New Polling Place For Adams VotersBy Susan Bush
12:00AM / Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Adams - Town voters will cast their May town election ballots at the Adams Memorial Middle School instead of at the former St. Thomas Church polling place.
Voters have cast ballots at the church for the past two decades, said Town Clerk Paul Hutchinson. The middle school move is necessary because the double-doors used to provide handicapped voter access at the church are two inches narrower than state and federal handicap accessibility requirements, he said.
Hutchinson said that he will be sending letters to town residents that explain the change of polling place location.
The town election is set for May 1, with voting hours set from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the school gymnasium. A teacher in-service day is scheduled for that day so students will not be attending classes while voting takes place.
Parking is available along Valley Street and the school hosts a parking area that includes two handicap parking spaces.
"We can designate more [handicap parking] for the election if we need it," Hutchinson said.
Prior to voting inside the church, town voters cast their ballots at the Armory building. The Armory was abandoned as a polling place because of handicap accessibility issues, Hutchinson noted.
The election ballot will offer several contests.
Selectmen's Race
Two three-year selectmen terms are being sought by five candidates. Incumbent Selectman Edward MacDonald of 69 Melrose St. faces challenges from Jay Lukkarila of 23 Summer St., Paula I. Melville of 59 Summer St., Joseph. C. Solomon of 52 East Road, and James Wojtaszek of 10 Edward Ave.. The top two vote recipients earn selectmen seats.
Incumbent Selectman Scott Nichols announced earlier this year that he would not be seeking reelection to the town's select board.
Corrigan, Cowie Face Off
A two-way race is in place for an Adams representative to the Adams-Cheshire Regional School District School Committee. Incumbent Daniel Hogan is not seeking reelection; Carol A. Corrigan of 31 Highland Ave. and John R. Cowie Jr. of 18 East St. are vying for a three-year school committee term.
Three Terms, Four Candidates
Four candidates are seeking election to three three-year terms on the town Park Commission. Incumbents Willard Bard of 3 Myrtle St., James J. Fassell of 29 Forest Park Ave., and Lorraine Robinson of 83 1/2 Howland Ave. are seeking reelection to the commission, while newcomer Joshua Mendel of 5 Melrose St. is challenging for a chance to serve as a park commissioner.
Susan Bush may be reached via e-mail at suebush@iberkshires.com or 802-823-9367. |
