ADAMS, Mass. — Longtime School Committee member John E. Duval resigned on Tuesday to pursue a seat on the Board of Selectmen.
Duval, who has served on the Adams-Cheshire Regional School Committee for 17 years, said in a statement that his experience on the committee would inform his decisionmaking on the Selectmen. He particularly pointed to the work being done by Town Administrator Jonathan Butler and the current board and said he would be "excited to join the team."
There are two seats up for election on the board: Selectman Jason Hnatonko is not standing for re-election but current Chairman Arthur "Skip" Harrington has already returned papers for a try at a second term. Both Hnatonko and Harrington were swept into office three years ago in what many saw as a rejection of the board's performance at the time.
There could be large field for the two three-years seats. In addition to Duval, Richard Blanchard, Jeremy Halek, Anthony Cote, and Donald Sommer and Edward Driscoll, both former selectman, have also taken out papers. As of last week, Harrington, Blanchard and Halek had returned their papers.
The town election is May 7.
Duval's Statement:
"Today I proudly announce my candidacy for a seat on the Board of Selectmen in the May 7th election. As a lifelong resident of Adams, it will be an honor for me to serve the town where my wife and I have raised our three boys, and where the future is only looking better.
Earlier today, I resigned my seat of 17 years on the Adams-Cheshire Regional School Committee so that I may devout my full effort and energies to running for this town wide office. While I will miss the work involving the schools and our students, that experience will be the most important foundation that I will bring to my decision making as a selectman. I am proud of the work I did on behalf of hundreds of children in our district for many years, and was particularly proud to be a very strong supporter of the major renovation project now under way at Hoosac Valley High School.
I am encouraged by the direction, leadership and enthusiasm resonating from Town Hall. In his first three years as our Town Administrator, Jonathan Butler has produced good results, and I look forward to working with him to make sure the momentum of progress continues. The current Board of Selectmen should be proud of what has been accomplished the last few years, and I am excited to join the team.
Our Board of Selectmen must continue to work hard and be creative in partnership with the administrator and all town departments to make sure that there is a continual fair balance between the services offered by the town and the cost to those taxpayers who are served. My background with the school committee as its past chairman, budget development and oversight, and union negotiations will serve me well in this task. I have also served on several Adams town boards including the Capital Improvements Committee, Charter Review Committee and Town Meeting Member."
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The town does have a certain amount of positive momentum at the present time. That Mr Duval cites Administrator Butler's leadership and the relative effectiveness of the current board, is a good thing. Negative, time wasting, headline grabbing grandsstanding is the very last thing that the taxpayers need at this time. Good luck Mr Duval. You and Chairman Harrington appear to be solid and progressive choices for Selectmen this year.
I like what was said in the staatement provided. Why can't people be encouraged by what is happening and run in support of that? Changing leaders every year is what causes a town like Adams to never get anywhere. We're gettting somewhere today, let's keep it going. Go John.
Driscoll should drop out too. He lives with Oparowski and I heard they might be getting married. Too much potential collusion. He's also been there before and really wasn't that effective. We have a good slate of candidates without either Sommer or Driscoll. Time for fresh blood.
Although I am not a resident of Adams, but have been a taxpayer (concerned one, too) for many years...I would like to say that I am thrilled that Mr. John Duval is running for selectman. John is a good man, Hard worker and I believe HE WILL INDEED bring alot to the table to support and help in a positive way...bringing change to fruitation... We need new blood and we need somebody that is willing to do the right thing for Adams...Unfortunately, some people (please note I said some people)that stay in these seats for long periods of time I believe after many years they can be in a position such as this for personal gain...With Mr. Butler as town administrator and new people stepping up to the plate, such as Mr. Duval...I can see great things happening!
There are many good people in Adams, that after years of growing up here and paying taxes, my heart is in this area.... I am a worker, taxpayer and find these great lil towns are becoming more difficult to afford or continue to raise solid family ties here...Yes,FOR DUVAL...YES FOR NEW BLOOD! Best wishes...
i`m thinking the school has enough Representative`s on the select board with out electing duval (17 years on the school board) another rubber stamp or bobble head.not to mention the trouble that took place at the high school and basket ball game... don't take my word do your research before you vote for the towns sake.........
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