in nomination for assessor last year, I have worked very hard with my current board members to help promote change and growth in the assessors (office) — something I will continue to do regardless of this Selectboard issue.”
If elected to the Selectboard, Provost said, “it is difficult for me to say no when it comes to something that I see is important and challenging.”
Douglas Wilkins announced last winter he would not be running for re-election to the town moderator seat that he has held for 32 years. Eric Sumner has thrown his hat into the ring for a one-year term as moderator.
Incumbents who are running for re-election this year include the following. All are for three-year terms unless otherwise noted: School Committee Kenneth Rocke; Library Trustee Janis Carr; Assessor Heidi Griswold, Planning Board member (five years) Calvin Carr; and running for two one-year positions as constable are Robert Bourke and Steven Thane.
According to Town Clerk Hilma A. Sumner, no one has taken out nomination papers to fill the vacancy left by departing Finance Committee member Jeff Simmons, who is not seeking re-election.