SOUTH HADLEY — With a month before the annual election, town voters will have plenty of candidates to choose from in a number of contested races.
“It’s exciting,” Town Clerk Carlene C. Hamlin said. “We never have elections that are this contested so it’s exciting to see a full slate.”
The election will take place April 11.
Of the nine offices appearing on all precinct ballots, more than half are contested races, including two seats each on the Select Board and School Committee.
Select Board member Sarah Etelman is running for re-election and faces challengers Andrea G. Miles and Scott R. Moore.
Meanwhile, Select Board member Francis DeToma did not seek re-election. Nearing 80 years old, DeToma said it was time to slow down. He’s served on the board for seven years and said he has enjoyed working with the other members.
“The town is lucky to have such dedicated people,” DeToma said.
DeToma said he still plans to serve on the Redevelopment Authority board, of which he is up for re-election at Town Meeting.
DeToma, who ran unopposed, said it was “good to have some competition for the seat.”
For the School Committee, incumbents Eric Sarrazin and Barry Waite will face challengers Kyle R. Belanger and Carly K. Lapinski.
The Planning Board will also get a new face as longtime member Joan Rosner is not seeking re-election. Voters will choose between Larry E. Butler and Diane Supczak-Mulvaney to fill the three-year term.
Rosner said has been on the board for 30 years.
“I’ve enjoyed almost every moment of it actually, even the contentious issues,” she said.
Rosner clarified that she’s not leaving town, just the board. She said she still plans to remain a Town Meeting member and stay active in town events.
“I’m kind of out of ideas so it’s time to move onto something else. I don’t know quite what that will be yet,” Rosner said. “After 30 years, you want to give some new blood a chance to get their ideas in.”
Five people are vying for three seats on the South Hadley Public Library Board of Trustees. Voters will choose between incumbents David Morrell, Susan Obremski-Crowther and Gillian Woldorf and newcomers Donald J. D’Amato and Amy Diehl.
And Town Meeting Precincts D and E will also have contested races for eight, three-year seats, while a one-year seat in Precinct E has a three-way race. Town Meeting Precinct B also has a two-way race for a one-year term.
Some of those running for office this spring will fill in vacancies left by members who have died or have moved out of town, according to Hamlin.
“Those vying for a one- or two-year term are filling vacancies for those terms and then will seek re-election once those terms expire,” she explained.
Voters will also be asked to consider two nonbinding questions — a ban on single-use plastic bags and a stance against corruption.
Unlike the general election in November, there will be no early voting hours. Those looking to cast their ballots will need to do so via absentee ballot or in person at the high school on April 11. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. The last day to register to vote is Wednesday, March 22. The Town Clerk’s office will be open on that day from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
This story has been updated.
Emily Cutts can be reached at ecutts@gazettenet.com.