Facts Matter

 This post was written by Jim Moran, Longmeadow Town Resident

Annual Town Elections

It’s unfortunate that instead of owning her lack of civic engagement, Select Board candidate Shelly Maynard-DeWolf has been accusing me of a “smear campaign” for asking basic, fair questions about her voting record and involvement in Longmeadow town government.

Let’s be clear: asking whether a candidate has voted in an election or participated at town meetings is not a “gotcha” moment—it’s a matter of public trust. These are not attacks; they are facts, and voters have every right to know them.

I have never engaged in personal attacks or “worked behind the scenes” against anyone. I’ve simply asked the questions that matter when someone asks to lead our town. That’s not gatekeeping—it’s accountability.

What is very disappointing is the tone this campaign has taken. I call on Ms. Maynard-DeWolf to ask her supporters to stop the personal attacks and character smears being made against me. Longmeadow deserves better than this.

Let’s bring this election back to the issues and the experience our town needs.

- Jim Moran 

 

Letter to the Editor- I'm Voting for Shelly Maynard-DeWolf

 

Letter to the Editor- Vote for Mark Gold

To Longmeadow Voters,

      As a group of Longmeadow citizens, we want to let other Longmeadow residents know how important it is for them to go to the polls on Tuesday, June 3^rd and vote for Mark Gold for Select Board.  Mark is the most knowledgeable and qualified candidate for the position.  As a sixteen-year member of the Select Board he has demonstrated his leadership and provided results that serve both the town as well as its residents.
 
    Mark’s achievements include a strong impact on controlling the town’s tax rate, holding water and sewer rates in check, and improving the quality of life for all residents of town.  Longmeadow needs to collect over $1.3 million less in real estate taxes in 2026 than would otherwise have been necessary because of his work in: purchasing and converting streetlights to LEDs ($450K), negotiating a casino mitigation contract ($280K), driving the adoption of a local meals tax ($180K), and negotiating a new trash hauling contract ($400K for each of the 5 years of the contract). 

       Over the coming years all residents will benefit from the Municipal Aggregation plan that Mark initiated that will allow homeowners to take advantage of lower priced electrical generation compared to Eversource. 

       As involved citizens, we know that by electing Mark Gold to the Select Board we will keep his work ethic and positive impact working for the town of Longmeadow.  It's not enough for us to just say we support Mark Gold for Select Board, we must all go to the Longmeadow Community House on Tuesday June 3^rd between 7AM and 8PM and vote for Mark Gold for Select Board because LOCAL ELECTIONS MATTER and Mark’s Trusted Leadership and Proven Results are unique among the candidates.

Sincerely,

 

Zach Verriden- Candidate for Re-election to the Longmeadow School Committee

This information was submitted to the LongmeadowBuzz blog by Zach Verriden- Candidate for Re-election to the Longmeadow School Committee. 

 

______________________________________________ 

Meet Zach Verriden, Candidate for Reelection to the Longmeadow School Committee 

My name is Zach Verriden and I am running for reelection to the Longmeadow School Committee. I am running once again because I care deeply about civil service, serving our community, and preserving the progress we have made in a post-COVID society. I am a lifelong educator who has previously served as the Chair of the Longmeadow Select Board’s Coalition for Racial Justice Task Force Chair, as a member of the Blueberry Hill Elementary School Council, a parent in the Special Education Alliance of Longmeadow (SEAL) and as a leader with the Longmeadow Anti-Racism Coalition (LARC). Additionally, I am also currently a practicing educator and principal. I am also, most importantly, a Longmeadow parent and frequent youth sports coach. I hope to continue to bring these experiences and insights to the Longmeadow School Committee in order to build on excellence with an eye toward equity and inclusion for all learners. 

I have taught in classrooms across the country and am passionate about education. I have also served as a building principal and district superintendent in other regions while navigating facility renovation and construction projects very similar to the middle school decision facing Longmeadow at this time. I am a career educator who received my master’s degree in Education Policy and Management in 2008 from Harvard University and am currently completing my Ph.D. in K-12 Education and Policy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I also hold a business certificate in Educational Entrepreneurship from Rice University. 

