VINEETH HEMAVATHI 

I'm running for re-election to the Longmeadow Select Board! Over the past 3 years, I've been proud to be a leading voice in improving our roads and water mains, rebuilding our playgrounds and schools, and tackling all of the infrastructure that's been neglected for so long. I also spoke up to ensure our firefighters got the pay that they deserved and to ensure every senior that wanted to take advantage of property tax relief programs got the chance to do so.

When I was Chair, I stood up for the dignity of all of our residents, and together we showed Western MA what Longmeadow's values truly are. And I stood with our small business owners to update outdated laws that hurt them.

We've done so much, but there is so much more to do. I need your vote on June 2nd because we need to build the infrastructure of tomorrow, make more tough decisions, and set Longmeadow up for success for the next 100 years.

NICOLE CHOINIERE

Fourteen years ago, I moved to Longmeadow with my husband and our three young children because we loved the town’s sense of community, excellent schools, public library programs, and spaces for walking and biking. Throughout the years, I’ve supported the schools in a variety of ways: as a parent volunteer in the Center School library, on the board of directors for LEEF, and, for the past six years, as a school committee member. Our children are grown now — the oldest a college graduate building her career and the two younger ones off enjoying their own college years. We are so grateful to the community of family, friends, and educators who shaped their lives in countless ways over the years.

As a history teacher in a neighboring community, I teach my students about the importance of civic engagement – but these values are not merely academic to me. I know from my years of experience on the school committee that a successful and supportive education system depends upon the knowledge and cooperation of many people. School committee work is intense and multi-faceted, and I’ve been impressed by the people with whom I work every week and proud of what we’ve accomplished together. 

Every day, our educators and families work together to keep academic and emotional growth at the heart of our children’s learning. It’s been my privilege to represent the community and support that essential work. My years on the committee, working alongside a talented and supportive group of people, have helped me to acquire meaningful experience and expertise. I’ve learned a lot about how the educational system in Longmeadow works, from state and local funding to classroom curriculum, from building initiatives to contract negotiations. It would be my pleasure to continue serving the town and applying what I’ve learned for the sustained improvement of our children’s future.

MATT CASALE 

I am a five-year resident of Longmeadow with a history of political and issue-based advocacy in Massachusetts and across the country. I have two kids in the Longmeadow public school system and am committed to helping our town maintain excellence in our public schools. 

At work, I am the Managing Director of States and Regions at a national non-profit where I manage several budgets, always making the most out of limited funding. I am a lawyer by education, but have always worked in politics, policy, and public interest advocacy.

I am proud to now be running for School Committee in Longmeadow. I want to use my experience and my passion to give back to the community that has welcomed me, and help ensure that we continue to provide an exceptional education for our kids.