NEW SALEM — There are no contested races in the election slated for Monday.
Polls will be open at Town Hall from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Friends of the New Salem Public Library hosted a virtual candidates’ forum this week so those running for office could read statements and answer questions.
Carl Seppala has lived in New Salem since 2004 and in that time has served on the Board of Health, Planning Board and School Committee. He previously served on the Amherst Selectboard, though he acknowledges there would be a significant learning curve because the towns operate quite differently. If elected, Seppala would fill the seat held by Wayne Hachey, who is not seeking re-election.
“I have no agenda other than community service,” Seppala said, adding that he tends to be a Bernie Sanders supporter and values problem-solving. “I am presently a teacher at Mahar, and I get to see first-hand daily what happens when social supports are not in place, so looking out for those needing help is always on my radar.
“We’re a small town and the people available to serve on all our boards and committees are limited, so when a very kind neighbor asked me to run, I agreed,” he added. “I tend to work a lot and miss out on things, so serving on the Selectboard would provide a very welcome opportunity to learn a great deal about our town and the folks contributing their time and effort to make sure it all goes well.”
Heidi Bohn and her partner moved to town in December of 2019, just in time to find some sanctuary before the COVID-19 pandemic.
She said she works in international education (study abroad, international students, exchange students, etc.) with a background in human services and nonprofit/corporate work.
“I’m a trained facilitator and practiced in cross-cultural communications,” Bohn read. “I come with a lot of experience collaborating on complex teams and making tough decisions.”
She is a ninth-generation New Englander (and direct descendant of Rebecca Nurse, who was hanged during the Salem witch hysteria in 1692).
“I grew up in a small, rural town whose growth was not smart or controlled, and whose design and character have suffered. I want to maintain the beauty and charm that is New Salem, while finding ways to keep our economy and growth moderated, but strong,” she wrote. “I think there are many opportunities to modernize our systems, unify our processes, create transparency, and mostly hear from the community about their concerns, suggestions and ideas. I bring a fresh perspective as a new resident and look forward to contributing to the success and integrity of this Quabbin-side town.”
Kathy Soule-Regine explained the Municipal Light Plant (MLP) is responsible for operating and maintaining the town’s fiber-optic network and was established with votes at two consecutive Town Meetings in 2010 and 2011, as required by state law. According to Soule-Regine, the town voted in 2019 to create an elected three-member Municipal Light Board, which manages the MLP along with the MLP manager and the Broadband Committee.
Soule-Regine said the construction of the town’s fiber-optic network was completed in 2020. Eighty-five percent of New Salem residents who chose to take service had their homes connected and activated that year.
“Finances are always at the forefront of our minds. Our first full year of operation has shown that our network is financially viable,” she said. “We can already contribute funds to the town to offset the cost of the fiber network construction loans. In addition, we continue to apply for grants to help with operating expenses.”
Cameron Dunbar has served as moderator since being elected in 2019 and he is running for re-election to another three-year term. He wrote that state statutes require a moderator to preside over Town Meeting, regulate the proceedings, guide open discussion, and preserve the order and civility expected of attendees and voters.
“It is important to me to ensure all registered voters of New Salem are free to ask questions, have productive discussion and make informed decisions about Town Meeting warrant articles,” Dunbar wrote. “I look forward to serving New Salem in this capacity for many years to come.”
“We will be welcoming a new library director in the near future, hopefully this summer. A five-member search committee has been working since the fall to find the right person in this challenging employment environment,” Judith Northup-Bennett wrote. “COVID and the town’s transition to high-speed internet have changed a lot of things. This will be an exciting time for new ideas and programming as we better understand what services the town expects from the library in this post-COVID world.”
She encouraged the public to visit the library and admire the renovation and community room the Friends worked on. She also mentioned the library has added a third, eight-hour-per-week assistant position.
“We’ve kept the director position a 19-hour-a-week position, so the support staff is very important for providing all the services and programming the town expects,” she said. “Finally, I’d like to make pleas for townspeople of all ages and walks of life to step up and volunteer for our town government departments and committees.”
Ta Mara Conde said her name does not appear on the ballot “due to an unfortunate mistake.”
“I believe in serving our community and have served on many boards for New Salem since I moved here 29 years ago. Starting with the Anniversary Committee in 2003, planning the many events for our celebration of our 250th anniversary, and organizing the Rabbit Run, a foot race through the Quabbin, for 10 years,” she said, adding this raised more than $8,000 for the town.
Conde said she now serves on the Cemetery Commission as well as the Veterans’ Memorial Committee, working to improve the veterans’ memorials located next to the Town Annex. She has also served on the Planning Board for the past four years.
Lynn Layton has lived in New Salem just shy of 25 years. She has served on various committees, and was previously on the Board of Health for seven years. She said she ultimately left the board under the belief her family was downsizing and moving.
“But we didn’t downsize. We stayed in our house. We love it here and we don’t think we’re going anywhere for a while, so I decided that I would like to be back on the Board of Health,” she said.
Layton said she has worked as a school nurse and camp nurse for years.
“So I know a little bit about health concerns and public health,” she said.
Stacy Senflug said she is confident that New Salem’s voters are familiar with her work and her record, and yielded her time at the forum to other candidates.
She said she is available during her office hours, by appointment and via email.
David Briand is running for assessor; David Cramer is running for Planning Board; and Steven Blinder is running for School Committee.
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 262.