WARWICK — Residents will gather at the polls on Monday, May 16, to vote for candidates running for one three-year term and one one-year term on the selectboard.
Incumbent Dawn Magi of Wendell Road is competing against Denyse Dar of Northfield Road for a three-year term. Jim Erviti of Orange Road will run against Steve Ruggiero for a one-year term on the board.
Dar, an artist with a background in finance and administration, said she is interested in looking into ways the town can cope with the expanding senior population.
“I really see the first term as literally serving the interest of growth while getting on-the-job training,” said Dar, 47.
The second contender for the three-year term, Magi has been serving on the board for six years. She is a former technical writer.
She is interested in striking a balance in accommodating both the young families and the population in Warwick that is retired and on a fixed income. “We seem to have a bit of discord in the town right now. Certain people think there is an issue of old versus newcomers,” said Magi.
She would also like to continue working with MBI to bring broadband to everyone and upgrade existing broadband equipment.
Ruggiero, seeking a one-year term on the board, said that he wants the board to work on lowering the tax rate. “I want to see if I can stem the tide of financial recklessness that we are on,” he said. “My biggest challenge is to get the other 500 or so people involved in their towns government so we can get a fair representation of our needs for the future.”
Ruggiero, 72, is a retired salesman. This would be his first time serving in public office. He moved to Warwick in 2008 with his wife, Maria. They built a house, where they could enjoy the peace and serenity of the quiet hills.
Contender Jim Erviti, 66, has served the town in several capacities as volunteer firefighter, EMT and police officer for more than 15 years. “I am committed to keeping this town as a strong and viable community that maintains the character of this town as well as moving gently into the complexities of our new millennium,” he said.
Polls open at noon and close at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall.
You can reach Lisa Spear at lspear@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 280