HATFIELD — Two contested races, including one for a seat on the School Committee in which the challenger is attempting to defeat a member who has served for 18 years, will be decided at town election Tuesday.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Memorial Town Hall.
For a three-year term on the School Committee, incumbent Brian F. Moriarty faces off against Danielle Stanisewski, while for a five-year seat on the Planning Board, being vacated by Paul Labbee, the race is between Christopher G. Smith and James N. Tarr.
Stanisewski, previously a manager at Big Y Supermarket stores and now a stay-at-home mother, said she would be a voice for parents, teachers and children in Hatfield, where she has lived since 2012.
“I feel very passionate about giving these kids the tools to grow up to be kind, compassionate and hard-working adults,” Stanisewski said. “It’s our job as a community to show them the way.”
As the mother of three children and a Girl Scouts leader, Stanisewski said she is eager to do what is in the best interest of children, and, win or lose, will work to make the town the best it can be.
Morairty said during his time on the School Committee, he has learned to respond to feedback from staff, students and the community.
“My main focus is on students and how best to provide a well-rounded education that prepares students for college and career choices,” Moriarty said.
Among his accomplishments: launching a virtual high school at Smith Academy and expanding before- and after-school programs at the elementary school.
His biggest long-term concern is sustainability and whether it would be possible to share services with neighboring districts.
Tarr has spent seven years in the real estate business, handling major land developments in Connecticut and North Carolina. He said he brings a good understanding of issues that would come before the Planning Board, including affordable housing, and farm and forest protections.
“I feel that volunteerism is a very important part of living in a small town like ours,” Tarr said.
Previously, Tarr ran Special Request Catering, which handled events at the American Legion.
“I go into it with an open mind. I’m looking to do something for the town,” Tarr said.
Smith said as a member of the town’s Energy Committee, he worked to adopt current solar zoning bylaws that reflect community values, while promoting renewable energy.
He also noted his involvement in saving and renovating the Center School through his membership on the Redevelopment Authority.
“I am the pro-renewable energy, pro-economic growth, rule-of-law candidate for Planning Board,” Smith said.
Also seeking election Tuesday is Diana Szynal, who is the lone candidate for a three-year seat on the Select Board, on which she previously served two terms between 2000 and 2006.
Incumbents running unopposed for reelection include Stanley J. Pitchko, Jr. for a three-year term on the Board of Assessors, Robert P. Osley for a three-year term on the Board of Health, Robert Flaherty Jr. for a three-year term on the Cemetery Commission, Amy Goclowski for a three-year term as library trustee, and E. Lary Grossman for a five-year term on the Redevelopment Authority.
Michael F. Paszek and Stephanie Elizabeth Slysz, who were appointed to the Planning Board, are seeking two- and one-year terms, respectively, and newcomer William J. Betsold, Jr. is running for a one-year term as elector under the Oliver Smith Will.
No one pulled papers to run for councilor to the Hampshire Council of Governments.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
