Wicked Local
WESTFORD - The town election saw an upset in a School Committee race, with newcomer Kathryn Clear and incumbents Chris Sanders and Mingquan Zheng as victors but incumbent Avery Adam losing her bid for a third term.
Finance Committee member John Cunningham won a two-way contest for an open Select Board seat, defeating Eric Barber-Mingo, co-chairman of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.
It was a first-time bid for a Select Board seat for both.
Voters in the election, held May 4, approved a trial of a new senior tax relief program.
Town Clerk Patty Dubey posted unofficial results on May 4; results are not official until certified by the Board of Registrars.
Open space in focus
One question asked was if the candidates support open space acquisition. Also asked was their thoughts on the Select Board s decision against pursuing the purchase of the Westford Riding Academy.
Cunningham said he supports open-space acquisition, but said the academy property offers no direct connection to other conservation parcels. The cost would probably have been pretty high. It s a matter of figuring out which ones are best for the town, and which ones we can really afford.
Barber-Mingo said he supports open-space purchases within budgetary means. As a 21-year town resident, Barber-Mingo said he enjoys the presence of wildlife. In balancing a growing town with conservation, Barber-Mingo said, The only way to do that is to protect open space.
Wicked Local
WESTFORD School Committee candidates answered questions about inclusion, budget issues the pandemic and more at an April 14 candidates forum.
The forum was sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Westford. The forum also included Select Board candidates Eric Barber-Mingo and John Cunningham, as well as candidates for uncontested seats.
The three open School Committee seats have drawn six candidates.
Questions came from the league, and from town residents.
Diversity, inclusion
A questioner asked candidates how the School Committee and the district should address racism, including a review of school curriculum.
Newcomer Kathryn Clear said, A full evaluation . needs to be carried out with this curriculum. We are becoming a more diverse community, which I love. I think that brings so many good qualities to a community.
OTHER COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTEER PARTICIPATION Election worker closer for several years. Prior to moving to Westford, coached youth soccer for four years and was a Webelos Den Leader and Cub master.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE After serving Westford for much of the last 16 years on several committees and now on the Finance Committee, I want to put my energy and experience to work for the town once again. Working for the town has given me a renewed sense of purpose.
WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE FACING THE TOWN RIGHT NOW? Defeating the COVID-19 virus that still threatens our health and that of our children. We must abide by the rules and be prepared to adjust as the situation changes. We must be mindful of the effects on our children and protect them as best we can.