I am a proud father of four children and our family moved to Longmeadow, Massachusetts specifically for the educational opportunities offered to my children, but in particular for my oldest son Henry who requires a complex Individualized Education Program (IEP). As a parent, educator and neighbor, I hold the unique perspective of being on both sides of the table for children in Longmeadow. I have worked as an independent educational consultant offering innovative solutions to educators and previously served many Longmeadow families as the Senior Director of Youth & Family Programs at the Springfield JCC. 

I look forward to working in continuing to serve with a wide range of community members and colleagues on the Longmeadow School Committee and throughout the school community to realize the district’s vision of seeing all students engaged in rigorous, introspective, and culturally responsive learning with a commitment to anti-racism, equity and social justice. 

I need your vote on Tuesday, June 3rd to help Longmeadow Public Schools realize the promise of excellence with equity for all learners.

Here is a link to my Facebook campaign page.
 

Zach Verriden- Candidate for Re-election to the Longmeadow School Committee 

A couple of comments and questions for Shelly Maynard-DeWolf

Shelly, in your election profile you cite three challenge areas that you will try to address if you are elected to the Select Board.  I have a couple of comments and followup questions for you.

1. Communication Gaps
2. Lack of Transparent, Proactive Information Sharing

The town’s communication tools have evolved greatly since the town website was first developed in 1997. Recent efforts by Town Manager Lyn Simmons and others included development of a multitude of new means to get information to town residents.  This includes an updated website also available as a mobile app with access to announcements, budget summaries, important documents, meeting schedules and agenda postings for all town committees and much more.  You can also sign up to receive newsletters, updates and announcements via email from various town organizations including the Longmeadow Adult Center and the Town Manager Monthly Newsletter. The Town also has a Code RED alert system for broadcast via text, email and phone calls of localized and town wide emergency announcements.  Our Town Manager also has scheduled regular monthly face-to-face meetings with town residents on the second Wednesday of every month.

Our Select Board, School Committee and other important events are broadcast LIVE on LCTV with replay available on YouTube. Participation via Zoom is available for Select Board meetings. Residents can make Public Comments via Zoom.  Before each SB meeting, agenda information (including correspondence to the SB that will be discussed at the meeting) is posted on the town website.

There is not much that you cannot find on the current Town website and other town sponsored social media.

I don’t think that this should be a focus of your efforts if you are elected on June 3 to the Select Board.

3. Limited Community Engagement

Our town would not be the town that it is today without the many volunteers who step up and provide hours of “community engagement”.  For example, I led the volunteer effort in 1997 to create our original town website- www.Longmeadow.org with 4 other town residents including Mark Gold who is also running for Select Board on June 3rd.  We maintained it almost daily until 2010 saving the town a large amount of money that could be used for other essential purposes such as teacher, and police/ fire salaries.

Volunteerism and community engagement are what makes Longmeadow a great place to live.  There is a large amount of resident participation on town government committees, town forums, schools, youth sports, the Adult Center and much more.

I do agree that community engagement when it comes to attendance at annual and special town meetings is lacking.  I did a recent study of voter turnout for recent annual town elections.  I found that only 1 out of 5 registered voters voted in recent elections- even fewer town residents attend the Annual or Special Town Meetings.

________________________________________

Shelly, you have lived in Longmeadow for the past 16 years but the election profile that you posted does not share any community engagement or volunteer activities or membership on any town committees but lists only work related skills and roles. I have a couple of questions:

1. Can you share with potential voters any community related involvement including town government or school related committees as well as any local volunteer work?
   
   
2.  Do you vote in Town Elections and attend Town Meetings?

Thank you for any answers that you could provide.

Jim Moran

Shelly Maynard-DeWolf for Longmeadow Select Board

This information was submitted to the LongmeadowBuzz blog by Shelly Maynard-DeWolf who is a candidate for one of the two seats on the Longmeadow Select Board.

I’m Shelly Maynard-DeWolf, a proud Longmeadow resident of 16 years, and I’m running for Select Board because I believe in the power of thoughtful leadership, transparent communication, and an engaged community.

My husband Damian and I have raised our two sons, Aiden and Carter, right here in town - enjoying everything from the schools and parks to the close-knit neighborhood feel that makes Longmeadow so special. Like many of you, I want to see our town continue to thrive for the next generation. I am an advocate for driving inclusive, transparent change in high impact areas such as fiscal management, community inclusivity, environmental conservation, public safety and education.  

