The ballot also will feature a Proposition 2½ override for $103,000 to fund 90 EMT-firefighter hours per week.
MONSON – When no one stepped forward to be on the ballot for School Committee, Christopher L. Carlin saw an opportunity to continue to participate in town affairs.
Carlin, of Munn Road, is one of two write-in candidates seeking a three-year term on the School Committee in Monday’s annual election. Peter A. Sauriol also is waging a write-in campaign for the seat held by Edward A. Maia.
Maia is running unopposed for selectman, taking over for Edward S. Harrison, who is not seeking reelection.
Monson School Committee candidate Christopher L. CarlinCarlin, 52, served on the Finance Committee for 15 years, and left the committee two years ago.
While Carlin enjoyed his stay on the Finance Committee and learning about how Monson operates, he said he stepped down because he felt it was time for other folks to have the chance to serve. Now, he said, he’s ready to serve again, and this time as a School Committee member.
He said it is “great honor” to be able to participate on town boards, and wants to continue with the “positive momentum that this current School Committee has made so much progress with.”
“We have a really good team on there now,” Carlin said.
He is familiar with the town’s budget issues having dealt with them firsthand as a Finance Committee member. The town’s monetary situation has not improved, and it again is a tough budget year. Carlin said he can bring his budget expertise to the School Committee.
Monson School Committee candidate Peter SauriolAn Air Force veteran, Carlin graduated from Monson High School, and also has a son who attended Monson schools through the fifth grade. Carlin is director of marketing for ICSN in Worcester.
Sauriol, 20, of Bunyan Road, has said he thinks he brings a unique perspective to the table, as he graduated from Monson High School only two years ago. Sauriol has said next year’s budget is the most critical issue facing the committee. He is studying business administration at Holyoke Community College.
There are no other races on the ballot, but there will be a Proposition 2½ override. The Fire Department is seeking $103,000 to fund 90 emergency medical technician-firefighter hours per week that have previously been paid by a federal grant.
If it passes, it would cost the owner of a home valued at $220,000 an extra $34 a year, officials have said.
