HADLEY — A three-way race for two, three-year seats on the Select Board pits political newcomer Philip Shumway against incumbents Molly Keegan and Randy Izer at town election Tuesday.

Polls will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hadley Senior Center

Randy Izer

Izer, 66, first elected to the Select Board in 2022, said at a recent candidates forum that he would like to continue the work begun three years ago, noting at the time he spoke about how teamwork would move the town forward.

“I think the current board is an excellent team, we work well together but are not afraid to offer a differing opinion on any subject,” Izer said.

Previously the town moderator who runs Harold L. Eaton and Associates professional land surveyors, Izer said the possibility that residents will face the first-ever Proposition 2½ tax-cap override in the near future is a concern.

Izer said he understands no one wants taxes raised, but people have also grown accustomed to the town and school services.

“It’s going to be a really hard battle with the Select Board, Finance Committee and treasurer to figure out what makes sense to do away with, if we get to that point,” Izer said.

An Autumn View Drive resident, Izer said if federal cuts happen, Hadley will need to find ways to take in more money, which can happen through development, particularly along the Route 9 corridor.

“We need to figure out a way to densify it in a way that’s not going to be offensive to the town and to get businesses, or housing, that will bring in more money for us,” Izer said.

One of the questions fielded at the forum is if Hadley is confronted with U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement actions, how to deal with it in an appropriate way. Izer was blunt in being opposed to any actions that would remove residents from town without due process.

“I am not in favor of what’s been happening, and I think it’s atrocious,” Izer said.

Molly Keegan

Keegan, 62, has chaired the Select Board for the past year, returning to elected office in 2022 after previously serving two, three-year terms that ended in 2020.

Professionally a partner in Curran and Keegan Financial and a 25-year resident, Keegan has served on Finance Committee, School Committee and Housing and Economic Development Committee

She cited many areas where Hadley has done well, including being tops in the state in saving agricultural land, having record generation of solar power, and a new library and senior center, as well as the quality of roads that are “envy of anyone who lives elsewhere and passes on through.” Yet the tax rate is lower than surrounding communities.

“This is the definition of fiscal responsibility, none of this has happened by accident,” Keegan said, praising sound leadership and dedicated staff

But there are challenges with expenses outpacing revenue, infrastructure needs and repairs, including the levy system that protects the town, and finding qualified personnel to run the town is increasingly difficult.

“Simply put we need to grow our revenue base or reduce costs by working more efficiently and or reducing services,” Keegan said.

She is suggesting multi-year strategic planning with a rollout plan and discussion with voters. In addition, there should be a focus on economic development initiatives, working with the legislative delegation for infrastructure work and the possibility of changes to the government structure.

“I believe I bring experience, expertise and common sense to meet these challenges,” said Keegan, who lives on Hadley Place.

Keegan said she has a relationship with neighboring leaders, the legislative delegation and business community.

If federal cuts happen, officials will have to figure out how to backfill that lost money. “We do expect that it’s going to be a challenge,” Keegan said.

“I think we’re appalled at watching what’s happening right now,” Keegan said of ICE actions, noting her conversations with police and confidence that residents have a level of compassion that extends to noncitizens as well, due to their importance to the agricultural community and restaurants.

“They’re here, they’re part of our community and I think we need to do whatever we can, within the confines of the laws available, to protect this group,” Keegan said.

Philip Shumway

Not previously involved in town politics, Shumway, 41, of Jackson Lane, felt compelled to do something due to concerns over municipal spending.

“I am trying to fight to keep our taxes lower, that is probably my main directive and objective,” Shumway said,

But he is concerned with of a Proposition 2 ½ tax-cap override possibility.

“We need to be most efficient and get the best value for our dollar,” Shumway said.

A contractor who runs Shumway Services, LLC, specializing in home improvement projects and maintenance, Shumway said he’s been listening to the concerns of senior citizens and those on fixed incomes. He doesn’t want to see what he argues is happening elsewhere, where elderly populations are talking about getting their homes ready for sale to downsize because they can no longer afford the taxes.

“I’m starting to see that more and more in the town of Hadley,” Shumway said. “I feel that’s not right. I feel we need to do more to protect and defend our seniors.”

He wants to see the best bang for the buck, and offers an expertise in efficiencies and adjustments on the fly.

If federal cuts happen, Hadley needs to plan, predict and prepare, he said.

“We will have to be dynamic, we will have to come up with something to accommodate whatever situation might arise,” Shumway said.

Shumway said he is interested in protecting all residents, including those who work in town and many speak languages other than English.

“We live in a farming community and my relatives were also immigrants,” Shumway said. “This is a very delicate situation, and I’m willing to fight for my neighbors.”