Professionally, I’ve built a career at the intersection of public service and financial leadership. I spent over a decade working for the City of Springfield - serving on the Conservation Commission, in the Finance Department, and as Chair of the Taxi Commission - where I gained a deep understanding of municipal operations working side by side with a state appointed control board, the Mayor, City Council and various Departments. During that time, I also earned my law degree, which strengthened my ability to navigate complex policy and regulatory challenges. 

Today, I serve as Vice President of Participant Transactions at Empower, where I lead high-performing global teams and help shape long-term strategic plans. I also lead Empower’s National Women’s Empowerment Group, a role that reflects my passion for elevating voices and driving inclusive leadership. Whether it’s managing budgets, protecting our environment, or fostering a more inclusive and engaged community, I believe meaningful change starts with transparency and collaboration.

Why I’m Running for Select Board

I’m running for Select Board because I care deeply about this community - and I know we can do better when it comes to how we communicate, plan, and involve our residents. Longmeadow is full of talented, thoughtful people, but too often, they’re left out of the decision-making process or don’t know how to get involved.

My focus will be on:

• Improving communication so residents are informed and engaged before - not after - decisions are made

• Establishing a long-term financial planning strategy that reflects our priorities and prepares us for the future 

• Creating clearer pathways for community involvement, ensuring town boards better reflect the people they serve

I’m not just a candidate - I’m a mother, a neighbor, and a problem-solver who wants to give back. I’d be honored to have your vote on June 3rd.

What I Bring to the Table

Here’s a snapshot of the experience and skills I bring to the role:

• 10+ years in Springfield city government, including roles in:
  • The Conservation Commission
  •  The Finance Department during the city’s Finance Control Board
  •  Chairing the Taxi Commission
  • A law degree earned while working full-time
  • 17 years in financial services industry
    

• A current leadership role managing global teams at Empower

• Strategic planning expertise, cross-functional collaboration skills, and a high bias for action 

• A deep commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and inclusive leadership

Top Challenges - and How I’ll Address Them

1. Communication Gaps

We need a modern, multi-channel communication strategy that ensures timely and consistent updates about town meetings, decisions, and opportunities to get involved.

2. Lack of Transparent, Proactive Information Sharing

I’ll push for tools and practices that make our governance more accessible - from simplified budget updates to clearer public notices - so every resident feels informed and enabled to be involved. Additionally, I will look to improve our strategy deployment practices to ensure each area is aligned to our short, mid, and long term objectives.

3. Limited Community Engagement

I want to demystify the process of getting involved in town government. That means raising awareness about open positions, making it easier to volunteer, and ensuring our boards and committees reflect the full diversity of our community.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my vision for Longmeadow.  I’d be grateful for your vote on June 3. You can cast your ballot at the Longmeadow Community House between 7 AM and 8 PM.

 

 

Shelly Maynard-DeWolf

Joel Illouz is running for one of the two 3 year seats on the Longmeadow School Committee

This information was submitted to the LongmeadowBuzz blog by Joel Illouz who is a candidate for one of the two- 3 year seats on the Longmeadow School Committee.

My name is Joel Illouz, and I’m running for a seat on the Longmeadow School Committee. I am doing so because I truly love Longmeadow. I was raised here, and went to the public schools here. In doing so I made lifelong friends and unforgettable memories, it also prepared me to leave the nest and go to college to find my independence. I wanted that for my children as well, so we knew Longmeadow was the place. Unfortunately, in this ever evolving world, I feel as though we are lagging behind. I believe our community is standing on the shoulders of past success—but not building on it. We must confront today’s challenges with urgency, transparency, and a fresh perspective if we want to restore the reputation and excellence that once defined our school system.

For years, Longmeadow was a magnet for families, professionals, and especially physicians who valued strong schools and a supportive town culture. Today, we are watching that reputation quietly erode. Talented families are choosing neighboring towns like Hampden and Wilbraham, which directly impacts not only our school enrollment but also our home values and broader community appeal.  

Even more concerning: I’m hearing from families whose children—despite strong academic records and straight A’s—are being turned away from UMass Amherst and other competitive schools. These outcomes raise serious questions about how we’re preparing our students, how we’re advocating for them, and whether we’re focused on the right priorities.

