The controversial and divisive process of siting and designing a new Edgartown library has sparked contested races for the library board of trustees in next Thursday’s spring elections.
Edgartown voters go to the polls on Thursday, April 14. The ballot box is at the selectmen’s meeting room in Town Hall. Polls will be open from 10 am to 7 pm.
After scrapping a previous plan, a library design committee appointed by selectmen has proposed a plan to demolish the old Edgartown School, and build an $11 million library at the site. Taxpayers or private donors would shoulder a $4.6 million share of the costs, if a state approves the town’s grant application.
There is a four-way race for two three-year terms on the library board. Chairman Patricia Rose and trustee Ann Tyra will both seek reelection. They face challenges from Deanna Ahearn-Laird and Robert C. Avakian.
Ellen Kaplan will seek reelection to a 1-year term on the library board of trustees. She faces a challenge from newcomer Julie Lively.
Two three-year terms are open on the financial advisory committee, with three candidates seeking the seats. Incumbent vice-chairman Donna Lowell-Bettencourt will seek reelection to the committee. Leslie Baynes and Bruce Stone will also be on the ballot.
Selectman Margaret Serpa, school committee member Susan Mercier, board of health commissioner Kathie Case, assessor Alan Gowell, planning board member Michael McCourt, park commissioner Jane Varkonda, town meeting moderator Jeff Norton, wastewater commissioner James Carter, and constable Jonathan Searle are all incumbents running unopposed.
