Just over two dozen Temple residents turned out Thursday evening to hear candidates in Tuesday’s election make their cases. 

The one contested contest in town is for seats on the Budget Advisory Committee, where three people are vying for two seats. Local businesswoman Amy Cabana told the Town Hall audience that she first immersed herself in municipal finances when she became involved in a school bonding effort while living in Wilton.

“I’ve served on Temple’s recreation committee and on the Highway Garage Study Group,” she said, adding that on the BAC, her goals would include working for consistency in the town’s tax rates. “I’d like to keep our town as affordable as possible.”

Gail Cromwell is asking to be returned to the BAC, having served on it for six years. 

“We all have assignments on the Budget Committee, focusing on one particular aspect of the town’s operations,” she said, noting that this year, their work resulted in a smaller budget than the previous year. “We produced a budget that is actually down 2% from the year before.”

Incumbent Robert Kenney could not attend the forum, but provided a letter read by Moderator Bruce Kullgren, Jr.. In the letter, Kenney noted his business background and that as part of the BAC, he has helped to deliver a balanced budget to the town.

The two candidates for the two three-year seats on the Planning Board spoke. Matt Cabana noted his background as a real estate broker providing him with experience working with developers, and cited affordable housing as one of his priorities for Temple.

Jim Medeiros is an alternate on the board. A retired member of the military, he noted that he enjoys Temple so much he encouraged his son to move there with his five children. 

Kathy Boot asked the candidates whether their visions for Temple include a proliferation of starter homes that would alter the small town character of the town. Both candidates responded that development in town should accommodate those who might be seeking starter homes. 

“We need to find a way to make housing more affordable,” said Cabana, referring to the presence of fewer young families in town by adding, “When I was coaching baseball in town, I had 19 kids on the team. That doesn’t happen anymore.”

Medeiros said, “I’d like to find a way for my teenage grandchildren to be able to stay here.”

Running unopposed for fire engineer,  William Wildes noted that by working with Chief George Clark, the town has saved $600,000 by borrowing a fire truck from the state rather than purchasing one. 

Running unopposed for a Zoning Board of Adjustment seat, current ZBA Vice Chair Allan Pickman said that his construction background is useful on the board.

Gretchen Whitcomb is running unopposed to be reelected as a Library Trustee. Select Board member George Willard is also seeking another term.

When the candidates finished, Jim Kingston, Temple’s representative to ConVal School Board, was asked to speak about the questions on the school district ballot that voters will consider. Regarding the district budget, Kingston said “$61 million -- I don’t like it, but I recommend you vote for it. It’s big, but like an aircraft carrier, you can’t turn it around quickly. Our mandated expenses are huge.”

Kingston said that the 25% increase in health insurance for the district is a particular burden, and cited inflexibility on the part of the teachers’ negotiators as part of the reason. 

“As long as the teachers only let us get health insurance through one vendor, and not let the district shop around for benefits … it’s unsustainable,” he said. 

Regarding the questions of Francetown and Dublin withdrawing from the district, Kingston noted two likely realities if the towns leave.

“Francestown and Dublin will each save money. And it will cost us about a 6% increase in our school tax,” he said.  “Allowing those towns to make their own decisions about their futures is only fair. That’s not the ConVal School Board’s opinion - that’s mine.”

Voting in Temple is on Tuesday March 11 7 a.m. t 7 p.m. in the Main Room at Town Hall.