Based on current indicators, Harvard residents can expect next year’s town government to look much like this year’s. Of the 20 town officials and board members whose terms are expiring this spring, 13 have expressed their willingness to go on serving in their current positions. Only four have definitely decided to step down. Two could not be reached for comment, and one was undecided.
But several of those who plan to run again also said they thought Harvard would benefit from some new faces in public office—especially some younger ones—with new energy and new perspectives. Selectman Ron Ricci emphasized that a person need not be retired to be a selectman; he was still working full time when he was first elected. Initially on the fence about running again, Ricci later decided to do so. “But if someone else is interested in running,” he said, “I’ll be happy to help them.”
Town Caucus on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. in Town Hall can nominate up to two candidates for each open position. But if the recent past is a guide, most offices will have only a single candidate in the running. For those who are interested in throwing their hats into the ring, see “Running for Office: A guide for 2017 candidates” in the Jan. 27 Harvard Press.
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