The 2014 Town Caucus is just around the corner on March 1, and 20 of our elected officials’ terms are up. We polled those who are “expiring” to find out if they will run for office again, and found a mix of intentions.
Board of Selectmen
On the Board of Selectmen, both Ron Ricci and Chairwoman Marie Sobalvarro will be running for another three-year term. Sobalvarro had this to say: “I’ve enjoyed working with my present colleagues and the town to address the challenges we collectively face and hope the voters are likewise willing to support our serving together for another term.” Ricci echoed her sentiments. “This last year the members of the Board of Selectmen have worked very well together,” said Ricci. “Hopefully, the voters will agree and keep both of us who are standing for re-election on the board.”
Board of Health
Board of Health Chairman Tom Philippou will also seek another three-year term. “We have an excellent team in place that has done an outstanding job of addressing the needs of Harvard’s residents,” said Philippou.
Planning Board
Planning Board Vice Chairman Jim Breslauer has chosen not to run again. When asked why, Breslauer said that the time commitment is too much for him, given his other responsibilities. But he also said that in his one-year term, he accomplished what he set out to accomplish – getting work on the 2012 Master Plan restarted. “The Planning Board had not taken any action to further the process after the completion of Phase One of the Master Plan,” said Breslauer. “I felt it was important for the town to actively plan for the future, rather than just react to the initiatives of others. That goal has been accomplished. Under the able leadership of Joe Hutchinson, a very qualified Master Plan Steering Committee has been making excellent progress on the Master Plan.”
Library Trustees
Library Trustees Gail Coolidge and Charles Redinger are both running for another three-year term. “I serve out of my commitment to education and community well-being,” said Redinger. “The Harvard Public Library plays an important role on both of these areas.” Coolidge agrees about the role of the library. “I think the library is one of our town’s greatest resources,” said Coolidge. She is running again so that she can see some of the projects that were identified in the library’s long-range plan through to completion.
Warner Free Lecture Trust
Warner Free Lecture Trust member Mary Maxwell is running for another three-year term to help keep the momentum of the current board going. “They are all committed to bring the people of Harvard interesting and varied topics for possible lectures. After two years of participation I have found that each member has developed a niche for making the lectures happen.” Member Tim Borton has chosen not to run again. “It’s a great group and program, but I currently have too many time constraints to continue to serve,” said Borton.
Town Constable, Cemetery Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission
Town Constable Kerry Curley will be running for another three-year term, as will Cemetery Commissioner Chairman Jack Spero. Parks and Recreation Commissioner Steve Gordon will also run for a three-year term, and Tree Warden Christian Bilodeau will run for another one-year term.
School Committee, Community Preservation
On the School Committee, Keith Cheveralls has chosen not to comment on his intentions prior to Town Caucus, and chairwoman Susan Mary Redinger is undecided. Also undecided are Community Preservation Committee Chairwoman Debbie Ricci and member Elizabeth Williams.
Town Moderator
The last to respond was Robert Eubank who plans to run for another term as town moderator.
Three remain undeclared
The following town officials whose terms are up could not be reached for comment: Planning Board member Erin McBee, and Parks and Recreation Commission members B.J. Pessia and Anne McWaters.
