Westford candidates introduce platforms at League of Women Voters forum

The League of Women Voters of Westford hosted a Candidates Night at the Millennium building on Depot Street on Wednesday, April 15, where local candidates introduced themselves and answered questions from residents. The event began at 7:00 p.m. and ran just under two hours.

Moderator Jo-Ann Berry of the Acton League of Women Voters conducted the question-and-answer portion, using questions submitted online by Westford residents and additional queries from attendees in the audience. Candidates were allowed brief opening statements before the moderated Q&A.

Several contested races were highlighted. For two three-year Select Board positions, incumbents Chris Barrett and Tom Clay face challenger Megan O'Connell. A separate one-year Select Board seat is contested by Elizabeth Sawyer, Scott Hazelton, and David Penney.

On the Board of Health, incumbent Megan Hughes is running against Naseem Chatiwala for two available three-year terms. For library trustees, Mary Siegel and Dana Reiger are competing for two three-year seats. Incumbents Valerie Young and William McDavitt are both running to retain their seats on the school committee. Christopher Sanders is listed on the ballot for a three-year term as town moderator.

The forum provided an opportunity for voters to hear candidates’ positions in advance of Westford’s town election on Tuesday, May 5.