GOSHEN — Though Saturday’s town election ballot is largely uncontested, voters will choose between write-in candidates Charles Amo and Keith Wright to fill the Select Board seat being vacated by Kristine Bissell, who is not seeking reelection.
Amo, who has been active in town government for 23 years serving on the Conservation Commission and currently serves as town constable, said over this time he has had the opportunity to speak with many residents.
One common denominator he hears is that people don’t come out to vote, and he wants to see that change. “Get out and vote,” he said.
Improving roads and updating town bylaws are among his top priorities. He said many of the bylaws are outdated or contradictory, including a restriction on seasonal housing that he believes should be removed.
He also hopes to bring a sense of collaboration between the Select Board and the residents its members serve.
“I like to listen to all opinions on all sides,” he said. “We should all just be one community and do this all together.”
Wright, a Goshen resident of more than 20 years, has also been an active community member. He has served on the Conservation Commission and as town moderator until 2025. He is a member of the Goshen Fire Department and holds a seat on the Zoning Board of Appeals.
His objectives include seeing town government run efficiently and keeping the budget balanced.
Wright said that he hopes residents have seen what he can bring to the table — including intelligence, efficiency and humor — over his time as town moderator.
“I am a smart, hardworking, compassionate guy with a sense of humor,” he said.
Barren ballot
Three sections on the ballot are empty, as no one stepped forward to run for assessor, a seat on the Chesterfield/Goshen Regional School Committee, or the Hampshire Regional School Committee.
The only other race Saturday is between incumbent Dawn Scaparotti and Shelby Howland for three-year Finance Committee seat.
Unchallenged races include Sabrina McGill for another three-year term as almoner, as well as a three-year spot on the Finance Committee. Joshua Lafond seeks three more years on the Board of Health, and Robert Raymond is looking for five more years on the Planning Board.
Both Rosemary Bienz and Jane McGrath seek three more years as Library Trustees, with newcomer Donna Kolodziej seeking a one-year slot. Three, one-year terms are open to be Tilton Fruit Farm Supervisors. Roger Culver, Robert Goss and Richard Polwrek are all on the ballot.
Polls are open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the John James Memorial Hall, 42 Main St.
