Hanson faces challenge for playground committee seat

By Ruth M. Lyon

Turley Publications Reporter

NORTH BROOKFIELD - Prominent among concerns at this town’s annual election are two questions on the ballot. The voters’ action on the firs question will determine important future action upon the dam holding North Brookfield’s water supply: It asks the voters to authorize a debt exclusion from the constraints proposition two and one-half. A yes vote on this article will enable the town to vote, at the May 7 annual town meeting, to authorize the board of selectmen to borrow $1.24 million to cover the complete costs of the dam, including engineering, phase II inspection, construction, borrowing and attorney fees. A no vote at the May 3^rd meeting will render the article at the May 7^th annual town meeting null and void.

Water superintended Steve Jones, backed by the board of water commissioners, told selectmen at an April 20 public hearing that the town has until January 31, 2011 to complete mandated improvements to the dam. After that date, the state safety order calls for a fine of $500 per day for every day that the dam is not brought into compliance. He also informed the board that an application for a loan, with the possibility of a 35 percent grant, has been prepared and submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The application will not be considered however, he said, until the town has voted to fund the project completely. The board of selectmen and the finance committee approve this article, which would entail a loan of $1.34 million over a 40 year period, affecting the tax rate per $1,000 of appraised value by an increase of approximately 22 cents to all taxpayers.

Question 2 asks whether the town shall accept provisions of the state’s general laws authorizing cities and towns to appropriate money for the removal of snow and ice from private way open to public use. The subject arises each winter, when private roads in outlying areas are affected and questions regarding accessibility for emergency vehicles are brought to highway personnel and the selectmen.

Voters Monday will determine who will serve on the playground committee for the next three, years with incumbent David G. Hanson, 66 Smith-Hanson Road challenged by newcomer to politics Joseph R. Jablonski, 111 South Main St.

A three year seat on the board of health has no takers.

Joseph R. Jablonski has lived in town for four years, he said in a recent interview, but divided his time between North Brookfield and Spencer throughout his youth. “Since I’ve lived here full time, I’ve become a major volunteer at the playground. I spend a lot of time there, doing all sorts of maintenance chores. I love the place. I think it’s great that the kids in town have that place to go to, and I want to see it kept up and even improved in whatever way I can. I work at keeping it picked up, cut grass, fix things that need to be fixed. When graffiti appeared there, I bought paint and repainted the tables and benches. I spend a lot of time there; it’s my special interest. That’s why I’m running for playground committee. I hope people will vote for me. To be honest, I don’t think my opponent spends much time there. I’m around, I see things that need doing. I just think I have the greater interest and concern.”

Jablonski, age 29, is married and a stepdad to his wife Michelle’s daughter, age 13, and son, age 10. He is employed at Quabaug Corporation.

David G. Hanson, incumbent, could not be reached by press time.

Unopposed incumbents on the ballot are Jason M. Petraitis, selectman, 3 years; Sheila A. Buzzell, town clerk, 3 years; Eugene V. Caille, Jr, moderator, 3 years; Sheila A. Buzzell, assessor, 3 years; James F. Kularski, water commissioner, 3 years; Alexandra Caldwell, school committee, 3 years; Douglas J. Blood, constable, 3 years; Peter J. Fullam, constable, 3 years; John J. Nothardt, Jr, planning board, 5 years; John J. Lane, cemetery commission, 3 years; Richard R. Miller, library trustee, 3 y ears; Nichole D. Mooney, library trustee, 3 years; Richard L. Caron Jr, housing authority, 5 years. Pamela M. Farley seeks a 2 year term on the school committee; David R. O’Brien seeks a 3 year term as constable.

The election will be held at the senior center on Monday, May 3 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.