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Adams School Board Member Resigns For Selectman Run
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."