HATFIELD — Three candidates, each of whom sees a need to enhance Hatfield’s tax base while preserving its small town vibe, are running for a position on the Select Board at Tuesday’s town election.

The contest between Kerry E. Flaherty, Gregory J. Gagnon and Amie M. Jones to succeed Brian Moriarty, who opted to step down after nine years on the board, is one of two contests on the ballot. The other is for a three-year seat on the Board of Health between Timothy J. Menz and Susan M. Slysz. The winner would take over a position held by Elizabeth Kugler.

The ballot also features a $1.26 million Proposition 2½ tax-cap general override.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Town Hall.

Each of those running in contested elections recently recorded interviews with Hatfield Community TV.

Jones, a career human resources professional, said she would look to make balanced decisions that benefit the town and residents.

Her agenda is focused on both preservation and progress, so there are sustainable services, including fire, ambulance and police protection, as well as financially sustainable education of children, while improving infrastructure through bringing in new businesses and more housing options.

A nearly nine-year resident who is in a long-term relationship with a generational farmer, Jones said she always found home in Hatfield when visiting her great aunt and uncle.

“Part of what I love about Hatfield is its agricultural prosperity,” Jones said. “I take pride in knowing that our town helps feed communities and provides fresh produce throughout Massachusetts to those that otherwise wouldn’t have access.”

Gagnon, a 34-year member of the Easthampton Fire Department who served as its union president, said he listened to all sides of his colleagues.

He also spent 25 years as an EMT in Hatfield, managing the ambulance for the Fire Department for 15 years.

Gagnon notes that there has to be a delicate balance to bring in businesses without disrupting the community’s fabric.

“I feel like I have adequate time to put into this position,” Gagnon said. “My agenda is to be on the board and be honest and do the best I can for this town that has treated me so well.”

Flaherty, a 43-year resident, said she has been a 911 dispatcher for the state and currently works as the health and safety manager for Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech, overseeing life and safety on its campuses on the east coast.

A 25-year-member of Hatfield Fire Department as an EMT/firefighter, and previously serving on the Board of Health when the sharps container program began, she was also the town’s COVID coordinator during the pandemic.

Flaherty would like to find ways to generate more revenue and lower the tax burden, update and maintain human resources policies for employees, implement a step and grade system for employees and conduct a study of all town departments related to budgets, assets and operations to make sure they are cost efficient.

“My experience and work within town government is one of the reasons I’m running Select Board,” Flaherty said.

Board of Health

For the Board of Health, Slysz, who is part of a family that has made its home in town for a century, has worked in the medical field as a physical therapist, going to peoples’ homes for 25 years to help them meet their goals and treatment plans. She has also served on the Parent-Teacher Association, including with a fluoride project at the schools, and would like to expand community programs, such as fall prevention and mental health at all ages,

“I’m running for the Board of Health because I want to bring strong collaboration and partnership skills to the position, and continue to work with the Hatfield community,” Slysz said.

Menz, who ran for the position last year, is a two-year resident of town, a practicing physician at Baystate Health who is board certified in general pediatrics. He is also an assistant professor of pediatrics and can draw on his experience in India.

“I feel that my strong background in medicine, specifically in intestinal immunity and food-borne illnesses, makes me an ideal candidate for the Hatfield Board of Health,” Menz said.

Other races

Other newcomers seeking positions in uncontested elections include Alaina E. Wilcox, the assistant town clerk, who would succeed Lydia Szych as town clerk, and Robert E. Betsold for moderator, who would take over for longtime moderator Joseph A. Lavallee.

Incumbents are running unopposed for many seats including Rebecca W. Bench and Christy L. Boudreau for three-year seats on the School Committee; James A. Lavallee for a three-year seat on the Board of Assessors; Jonathan W. Bardwell for a three-year seat on the Cemetery Commission; John Jeffress for a five-year seat on the Planning Board; Christopher G. Smith for a five-year seat on the Redevelopment Authority; and Marsha L. Humphrey for a three-year seat as library trustee.

Kathleen A. Sheehan, appointed to the library trustees, is seeking to complete the remaining two years, while Szych is pursuing a one-year term as Elector under the Will of Oliver Smith.

A Housing Authority position for five years is open after Michael Hogan didn’t return papers.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.]]>