Lynnfield hopefuls show mettle at candidates night

LYNNFIELD – Candidates for office in Lynnfield?s town elections next month participated in a candidate?s night Tuesday to give residents a chance to see those in the running and hear their positions on a variety of town issues.Sponsored by the Lynnfield Business Coalition, this annual event, which was moderated by coalition member Doris Stanziani-Boghosian, attracted around 25 town residents to the Lynnfield High School auditorium.The night began with prepared questions for the candidates in contested races, which are three-year terms on the School Committee, the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Assessors.Salvatore Cammarata, Christopher Barrett and James Dillon are the candidates for the two open School Committee positions. One of the three questions from Stanziani-Boghosian asked for some areas in the school system that need improvement.Dillon, who spoke first, said a grade-by-grade evaluation of all subject areas was necessary to find any weaknesses, but the most important thing was making sure the school district has excellent and enthusiastic teachers. Cammarata said there needs to be a closer look at the district?s special education program and teacher evaluation protocol, and Barrett said MCAS and SAT scores and strengthening the special education program.David Nelson and Thomas Terranova are seeking the open seat on the Board of Selectmen. For the question on the town issues they find most important, Terranova said increased transparency and technological efficiency in the town government, while Nelson said keeping a close eye on town budgets and spending.Donald Garrity, one of the Board of Assessors candidates, said the major issue facing the board is accurately appraising any “new growth” in the town, such as the upcoming MarketStreet Lynnfield project, which would add to the tax base. His opponent for the open seat, Harry LeCours, was unable to attend the event.The audience had the opportunity during the event to formulate position-specific questions that were then asked of the candidates in that position.Five questions were directed to the School Committee candidates on topics including the top priority in the first year elected and additional positions at Lynnfield Preschool. The Board of Selectmen candidates answered two questions regarding keeping the town budget level-funded and potential Lynnfield Public Library expansion.At the end of the event, all of the candidates present were given time to read a prepared statement, and most listed their qualifications and why they would be a good fit for their respective positions. A statement from LeCours was delivered by town resident Jay Kimball. In addition to the candidates in contested races, town moderator candidate Arthur Borque and Seavey Bowdoin, who is running for library trustee re-election, offered remarks.This year?s town election will take place on Monday, April 9.Sarah Mupo can be reached at [email protected].