After 28 years on the Board of Health, five years as chair, Helaine Hazlett announced Tuesday night that she will not seek re-election this June.
In 2024, Town Meeting voters approved expanding the Board of Health from three to five members this election cycle, but an administrative snafu delayed that change until June 2026. Hazlett is the only member up for re-election this year.
“I’m proud of the numerous accomplishments the Board of Health has made during the almost three decades I have served,” Hazlett said. “The one of which I am most proud, and certainly the most challenging, was working with my Board of Health colleagues and director (Andrew) Petty guiding the town through the COVID-19 pandemic. During that difficult time, the board met weekly on Zoom as we navigated our way through protocols and decisions, following the Commonwealth’s guidelines regarding masking, distancing, outdoor dining, vaccinations, testing and record keeping.”
Hazlett continued: “When mental health issues began escalating with isolation, childcare needs, lack of work and food insecurity, starting to affect so many residents, the Board of Health established the Mental Health Task Force.”
Before joining the Board of Health, Hazlett served nine years on the School Committee. She will continue as chair of the Task Force Against Discrimination.
Candidates can pull papers on March 17 to run for many town boards and committees.
