Hassigner expresses doubt on gathering signatures for re-election during Covid

Planning Board Chair Bob Hassinger doesn’t like to make personal announcements in a meeting but Monday, he felt he had no choice.

Hassinger, whose service on the Planning Board can be measured in decades, said he has pulled nomination papers for re-election in May. He is not confident, however, that he will be able to acquire 50 signatures before the March 30 deadline.

“I’m concerned about getting signatures, with all the Covid,” he said. “I wanted to make sure everyone was aware of that.”

There are two seats up for election this year: Hassinger and member Justin Wood, who has also pulled nomination papers. 

Fellow Planning Board member Linda Hassinger, his wife, was re-elected last year but was able to gather signatures before COVID-19 shut down public gatherings that make it easier for candidates to complete their petitions.

In recent years, Planning Board seats have had to be filled by the Select Board when not enough people ran for the position. 

Candidates for office are required to obtain 50 signatures in ink — no electronic signatures are allowed and no extensions have been given.