Two lively races on tap in Williamstown
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By David Delcore TIMES ARGUS STAFF - Published: February 1, 2010
WILLIAMSTOWN – A two-way race for a three-year seat on the town's selectboard and a showdown for the office of town treasurer highlight the political decisions facing voters here come March.
As expected, former selectboard member Monique Hayden will attempt to unseat veteran Town Treasurer Bob Cleaves.
Meanwhile, a controversial member of the selectboard has opted not to run for re-election, according to Town Clerk Debbie Palmer, who said that, based on nominating petitions submitted before Monday's deadline, there will be a race to replace Christopher Peloquin.
According to Palmer, former board chairman Francis Covey and resident Freda Hollyer are both running for the three-year board seat now held by Peloquin.
The board's longest-serving member, Peloquin was publicly asked by all of his colleagues to resign last year amid accusations of harassment and micromanagement. Peloquin refused – choosing instead to serve out his term. However, he decided not to run for re-election to a board that recently lost Chairman Stanley Corneille to an illness-related resignation.
Earlier this month, Bill Ashe was appointed to replace Corneille and Palmer said Ashe is the only candidate for that two-year seat on the town board.
According to Palmer, the only other contested election in Williamstown this year is for a five-year seat on the cemetery commission. That seat is currently held by Conrad Beattie, who is being challenged by Paul Zeller.
Unlike Cleaves, who must survive a Town Meeting Day challenge from Hayden to retain his position as town treasurer, Palmer said she is running unopposed for re-election as town treasurer.
Palmer isn't alone.
School Director Laura Thygesen tops a list of candidates – all most all of them incumbents – who are running in uncontested elections. In addition to Thygesen, who is running for her two-year seat on the school board, those candidates include Moderator Winston Chambers, Lister Kathleen Cormier, Town Agent Annie Alexander-Kramer and Trustee of Public Funds Gary Storrs. With Library Trustee Ann Hegarty planning to step down in March, Giacomo Bertolini is running unopposed for her five-year seat.
According to Palmer, there are no candidates running for the two-year school board seat now held by Bill Brown. That position could be filled by a successful write-in candidate or by appointment after the March elections.
david.delcore@timesargus.com
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