My first goal is to continue to listen to parents, educators, school committee members and students. I want to hear directly from the families of Longmeadow: What are your biggest concerns? Where are we falling short? What does success look like to you? And most importantly, What do you need?  

I will work to ensure our district leadership is accountable—both to families and to results. When problems arise, we need clear answers and fast action. I will challenge complacency and push for performance across the board. To improve we must tackle shortcomings head on, and not sweep it under the rug.  

Great schools require great educators. And we have so so many! I’ll work to ensure teachers have the support, professional development, and resources they need to meet high expectations and inspire student success. I feel that with all of these standardized tests, it must be hard for teachers to teach how they want. Uniqueness makes great teachers, do they have the flexibility to be unique?  

Strong schools mean strong property values and a vibrant town. By focusing on academic quality and responsiveness, we can attract new families, retain our top talent, and secure Longmeadow’s future.  

This campaign is not about politics—it’s about priorities. It’s about making sure Longmeadow lives up to its promise for our next generation. I’m ready to ask the tough questions, bring new energy and ideas to the table, and together’ to get our schools—and our reputation—back where they belong.  

On June 3rd, Vote Joel Illouz for Longmeadow School Committee.

All the best,
Joel Illouz

 

Maury Garrett- Candidate for Longmeadow Select Board

This information was submitted to the LongmeadowBuzz blog by Maury Garrett who is a candidate for one of two seats on the Longmeadow Select Board.

Maury Garrett
Candidate for Select Board

I’m motivated to run for Select Board because of my ongoing commitment to the betterment of our community. Since I first moved to the Town, I have always dedicated my time to service of Longmeadow and I intend to continue this record of Service as a member of the Select Board. I'm focused on repairing our roads and facilities, improving our athletic fields and parks, retaining our seniors, and supporting our schools.

I bring my many years of experience serving our Town on the Finance Committee to the Select Board to further benefit the people of Longmeadow, and see Longmeadow through this fiscal crossroads.

As Chair of the Finance Committee, I cast votes for the Finance Committee to recommend funding the construction of the Longmeadow Adult Center at Town Meeting and I have been a proud supporter of the Adult Center in Longmeadow.

I have a track record of dedication in my years of service with particular focus on our seniors, our youth and our families with school children. I have worked in-depth on matters involving tax and fiscal policy in Longmeadow, roads, facilities and infrastructure maintenance, Community preservation and athletic field improvements.

On the Finance Committee, I led the effort to establish a new practice of regular joint meetings between the Finance Committee, Select Board and School Committee, which persists to this day. I also championed the establishment of the Finance Committee policy to avoid the "fiscal cliff" by advocating limits on the annual tax increases in Longmeadow.

Currently, on the Finance Committee, I am supporting systematic efforts to increase funding to the DPW and capital funding, in order to perform deferred maintenance on our roads and facilities in Longmeadow.

I have been a Longmeadow resident since 2013, an Attorney with a JD from Rutgers University School of Law, practicing Insurance and criminal Defense. I have an Undergraduate degree from Princeton University, where I met my wife, Jackie, a local Physician and Allergist at her own practice, Agape Allergy in West Springfield. We have 3 children, Maury III, a freshman attending Longmeadow High School, playing varsity Lacrosse and Football, Grant, attending Williams Middle School and playing Longmeadow Intermediates Baseball, and Longmeadow Knights Youth Football, and Gillian, attending Williams Middle School and playing Longmeadow Youth Lacrosse and Longmeadow Youth Field Hockey.

I am a member of the Longmeadow Finance Committee for the past 10 years and served as Chairman for 6 years. I am President of Longmeadow Youth Football and a Longmeadow Football Inc., Board Member as well as a Coach of Longmeadow Youth Football for the past 8 years. I am also a Longmeadow Little League and Longmeadow Baseball Association Coach for the past 10 years, currently coaching our Longmeadow Intermediates baseball team. I have also Coached Longmeadow Youth Basketball.

Thank you for reading my election profile. 

I'm asking for your support and your vote at the upcoming Longmeadow Town Elections on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. 

