Feb. 14, 2020 by Carol Britton Meyer
With fewer than three weeks remaining to pick up nomination papers for the May 2 town election, there are two potential races -- between Kirk Shilts and William Ramsey for selectman and school committee member Michelle Ayer, Stephanie Gertz, and Jennifer Benham for two seats on the school committee.
Selectmen Chairman Karen Johnson is not running for another term. Edward Schreier, whose school committee term expires this year, has indicated to the town clerk's office that he does not plan to run for re-election.
School committee member Michelle Ayer announced this week that she's running for re-election. Stephanie Gertz took out nomination papers earlier for a seat on the school committee, as did Jennifer Benham recently.
"I really enjoy the work and am hoping to have the opportunity to continue serving the community, our students, and the Hingham Public Schools staff for another three years," Ayer told the Hingham Anchor. "Three years ago I decided to run because I wanted to give back to the schools and the town that gave so much to my family, and that sentiment hasn’t changed.
"I still have more to give and am eager to continue the work if I’m fortunate enough to be re-elected. I am thrilled that two phenomenal women are joining me in this race and am grateful for their willingness to run for office," Ayer said. "I know it’s not an easy decision to make, but as my son wisely said to me three years ago, 'Mom, if you want to do something, run for something.'"
Gertz said she's proud to be a candidate for Hingham School Committee. Her family lives near Plymouth River School, where her daughter is in fifth grade and her son in third grade. Her husband, Steven Weiss, is the Cantor at Congregation Sha’aray Shalom.
"I have worked in education for almost 30 years. When my husband and I married, we started our family in Hanover, where I served for three years on the Hanover School Committee and then on the Hanover superintendent search committee," Gertz said.
She currently works at Cohasset Middle High School, where she coordinates the transition room. This is where students transition back to school, typically after extended absences due to illness and/or hospitalization. "I’m particularly proud of my efforts to bring in therapy dogs to visit with the students and staff," Gertz said.
She would like Hingham's schools to continue to be a reason for families with young children to move here. "I also want all groups in the town to work together to make them all stronger," she said.
Benham has lived in Hingham for 13 years with her husband, Frank, and their three children attend Hingham schools -- with one each currently in elementary, middle, and high school.
"I have held a variety of PTO roles at South Elementary School. I served as treasurer for two years, and I am currently completing my second year as president. I am also a freshman class parent coordinator, and I serve on the Hingham Middle School Council," she said. "As a former educator, I am excited for the potential opportunity to use my educational and PTO backgrounds to help guide the future of Hingham Public Schools."
With three children currently in elementary school, middle, and high school, Benham said she has "seen our school system on every level. Those experiences have been invaluable in showing what works and what doesn't. All students learn differently, and our job as parents and administrators is to help each child succeed."
Shilts currently serves on the board of health, the water supply committee, and the sewer commission. Ramsey is a planning board member with a term expiring this year. No one has yet taken out papers for that seat.
If Shilts and Ramsey both return their completed nomination papers by the March 5 deadline, there will be an official race for the selectman seat. If Ayer and Benham return their papers, there will be a three-way race for two seats on the school committee. Gertz already submitted her papers.
Besides Ayer, 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. In addition to Gertz, Hall (who has been on the board of assessors since 1987), Ryan, Puzo, and both William and Adrienne Ramsey returned their papers.
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.