NEW SALEM — Residents Monday will find only one contested race on the ballot — that for a Selectboard seat.
Karyn Briand is challenging incumbent Lisa DeWitt for a three-year term. DeWitt was first elected in 2015.
Polling runs from 11:45 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday in the Town Hall Annex, 24 S. Main St.
Briand, 30, of 27 Lovers Lane has been a resident of New Salem for the past 20 years, has served the town on the School Committee, as a Swift River School Science Fair coordinator, New Salem Old Home Day coordinator of children’s activities, Swift River PTCA treasurer and with other school activities A registered nurse, she is the director of maternal and child services at Heywood Hospital.
“I am invested in our town,” Briand said. “My platform is simple: what our town needs. I have heard one main concept: we need community.
“My volunteer efforts display my passion to be involved in our town,” she continued. “I have three young children who I am raising in New Salem. I want them to be part of our community. I want to enhance our community. … My intentions do not include a personal vendetta or hidden agenda, but rather your voice and your opinions. I will be your voice.”
“Let’s make New Salem a stronger and closer community,” she said. “I am committed to your opinions and need for community. I will bring positivity, renewed energy and approachability to our town office. Join me in building our community.”
DeWitt, 57, of 16 W. Main St. has been a Selectboard member for the past three years.
She was president of the nonprofit 1794 Meeting House for two years, which she said gave her experience getting things done, including getting a new roof for the building.
DeWitt said she has moved the town forward with important ventures like installing broadband throughout town.
“I would like to continue the good work I’ve been doing for the past three years,” DeWitt said. “It’s been actually a very rewarding position…
“I think after we get our Wi-Fi in place, which is a really big step, then we need to get some infrastructure.
“Conservation and preservation of our lands are also important issues that we need to take care of,” DeWitt said, mentioning she would like to plant more trees in town.
“I understand that the wheel of progress grinds slowly. I don’t get angry and I find that’s very helpful. I do like consensus. I want everyone to be on board and I’m willing to compromise — you know a willow is stronger than an oak because it bends…”
The uncontested races are: Jenny Potee, three-year term, Board of Health; Eric Hamm, three-year term, assessor; Steven Blinder and Tamara Conde, two five-year seats, Planning Board.
No one took out nomination papers for a three-year seat on the School Committee nor a three-year library seat.