Voting will take place at Community House at the corner of Longmeadow Street and Williams Street. I would appreciate you taking the time to come out and vote for me. Polls are open from 7AM to 8PM.

Thank you for your support,

Maury Garrett

Facebook
Email: MauryGarrettforSelectBoard@gmail.com

Gregory C. Macdonald, III- Candidate for the Longmeadow School Committee- 2 year seat

This information was submitted to the LongmeadowBuzz blog by Gregory C. Macdonald, III who is a candidate for the 2 year seat on the Longmeadow School Committee.

Gregory C. Macdonald, III
School Committee Candidate

Why are you running for School Committee?

As a third generation Longmeadow resident and a proud graduate of the Longmeadow Public Schools- Class of 2019- I’ve experienced firsthand the power of our educational system. Our town’s commitment to excellence in education is something I’ve lived- not just heard about. It’s part of who I am.

I’m running for School Committee to bring a voice that’s currently missing: the perspective of a recent student who understands what it’s like to be on the other side of the policies we create. Our current committee is composed of incredibly dedicated and knowledgeable individuals, with expertise in education, finance, and governance. Many are parents and have deep roots in the school system.

What I bring is a bridge- from policy to student experience. I’ve lived the outcomes of our decisions. I know how it feels to navigate the classroom, the college process, and the broader challenges today’s students face. That perspective matters.

Our schools do many things very well. Programs like the Vision of the Graduate are inspiring examples of how we’re preparing students for real-world success- teaching critical thinking, collaboration, and accountability. I want to build on that momentum by further integrating wellness, leadership, and life skills into everyday learning. Not just because I believe in it, but because I’ve seen how powerful those tools are when done right.

I’m also focused on how we can better align our resources with student needs. With ongoing formative assessments, we have a clear opportunity to target our investments- whether it’s in academic support, extra- curriculars, or emerging technologies. We owe it to our students, and our taxpayers, to make sure every dollar is working for the their future.

I’m not running to replace experience- I’m running to complement it. I believe we can continue to honor our schools’ strengths while enhancing them by incorporating student-led feedback, highlighting the mentorship opportunities, and supporting personalized learning pathways that meet students where they are.

I deeply support the great work already happening in our schools and want to help build on it- by bringing a voice that connects the classroom experience to the policy table. With the right vision, collaboration, and heart, we can ensure every student feels seen, supported, and set up for success- however they define it.

What are your qualifications and skills including relevant experience?

While I don’t have formal municipal experience, I bring a different kind of experience recent, firsthand knowledge of what it means to be a student in Longmeadow public schools. I’ve lived the outcomes of our School Committee’s decisions. I’ve seen what works, where students feel supported, and where there’s room to grow- from the inside. That student-centered perspective is something we currently don’t have on the committee, and I believe it’s essential.

In addition to my lived experience, I bring strong communication and collaboration skills, a deep respect for teamwork, and the ability to listen with intention. I’ve been actively engaged in my community in informal ways- talking to families, peers, educators, and students about what matters most to them. I’m a fast learner and someone who takes responsibility seriously.

Most of all, I care deeply about our schools. I’m not here to claim I know everything- I’m here to contribute honesty, ask thoughtful questions, and bring a valuable perspective to the table that’s currently missing.

What are the largest issues facing Longmeadow as a community?

One of the largest challenges Longmeadow faces is ensuring our schools evolve to meet the needs of today’s students while preserving the high standards our town values. Student mental health is a major concern- many students are dealing with stress, anxiety, and the lasting effects of the pandemic. We need to continue building the bridge between our students and our well-funded support systems, like counseling services and social-emotional learning, to meet students where they are.

Another issue is ensuring our schools are preparing students for more than just tests- we should be focusing on real-world readiness. Programs like Vision of the Graduate are a great start, and we can build on them by expanding access to STEM, career exploration, and leadership development. We also need to listen to students more- the more we integrate student voice, the more responsive and relevant our schools become.

Lastly, the condition of our school buildings is an important issue. Students and teachers need safe, functional, and inspiring learning environments. Addressing these needs with transparency and community input will be key.

At the core of these challenges is a simple question: Are we creating a school system where every student feels seen, supported, and set up for success? That’s the lens I’ll bring to the table.

How would you propose to resolve these issues?

