Westford candidates answer resident questions at League forum ahead of May 5 election

The League of Women Voters of Westford hosted a candidates night at the Millennium Building on April 15, giving town election hopefuls a chance to introduce themselves and field questions submitted by residents and by attendees.

Moderator Joanne Barry of the Actton League of Women Voters oversaw the event, which lasted just under two hours and featured candidates for multiple contested posts on the May 5 ballot. Candidates for the select board included incumbents Chris Barrett and Tom Clay and challenger Megan O'Connell for two three-year seats; a one-year select board seat drew Elizabeth Sawyer, Scott Hazelton and David Pena. Other contested local races included Board of Health candidates Megan Hughes and Nasim Chhatiwala, housing authority candidate Arnold Price, library trustee candidates Mary Seagull and Dana RieR, planning board incumbent Joanne Cruto, and school committee incumbents Valerie Young and William McDonald. Christopher Sanders is listed on the ballot for town moderator.

Candidates gave opening statements and then answered resident questions on topics submitted online and from the audience, allowing voters to compare priorities and policy approaches ahead of election day. The forum was presented as an opportunity for voters to evaluate candidates on local issues ranging from public health and libraries to planning and school governance.

Election day in Westford is Tuesday, May 5. The forum was one of several opportunities this spring for voters to hear directly from those seeking local office.