League of Women Voters Hosts Candidate Forum for Hull's Upcoming Election
Candidates for select board and school committee positions present their platforms and answer questions ahead of May 19 vote
HINGHAM - May 1 - The Hingham League of Women Voters hosts a candidate forum at Hull High School, giving residents an opportunity to hear from those running for various town positions in the upcoming May 19 election. The event showcases candidates for contested races including select board and school committee positions.
Elizabeth Forster-Nolan of Weymouth serves as moderator for the evening, explaining that the League's rules require a non-resident moderator to maintain impartiality. The forum begins with statements from uncontested candidates before moving to the contested races.
"The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that encourages citizens to take an active and informed role in government," explains the League representative in her opening remarks. "We do not support or oppose particular candidates or political parties."
The select board race features three candidates vying for positions: incumbent Brian McCarthy, incumbent Irwin Nesoff, and newcomer Christopher Niland.
McCarthy, seeking re-election, highlights his two years of service on the board. "I have tried to be a proactive member and somebody who really cares about the quality of the day-to-day life of my fellow Hullonians," he says. "I think one of my strong points is that I listen first and speak second if needed."
Nesoff, who holds a doctorate in social work, emphasizes his experience managing large budgets. "Before moving to Massachusetts I ran a large nonprofit in New York City whose budget was about the same size as our town's budget," he notes. He also mentions his monthly newsletter that goes to over 400 residents as part of his commitment to transparency.
Niland, a 31-year-old lifelong Hull resident, positions himself as representing the future of the town. "We are facing many decisions, big ones that will have lasting impacts on Hull for many years in the future," he says. "I look at these things from the perspective of someone who plans to be living here in Hull for those many years."
When asked about their vision for a thriving Hull, the candidates offer different perspectives. McCarthy expresses concern about upcoming major expenditures for projects like the DPW and Hull Light buildings, emphasizing the need to ensure elderly residents can afford to remain in town.
Nesoff focuses on creating "a thriving welcoming community where all people feel comfortable and welcomed," highlighting the importance of attracting young families to maintain school enrollment and developing affordable housing options.
Niland cautions against overdevelopment, stating, "I don't think that we need to continually build more condos and take up all the space that we have that is free to the community."
The school committee race features candidates Brendan Kilroe and Ernest Minelli competing for a three-year term, while Courtney Littlefield runs unopposed for a one-year unexpired vacancy.
Kilroe, who works as chief information officer for a company that runs 280 schools across 11 states, says he decided to run after his son told him friends were leaving Hull schools for other options. "I'm passionate about change, and I think you cannot change a town or change perspective without focusing on the one thing, and the one thing is the children," he states.
Minelli, who previously served on the school committee from 2020 to 2024, emphasizes his experience and existing relationships with school administrators. "I have pre-existing lines of communication that are very strong with central office, with members of the community, with the leadership team," he says.
When asked about the biggest challenges facing Hull public schools, both candidates identify student retention as a critical issue. Kilroe also mentions cost containment, while Minelli emphasizes the importance of retaining quality faculty who "have to drive through other towns where sometimes the salaries are augmented compared to ours."
On the topic of school budgeting, Kilroe highlights his experience managing large budgets in his professional role. "I manage billions of dollars in budget every year," he says, adding that his focus remains on educational outcomes. "I want kids to be prepared for life, whether they're going to be a plumber, go to Harvard, do whatever they want to do."
Minelli points to his previous experience on both the advisory board and school committee. "Four years of service on the school committee, dealing with budgets, and dealing with the realities that were presented to us by central office staff," he notes as qualifications.
The forum also includes presentations from candidates for other positions including town moderator, town clerk, planning board, library trustees, and housing authority.
Town Moderator George Boylen, running unopposed, highlights his six years of service and efforts to increase town meeting attendance. Town Clerk Lori West, also unopposed, notes her achievements in modernizing the office with 90 percent of services now available online.
The election is scheduled for Monday, May 19, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Hull High School. Town meeting is set for May 5.
"Democracy is not a spectator sport," concludes the moderator, encouraging all residents to participate in the upcoming election.
Full forum available via Hull TV with more information available from the League of Women Voters.