January 27, 2020 by Carol Britton Meyer
There's a potential two-way race for selectman between Kirk Shilts -- who took out nomination papers recently -- and William Ramsey, who pulled papers today.
Dr. Shilts is a long-serving member of the board of health and the water supply committee and more recently a member of the sewer commission. He is a past president of the Weir River Watershed Association. Ramsey is a member of the planning board, with a term expiring this year.
If both return their completed nomination papers by the March 5 deadline, there will be an official race for the selectman seat currently occupied by Karen Johnson in the May 2 town election. Johnson is not running for another term.
Ramsey had this to say about why he his interested in running for selectman: "I believe my 12 years of experience on the planning and zoning boards will enable me to help the town with some of the challenges that lie ahead -- including potential development in South Hingham, a new Foster School, and finalizing the details of the water company [purchase]. I also have some ideas for how to best allow for growth at Town Hall. In addition to my planning background, I hope to draw from my community involvement with coaching youth sports, scouting, and my over 20 years of military service.
"For someone who grew up in town and has been involved in town government since my first year of law school, I’m absolutely thrilled to be running for the board of selectmen. I am very grateful for the many opportunities the town has given to my family and me over the years, and as a father of three young children I hope to help the town plan for the future," Ramsey said.
Shilts was born in Hingham and has spent his entire life as a resident of the South Shore. He and his wife, Suzette, have two children, Emmalyn and Jarrod, who were educated in Hingham's school system.
"I feel that my wealth of experience and knowledge across a wide swath of town-related issues, along with my familiarity with the town's numerous administrators and fellow citizen volunteers, makes me uniquely qualified for the selectmen's position," he said.
Shilts has been treasurer to a quasi-governmental national membership organization and also a director to a high-stakes national test assessment corporation.
"There are many things in Hingham that make it a special place, and I hope to continue to work very hard to help keep it this way," he said.
Stephanie Gertz took out papers for School Committee. School Committee members Michelle Ayer and Edward Schreier have terms expiring this year.
The following incumbents have taken out papers: Town Moderator Michael Puzo, board of assessors member Greg Hall, Elizabeth Eldredge of the board of health, Hingham Municipal Light Board member John Ryan, Sewer Commissioner Stephen Harold, Housing Authority member Megan Buhr, and Recreation Commissioner Adrienne Ramsey.
Nomination papers for the upcoming town election will be available in the Town Clerk's office through March 3 for citizens interested in running for office, including those seeking re-election. Completed papers are due back on Thursday, March 5, no later than 5 p.m.
The Town Clerk’s office is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fifty certified signatures of voters registered in the Town of Hingham are required for a nomination paper to be valid. Candidates are advised to get additional signatures. The Secretary of State’s Office recommends 70.
Stay tuned for updates.