SOUTHWICK – Three candidates for one seat on the Board of Water Commissioners met this week with the Board of Selectmen and Commission Chairman Luther Hosmer.
John Cashman, David LaBombard and David Mexzywor all applied for the term, vacated by the death of Commissioner Peter Jakobowski.
Cashman said he has been interested in the commission for several years and intended to run last time there were openings.
“At the time Luther (Hosmer) and Eddie (Johnson) were running and they were qualified and I didn’t want to run against them,” Cashman said. “When this position became open I decided to continue my pursuit.”
A former town firefighter and Army veteran, Cashman called the seat “an important position to control the quality of water and maintain the system.”
LaBombard is a former Department of Public Works employee who retired after 19 years because of a medical condition. Familiar with the water department, LaBombard said he would “work well” with the other commissioners. He said he was encouraged to run by his former colleagues.
“Several of the guys in the water department asked me if I would be interested (in the seat) and I said absolutely.”
Mexzywor is the son-in-law of the late Jakobowski. Wanting to continue Jakobowski’s legacy of service, he said his municipal experience includes serving on the Russell Planning Board for more than a year during a crucial time when there was interest in a biomass plant opening in the town.
“I learned very valuable lessons,” Mexzywor said. “I don’t have a lot of experience with the water supply, but I do have planning board experience.”
Mexzywor also brings with him a technical background and the ability to sift through technical data, as well as experience managing large budgets.
The selectmen agreed to speak with Hosmer at its June 17 meeting after taking a week to consider the applicants.
“I think it’s a difficult decision,” said Selectwoman Tracy Cesan.
The board could select a commissioner next Monday.
