My name is Irwin Nesoff and I am running for reelection to the Hull Select Board. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve our town as a selectperson for three years, and as chair for the last year.

I bring a wealth of experience to the position, and I would like to continue to use my knowledge and experience in service to our town. In addition to the select board, I previously served on the planning board and the Hull Artists board of directors, and currently serve on the affordable housing committee.

In my professional career, I worked in the nonprofit social-service sector for more than 20 years, including as executive director of a large social-service organization and as director of the Bureau of Community Services for the NYC Department for the Aging, where I oversaw all senior services throughout NYC, responsible for a budget of more than $300 million. When I relocated to Massachusetts 17 years ago with my wife, Paula, we knew Hull was where we wanted to live. I retired from the faculty of Wheelock College, where I chaired the Department of Leadership and Policy. In this role, I developed and implemented a master’s degree in organizational leadership.

Citizen input and open government are values I take seriously. For this input to be most effective, an understanding of how town government works is necessary. Therefore, if reelected, I will be proposing the creation of a “citizens’ academy” here in Hull. Modeled on successful efforts in other towns, residents will be invited to participate in a program covering all aspects of town government. The more knowledgeable our citizenry, the more participation and positive impact they can have on the future of our town. Additionally, I send out a monthly newsletter with information about our town. If you would like to receive this newsletter, or if you have any questions for me, please email me at nesoffforhull@gmail.com.

There are many opportunities to participate in the future of our town, not only through elected office, but through town committees and boards. These help to inform the select board and town management about issues impacting Hull and ways of addressing these. Our town works best when residents are involved. We all have a voice, and I encourage all to use it in ways to positively impact our town.

We are living in uncertain times, facing challenges with looming budget cuts at the federal and state levels, and changes in federal regulations. With reductions in federal funding, we will face more competition for fewer available dollars. It is in these uncertain times that we need leaders with the experience and knowledge to address the challenges we will be facing. I will use my experience and knowledge to be a vital part of helping Hull to be the best it can in this challenging time.

I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on the select board, town committees and residents to continue to “Move Hull Forward.”

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