Three seats up for grabs in Swampscott election

SWAMPSCOTT – The polls are open, and Swampscott residents will be voting today for seats on the Board of Selectmen, Planning Board and Board of Health.Two challengers are running for a three-year term on the Board of Health.Marianne Speranza-Hartmann of Nichols Street and Sarah Pruett of Bellevue Avenue are both seeking a seat on the board vacated by Dr. Deborah Shelkin Remis. Both emphasized the importance of education in public health, citing such issues as drug abuse and addiction, tick-borne illnesses and pesticide use.Shackle Way resident Jeffrey Blonder is seeking re-election to a three-year term on the Planning Board for which he is being challenged by William Quinn of Greenwood Avenue.Both candidates expressed support for efforts to revitalize the downtown Humphrey Street corridor through a proposed zoning overlay district, perhaps the most notable planning-related issue on the May 4 Town Meeting warrant.The contest for a seat on the Board of Selectmen has drawn the most attention this year. Glenn Kessler of Puritan Lane is seeking a second term on the board. Peter Spellios of Outlook Road is challenging Kessler for the seat.During a candidates’ night sponsored by The Item, the candidates emphasized very different leadership styles. Spellios criticized selectmen, including Kessler, for not leading the town on promoting projects such as an effort to build a new elementary school and the reuse and/or redevelopment of municipal properties. Spellios also criticized elected officials for repeatedly agreeing the town’s tax rate is unsustainable, but failing to make cuts to curtail spending.Kessler agreed with Spellios on the need to address what both called an “unsustainable” tax rate. But Kessler emphasized during the candidates’ night that Town Meeting was the ultimate decision-making authority and said he has focused on being receptive to town residents. Kessler also noted the reuse/redevelopment of town properties, tax trajectory and effort for a new elementary school preceded his tenure on the board.There are several uncontested seats on the ballot.Joseph Markarian, of Nason Road, is seeking re-election to a one-year term as town moderator. Pine Hill Road resident Linda Paster is seeking re-election to a three-year term on the board of assessors. Ted Delano, of Eastman Avenue, is seeking a second three-year term on the school committee. John Karwowski, of Prospect Avenue, is seeking re-election to a three-year term on the board of library trustees. Maple Avenue resident Barbara Eldridge is seeking re-election to a five-year term on the housing authority. Nobody has submitted papers for a one-year term as constable.Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. today.Precincts 1 and 2 have polling locations at the Swampscott Senior Center, at 200 Rear Essex St. Precincts 3 and 4 will be voting at the First Church, Congregational, on Monument Avenue, and voters in Precincts 5 and 6 can cast ballots at Swampscott Middle School on Forest Avenue.