Hadley health board veteran bows out
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HADLEY - After 26 years of service on town boards - including over 20 on the Board of Health - David G. Farnham is calling it quits.
Farnham, 80, said this week that he will not run in the April 10 town election. He declined to elaborate on his decision to vacate the post he has held since 1989. He said in making the announcement now, he is seeking to give residents ample opportunity to get nomination papers by Feb. 17, gather signatures and make campaign preparations.
During his tenure, one of the most contentious issues was the health board's advocacy in the early 2000s for a regional facility that would handle trash and recyclables at no cost to the town. Plans were eventually abandoned following a lawsuit filed by neighbors.
Farnham was also involved in debates about whether to prohibit smoking in bars and restaurants. He took the position that smoking regulation should be decided by the businesses, and he opted against participating in a regional ban. The health board did, however, attempt to encourage voluntary bans prior to the statewide ban in 2004, he said.
"The position is quite diverse," Farnham said of the health board post. "It includes food and house inspections, beaver control methods, health issues, the flu clinic and septic system permits and issues."
In addition to Farnham, Gregory Mish and Richard Tessier are members of the board which works with a health agent, plumbing, gas and septic system inspectors and a community nurse.
Besides serving on the health board, Farnham has also been a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission and the School Committee, posts he held for three years each.
