BY GAYLA CAWLEY
SWAMPSCOTT — Two challengers and one incumbent have declared their intention to run for a seat on the Board of Selectmen.
Matthew Strauss, a current member of the Board of Selectmen, announced his intention to run at a board meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 3.
“I’ve decided to take out papers to run for another term,” Strauss said at the meeting. “[It’s been an] honor to serve residents for two terms. I would like to see things through to completion. I’ve very much enjoyed serving.”
No other current board members have taken out nomination papers from the Town Clerk’s office, according to Clerk Connie Hayes. Hayes said Strauss has not returned his papers yet. The other current members are Naomi Dreeben, chair, Laura Spathanas, vice-chair, John Callahan and Peter Spellios.
The two challengers who have taken out nomination papers are Patrick Jones and Donald Hause.
Jones filed his nomination papers Tuesday morning. He said he received an email saying his papers were verified at about 12:30 p.m. that same day.
Running for a seat on the board has been on the mind of Jones for awhile. He said he believes it is the “right opportunity and the right time.”
“It was on my mind for a few months,” Jones said. “Once town papers became available in early January, I started to consider the possibility and talked to a few people. I decided it was the right time.”
Jones served on the Planning Board from 2007 to 2012 and was an appointee to the Zoning By-Law Review Committee. He served as chairman of the Police Station Building Committee from 2012 to 2015. He currently serves on the AllBlue Foundation Committee, a nonprofit group established to enhance Swampscott athletic facilities and open space, according to a campaign release.
Jones has been a Town Meeting member since 2008 and has coached both girls and boys youth soccer, Little League and lacrosse, according to a campaign release.
Jones is a licensed architect, who has been practicing for 20 years, following his graduation from Pennsylvania State University. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), is a LEED Accredited Professional (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and is Massachusetts certified for educational projects, with a focus on science and technology for higher education, according to a campaign release.
Jones moved to Swampscott in 2003 and said he chose the town “because of its scenic town charm, its proximity to beaches, and the easy access to Boston.” He said the view of community and “sense of place” is the way he approaches the projects he designs and “will be a continuing focus for me as a Selectman.”
“But every worthwhile project also demands long-term functional and financial planning, combined with community engagement, to be successful,” Jones said. “I intend to use this same approach of forecasting and transparency, if elected.”
Jones said he believes “Swampscott is at a critical juncture in regard to long-term capital planning, fiscal responsibility and the future bonding costs of maintaining our infrastructure.”
“My experience with town boards and committees, combined with my professional experience, gives me a unique perspective on what it takes to help Swampscott move in a positive direction,” Jones said.
Hayes said Hause also took out nomination papers. Hause currently serves on the Zoning Board of Appeals. He is works for Boston-based company Meridian Partners, which has a focus on real estate and increasing business profitability.
Hause said he is currently on a business trip and was unavailable for further comment on his candidacy.
Candidates have until March 4 to obtain nomination papers from the Town Clerk’s office. They have until March 8 to return those papers.
Hayes said no other candidates have taken out nomination papers for the board, which would indicate their intention to run.
The Town Election will be held on Tuesday, April 26.
Gayla Cawley can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @GaylaCawley