I believe good policy starts with good listening. First, we need to hear from students and educators- directly- about what’s working and where support is needed. From there, I’d advocate for targeted investments based on real-time student data and formative assessments. That means putting our resources into areas where they’ll have the biggest impact: mental health, academic support, extracurriculars, and student services.

To support mental wellness, we can continue to notify students of their abundant access to counseling, peer support programs, and classroom practices that support emotional health. For academics, I’d like to see us grow and foster opportunities for hands-on learning- whether it’s through STEM labs, career pathways, or mentoring programs that connect students with professionals in the community.

And when it comes to school facilities, I would support a transparent, community-driven conversation about building maintenance and improvement policies, always with student learning and safety as the focus.

Most of all, I want to make sure students feel like they have a seat at the table- that their experiences help shape the decisions we make. That’s the kind of leadership I want to bring.

Please vote for me on June 3, 2025.

Gregory C. Macdonald, III

Why Mark Gold is running for reelection to the Select Board

This letter to the Longmeadow Buzz blog was submitted by Mark Gold, candidate for re-election to the Longmeadow Select Board....

Why are you running again for Select Board?

I’m running for reelection to the Select Board because I believe I can uniquely continue to contribute to the progress of Longmeadow. The skills I bring to the position, combined with the experience I’ve gained during my tenure on the board have provided me with knowledge and understanding of the issues that are important to the residents of Longmeadow, and the ability to make progress on resolving those issues. My position as the most experienced member of the Select Board provides stability and consistency that continues to support our Town Manager and Chief Financial Officer. Yet with all that my past initiatives have helped achieve, there are achievements that remain incomplete, and I am asking for your vote to allow me to complete these goals.

What are your qualifications/ skills including relevant experience? 

I bring unique qualifications and skills to the Select Board. My formal degrees are in engineering and business administration. I primarily worked as a corporate manager but have had a second career as a management consultant. With those skills, I bring an analytical approach to understanding the issues facing the town, from budgeting to setting water rates. I am the only Select Board member who has worked in a management position for a Fortune 500 company. With this background, I uniquely understand companies the town deals with, whether that be MGM where I used these skills to help the town negotiate the second largest surrounding community agreement in Western Mass, to trash hauling contracts, were my skills supplemented those of the town’s purchasing department, a department designed to administer, not negotiate contracts, normally assigning them to the lowest bidder. My additional experience of managing subordinates, something no other Select Board member has, and working as a consultant to Boards of Directors, makes me uniquely skilled at working with the town administration as both a partner as well as part of the elected oversight team.  

What are the largest issues facing Longmeadow as a community?

The largest issue facing Longmeadow remains providing the services town residents require within the fiscal constraints of the residents and Proposition 2½. Addressing this issue involves understanding the town’s services and tax structure as well as listening to and working with the residents who pay these bills. The town must aggressively reduce costs wherever possible (such as I did when I led the program that purchased and installed LED Streetlights) and find sources of revenue to supplement tax income (as I did when I initiated the local 0.75% meals tax).

A second issue requiring the attention of the town is the need to maintain a level of department staffing that provides the services town residents require, which in turn requires control of the town budget. Maintaining working relationships with Town employees in balance with budget constraints is an essential need of the town. 

The third issue facing the town is the disposition of the Glenbrook school property. As we move forward with a single middle school on the Williams site, the town needs to have a comprehensive plan for the development of the Glenbrook property in a way that maximizes the financial offset to the cost of the new middle school while maintaining the character of that neighborhood and the overall town.

How would you propose to resolve the top 3 issues?

It’s a trite-sounding answer, but the way to address the first two of these issues is for the town to be ahead of the financial requirements of the town rather than be reactive to these financial issues. That means that we need to continue to work on reducing the cost of providing services where those costs can be reduced as well as to identify and implement opportunities to bring supplemental revenue to the town. I have identified several cost savings and supplemental income opportunities for the town and will continue to address these issues if re-elected to the Select Board. 

To address the issues surrounding the Glenbrook property, the town should convene a group of elected leaders and neighborhood residents to identify and develop options for repositioning that asset. The goal of the group must be clearly defined by the convener (Select Board) and be evaluated by the residents.

I ask for your vote in the June 3rd Annual Town Elections to allow me to make that possible.