Roy makes it a 4-person race for Grafton Select Board; Spinney joins school race

Finance Committee member Colleen Roy pulled papers for the Select Board Friday, joining a growing field of contenders for two seats in the May 19 Town Election. Hours later, Elizabeth Spinney jumped into the School Committee race.

Roy’s decision comes a day after fellow Finance Committee member Mathew Often jumped in the Select Board race, which includes incumbents Jennifer Thomas and Donna Stock.

“I have been inspired by all the volunteers and leaders in our community , and being in similar roles, I have decided to step up and run for Select Board,” Roy said. “I’m excited to bring a fresh perspective to the Board. After attending every Select Board meeting for over a year, I have become very aware of the issues and financial concerns facing the town. Even with two small children at home, thanks to my supportive husband,  I’ve been able to dedicate myself to staying informed and making attendance a priority.”

Roy is a member of the Finance Committee, CIPC, and the Grafton Sustainability Commission.

Spinney, an attorney, has three children in the Grafton schools and is on the Apple Tree Arts board of directors. She is seeking the one-term position now held by Heather Riley, who has not pulled papers. She joins Rahul Rathi, who has pulled papers for the three-year School Committee seat now held by Melissa Mazan. Mazan has not indicated if she intends to run again.

“I’ve become very passionate about Grafton and its incredible resources and future,” Roy said. “Having watched and attending as many meetings as possible, I have learned where we’ve been to help me better understand where we’re heading.  I am ready to help lead this amazing town.”

Others now seeking signatures include:

• Town Moderator: Former Select Board member Bruce Spinney (husband of Elizabeth Spinney) and Grafton attorney Daniel M. Concaugh are running for the seat currently held by Ray Mead, who is not seeking re-election.
• Planning Board: Linda C. Hassinger is seeing re-election to her three-year position. Justin Wood has also pulled papers for a one-year seat.
• Housing Authority: Lisa Brovelli Kelley is seeking re-election to the five-year position.
• Library Trustees: There are two three-year seats available. Karen Durand is seeking re-election while Martin I. Estner pulled papers this week.

Any registered voter of Grafton may pull papers.

• Papers can be pulled at any time during regular business hours;
• Papers must be returned to the Registrar of Voters, through the Town Clerk’s office, by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31 for certification;
• Nomination papers must contain the names of at least 50 registered voters of Grafton, but candidates are urged to submit more than the minimum number required in case some names or signatures cannot be verified;
• Candidates may withdraw their nomination papers up until 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 16;
• The Annual Town Election is on Tuesday, May 19 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.