January 7, 2021 by Carol Britton Meyer
Since nominations papers for the May 1 town election became available last Monday, 13 citizens have thrown their hats into the ring for the first time or have decided to run for reelection.
The following have taken out nomination papers so far:
- Jack Manning, Liz Klein, Michelle Larned, and Joe Kelly for Mary Power's selectman seat. Power is not running for another term.
- Michael Puzo for another term as town moderator.
- Laura Marwill and Libby Lewiecki, for Eileen McCracken's town clerk position. McCracken is retiring when her term ends this year. Lewiecki is currently a school committee member.
- Incumbent Kerry Ni and Tim Miller-Dempsey for school committee. Both Ni's and Lewiecki's terms expire this year.
- Incumbent Gary Tondorf-Dick for planning board.
- Johanna Burwell for board of health. Peter Bickford's term on the board expires this year.
- Laura Burns for the municipal light board. John A. Stoddard, Jr.'s term on the board expires this year.
- Carlton M. ("Al") Chambers for another term on the board of assessors.
Candidate comments:
- Libby Lewiecki explained her interest in the town clerk seat: "My experiences in non-profit management and in volunteering for the Town of Hingham make me uniquely qualified for the position of Hingham Town Clerk. My service as a current member of the school committee, and as past president of the South Elementary and High School PTOs, shows my commitment to the town and reflects the passion and integrity that I bring to public service. Like Eileen McCracken, I believe I can serve all of the citizens of Hingham in a professional, friendly, and trustworthy manner."
- Liz Klein shared why she is seeking a seat on the board of selectmen: "I’m running for Board of Selectmen because I care deeply about our town. Since moving to Hingham in 2005, I’ve been an active participant and leader in the community, serving in many roles including president of the Hingham Mothers’ Club (now Hingham Women’s Club), Executive Director of the Hingham Downtown Association, and Hingham Master Plan Committee. I believe my experience and leadership style working with people with varying perspectives to achieve common goals will benefit both the board and our town."
Fifty certified signatures of voters registered in the Town of Hingham are required for a nomination to be valid. Candidates are advised to obtain additional signatures. The Secretary of State’s office recommends 70 signatures. Nomination papers will be available through March 2 and are due back to the Town Clerk’s Office on Thursday, March 4, by 5 p.m.
A citizen who has taken out nomination papers becomes a candidate once he or she has returned their papers to the town clerk's office and the signatures have been certified.
Other incumbents with terms expiring this year include Robert Higgins, sewer commission, and Bruce Thompson, recreation commission.
Stay tuned for updates.