Brentwood candidate forum centers on taxes, housing and schools ahead of March votes

A candidate forum at the Mary Bartlett Library drew candidates for town and school offices and a steady audience who pressed contenders about taxes, housing, school programs and local services.

The forum was organized and moderated by Melissa Hamlin, the town moderator, and opened by Janice, director of the Mary Bartlett Library. Incumbents and challengers introduced themselves and then answered audience questions. Candidates included Melody Santos (library trustee), Linda Gary (trustee of the trust funds; statement read by the moderator), Jim Hajar (municipal budget committee), Michelle Sudet (municipal budget committee), George Koch (municipal budget committee), Stephanie Kaza (planning board), Brett Randstone (planning board), Ryan Hansen (planning board), Jennifer Jones (select board chair, running unopposed), multiple Swayze School Board candidates including Kate Bonifete and Mark Hennick, and candidates for the SAU 16 cooperative board and advisory committees such as Neil Blake, Mike Mackey, Joe Pace and Brian Duffy.

Why it matters: Voters will decide several local offices on March 11 and will vote at town meeting March 15 on warrant articles that could affect next year’s tax rate. Speakers and audience members pressed candidates to explain how they would approach the town’s near-term budget choices and long-term growth and services.

Candidates' priorities and background details

Melody Santos, seeking…