Montague’s municipal election May 21 is headlined by a debt-exclusion vote for a new public works garage, but close behind are four contested seats on the Gill-Montague Regional School Committee.
It’s often said that elections for school boards, town councils and other local positions affect us more directly than national (or even statewide) elections, and this will be true again in 2018. The Gill-Montague district has benefited in recent years by having capable, clear-speaking leaders in the central administration and respected educators leading the individual schools. Informed support of this staff by the School Committee contributes to the district’s success, and Superintendent Michael Sullivan and his staff have earned the confidence of governing boards in both member towns.
I’ve had a chance to listen to several candidates on the May 21 ballot, and I’m impressed by their broad perspective in preserving what is effective and ensuring the district’s long-term health. They emphasize multi-year planning, not short-term reaction, and will foster a respectful co-operative atmosphere and show interest on the full range of the committee’s responsibilities. My support will go to experienced incumbents Timmi Smith and Mike Langknecht and motivated first-timers Haley Anderson and Jennifer Lively.
I expect turn-out for this election will be high, and with nearly half of the seats on this committee on the ballot, I urge all voters in the district to endorse a progressive path forward by voting for these candidates.
John Hanold
Turners Falls