Local Elections
Last Day to Object or Withdraw is Thursday, April 18, 2024, 5pm
Town Meeting May 20
Town Elections May 21
Offices for election:
3 Year Term
- Moderator
- Select Board
- Tree Warden
- Board of Assessors
- Board of Health
- Sewer & Water Commissioner
- Parks & Recreation
5 Year Term
- Planning Board
- Housing Authority
Candidates who have taken out and returned papers:
- Chuck Cardillo: Select Board Member
- Lisa Sauer: Select Board Member
- Eric Egan: Planning Board
- Gary Johnston: Moderator
- Carole Owens: Moderator
- Katie Szwyd: Parks and Recreation
- Nick Fredsall Parks & Recreation
- Anne Rabinowitz: Housing Authority
- Don Schneyer: Water and Sewer
- Dr. Charles Kenny: Board of Health
- Gary Pitney: Board of Assessors
- Tree Warden — The Select Board is considering an article on the Warrant to change Town Clerk and Tree Warden from elected to appointed positions. If the article passes at Town Meeting, then neither of the two candidates (Hugh Page and Lisa Bozzuto) would have to run. However, since Town Meeting votes the day before Election Day, SU hopes both these worthy candidates continue the process, remain on the ballot, and introduce themselves in SU. In that case we will know who is doing this very important job.
Stockbridge Updates will spotlight all the candidates and invites all those running to send Stockbridge Updates the answers to The Candidates’ Q&A:
- What prompted you to run?
- If elected, what would be your primary focus?
- What would you like voters to know about you?
In addition, SU will offer space for The Candidates’ Opening statements — 400 words or less posted in an issue between now and Election Day.
There are three contested races, (Select Board, Moderator, and Parks and Rec) but even if you are running unopposed, send your answers and your statement to SU — introduce yourself to the voters. An informed electorate is the bedrock of democracy.
Carole Owens for Stockbridge Moderator
Why are you running?
I love where I live, I love what we stand for, and I love our history. I have served on the Community Preservation Committee for many years because it funds the very things — historic preservation, open space, affordable housing — that are the basic values that make Stockbridge what it is. Moderator is an apolitical, historic position. I respect, even revere Town Meeting as the People’s Meeting. I asked a few friends to read and comment and received this:
“Carole, you haven’t even hinted in your answer at the passion you have for preserving and nurturing the things that make our little corner of the universe so wonderful. That’s what I see in almost every interaction with you, and it is what makes me want to see you in the office of Town Moderator.” Brent, thank you, no one said it better.
If elected what would your primary focus be?
Making Town meeting and the Finance Committee work for the best interests of the Town and the people.
Here’s an example: do you like waiting until the end of the meeting to put in your two cents worth about the most anticipated article? Nope and neither do I. Did you ever feel like someone put it at them at the end to outwait folks who wanted to go home to bed? Hmmm, maybe.
I would move those articles up — citizen petitions and the ones everyone is talking about.
What would you like voters to know about you?
I work hard. This is the 99th issue of Stockbridge Updates. When I decided to run for Moderator, spent hours meeting with moderators from all the surrounding towns. They had a combined experience of 120 years. I laughed a lot — they are great people — I learned a lot. There are tricks to the trade, and I will put them all at your disposal so we have the Town Meeting that serves you best. Mary Flynn told me candidates don’t deserve votes they don’t ask for. I humbly ask for your vote for Town Moderator.
