HATFIELD — As Diana Szynal, a former member of the town Select Board and longtime legislative aide to late Rep. Peter Kocot, is poised to return to Hatfield’s top policy board, a longtime School Committee incumbent is facing a challenge from a political newcomer for a three-year seat at town election next month.
The election is scheduled for May 21.
Szynal, who served two terms on the Select Board between 2000 and 2006, is running unopposed for the seat currently held by Cindy Doty, whom she calls a friend and wonderful public servant.
“I look forward to the opportunity to once again serve the town I love so much,” Szynal said.
Currently, executive director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, following an unsuccessful bid to replace Kocot in the Legislature, Szynal said she thought it was the right time to return to municipal government when Doty opted against seeking reelection.
“I have long felt the call to public service, and I was urged to run by a number of townspeople that I respect and admire,” said Szynal, who chaired the board for three years, is on the Hatfield 350th Committee and is president of the Smith Academy Booster Club.
For School Committee, Danielle Stanisewski, a member of the Hatfield Recreation Committee and Elementary School Council who also serves as a Girl Scouts leader, is challenging incumbent Brian F. Moriarty, who has been on the committee for 18 years and also serves on the Select Board.
That race will be one of just two contested slots on the ballot, with the other race between James N. Tarr and Christopher G. Smith for a five-year position on the Planning Board being vacated by Paul Labbee.
Moriarty said he has enjoyed being on the School Committee and looks forward to addressing the challenges ahead, including the need to hire a new Smith Academy principal, the anticipated retirement of the superintendent in 2020, and finding a new special education director. Moriarty is also serving on the subcommittee negotiating a new contract with teachers.
“I think it’s important that someone with experience remains in the seat,” Moriarty said.
Stanisewski, who has three young children in town schools, wants to identify and support best practices in education, including special education and programs and policies geared toward children’s social and emotional health. She will also advocate for the financial support required to maintain and improve Hatfield schools.
“I am passionate about ensuring our schools and teachers have the resources they need to provide our children with an exceptional and healthy educational experience,” Stanisewski said.
Incumbents running unopposed for reelection include Stanley J. Pitchko, Jr. for a three-year term on the Board of Assessors, Robert P. Osley for a three-year term on the Board of Health, Robert Flaherty Jr. for a three-year term on the Cemetery Commission, Amy Goclowski for a three-year term as library trustee and E. Lary Grossman for a five-year term on the Redevelopment Authority.
In addition, Michael F. Paszek and Stephanie Elizabeth Slysz, who were appointed to the Planning Board, are seeking two- and one-year terms, respectively, and newcomer William J. Betsold, Jr. is running for a one-year term as Elector under the Oliver Smith Will.
No one pulled papers to run for councilor to the Hampshire Council of Governments.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
