Incumbent Hank Daggett and Planning Board member Paul Whitman both took out nomination papers last week to run for a three-year term on the Department of Public Works Board of Commissioners.

Daggett, who has held the position for about 20 years, said he first ran because he wanted to give back to the town after working for years on the Fire Department.

“I’m the type of guy who likes to pay back people when they do things for me,” Daggett said.

He retired from the Fire Department in 1996 on disability after suffering a heart attack on the job.

Daggett said he has helped accomplish several goals on the board, including seeing the upgrade of “antiquated” water stations, preserving open space at no cost to taxpayers, and increasing the water hook-up fee for commercial developers to raise money for the water department while not burdening residents.

Daggett said he hopes to serve another three years to see a few ongoing projects to completion — sidewalk installation and road improvements on Route 14, Route 36 and in the Bryantville area.

“I’m into it so much now, I think I could finish it up in three years, and if I can’t then I’ve fulfilled my part, in my mind,” Daggett said.

Whitman, who is in the middle of his third term on the Planning Board, said he thought his experience there would help him as a DPW commissioner.

“I just think it’s time for maybe some new blood over there,” he said. “Knowing what the Planning Board does and how it operates would help the DPW.”

Whitman has lived in Pembroke for 16 years and works as an electrician for Mass. General Hospital.

If elected to the DPW board, Whitman said he would likely step down from the Planning Board. The two boards both meet on Monday nights, and Whitman said there might be a conflict in being on both.

“It would be a regret to leave the Planning Board, because I enjoy it, but I do think I could help in a positive way at the DPW,” he said.

Other candidates who have taken out nomination papers to run for office in the May 1 town election include: Vincent Flaherty, who is running for a three-year term on the Board of Health; Greg Hanley and Valerie Kroon, who are running for three-year and five-year terms, respectively, on the Housing Authority; and Tom Irving, who is running to fill a one-year term on the Planning Board.

Nomination papers are available in the town clerk’s office and can be picked up through Thursday, March 11. The last day to submit nomination papers to the registrars for certification is Monday, March 15. The last day to file papers with the town clerk is Monday, March 29. The last day to withdraw candidacy is Wednesday, March 31.

Wednesday, April 7 is the last day to register to vote in the town election.

Comments (0)

Name

Email

Comment

smaller | bigger

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment