BOXFORD — For Boxford's voters Tuesday, it could be déja vu all over again.
Their most important decision could be picking between former selectman candidate Leo Kraunelis and the current chairman of the board, Stephen Davis. Davis hopes to finish some of the projects he's started, but Kraunelis says the town needs fresh ideas.
"As far as a town perspective and a board perspective," Kraunelis said, "I think we really need more diversity. I consider myself a fiscally conservative Republican and that would add more to us. I also bring an open mind, because I haven't been involved in town politics, some fresh ideas, some more fiscal responsibility and accountability."
Davis, who has been helping manage town finances for a decade and a half, doesn't see that as a weak spot.
"I think we're probably more fiscally sound than most any town I can think of," he said. The town has maintained its free cash account and overlay funds, while partnering with the state on land acquisitions.
The two have different visions for the town's libraries.
Though he likes a two-library system, Davis said, "As someone who has to worry about town costs, I have to look at it a bit differently."
Now that both libraries are at risk of being shut down because of their states of disrepair, Davis said the answer has to be in building a central library, likely off Spofford Pond Road.
Costs also drive Kraunelis' view.
"I favor leveraging the $2.7 million the state has pledged to us. That means essentially I favor the one on Elm Street, because if we go to Spofford the grant goes away," he said. "If someone's going to pay 40 to 50 percent of my building costs, I would like to pursue that."
The Elm Street site could even be redesigned to incorporate a new senior center, Kraunelis said.
Voters will decide other contested races, with Peter Morbeck, Katherine Quackenbush and Robert Hazelwood each trying to secure two seats on the library Board of Trustees for a three-year term. Joseph J. McDonough is challenging J. Mark Balding to be constable of East Parish.
Voters will also have to fill positions on the Board of Health and Board of Assessors through write-in candidates. Richard F. Taylor is running for re-election to a three-year Board of Health term, but no one filed to run for the second seat.
The election will run from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Spofford Pond School.
Leo Kraunelis
Age: 45
Address: 11 Meeting Place Circle; Boxford resident for 13 years
Education: Bachelor's in physics from Bowdoin College
Family: Wife Wendy; daughter Katie, 15, and son Jay, 12
Occupation: Financial services and insurance broker
Previous offices or involvements: Ran for selectman last year. Coach with Boxford Athletic Association, runs a division of the Little League and is co-director of a road race.
Last book read: "The Testament" by John Grisham
Hobbies: Running, biking, golf, swimming, tennis, skiing, woodworking
Stephen Davis
Age: 70
Address: 8 Kimball Road; Boxford resident for 37 years
Education: Harvard College and Tufts Medical School
Family: Wife Carole; two grown children, Justin and Nicole
Occupation: Retired pediatrician
Previous offices or involvements: Finishing third year on Board of Selectmen. Served 13 years on Finance Committee and two years on Serial Bond Committee. Served on a K-12 Masconomet study committee in the 1980s, Department of Public Works building committee last three years, Lincoln Hall building committee to present, Rail to Trail Committee, Boxford Trails Association/Boxford Open Land Trust for 16 years, Boy Scout Troop leader seven years. Leads hikes for two organizations.
Last book read: "Stranger in Paradise" by Robert Parker
Hobbies: Golf, skiing, hiking, gardening
