Above: The current 3-person Board of Selectmen is likely to expand to 5 people this Spring. Chair Dan Kolenda (left) is one of 3 candidates running for the 3 open seats. (Photo by Susan Fitzgerald)
Last spring, Southborough residents approved the expansion of the Board of Selectmen from 3 positions to 5. The measure was passed at town meeting and ratifed in the town election.
Opponents were skeptical that enough people would step up to fill those positions. Proponents pushed that changes to the town administrator’s authority would lessen the selectmen workload and encourage more residents to run.
According to The Metrowest Daily News, three residents have pulled papers to run for selectman. With three seats available, that would make for a full 5 member board, but not a choice for voters.
Current BOS Chair Dan Kolenda will run for re-election to a 3 year seat. Former Selectman Bonnie Phaneuf will look to reclaim a seat on the board, running for the 2 year position. Paul Cimino, Planning Board member, will run for the remaining 3 year seat.
MWDN reports:
Phaneuf did not run for re-election to selectmen in 2011 following nine years on the board. She said she believes it’s important the newly constituted board have a wealth of experience.
“Individuals on that board should want to be on that board, not (just be there) because there are vacancies,” she said.
Cimino expressed a similar sentiment.
“It’s an important time for the town to be served by thoughtful, serious-minded and energetic people who are willing to put the time and effort into the issues we face,” he said.
Residents interested in contesting one of the seats must pull papers by March 21st at 12:00 pm and file with signatures by 5:00 pm on March 24th.
For a reminder of available seats and relavant schedule for running, click here.
For the full MWDN story, click here.
