This article is Part 1 of a six-part Town Hall Times series breaking down the 2026 Town Meeting ballot. Each installment provides a summary of the warrant articles to help residents review information prior to Election Day on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Article 01: Election of Town Officers

Article 01 asks voters to choose Town Officers for the ensuing year. These positions serve various roles in Salem’s local government and are elected for the terms indicated below.

The following candidates will appear on the ballot:

Town Council (Three positions, 3-year terms)

The Town Council serves as Salem’s governing body and is responsible for setting policy and adopting the budget.

• DJ Bettencourt
• Cathy Stacey
• Joe Sweeney

Budget Committee (Two positions, 3-year terms)

The Budget Committee reviews the proposed operating budget and makes recommendations to voters.

• Steven Goddu
• Dane Hoover

Moderator (One position, 2-year term)

The Moderator presides over Town Meeting sessions and ensures the orderly conduct of voting.

• Bernard Campbell

Library Trustee (One position, 3-year term)

Library Trustees oversee the Kelley Library’s policies, budget, and long-term planning.

• David Hickernell

Trustee of the Trust Funds (One position, 3-year term)

The Trustee of the Trust Funds manages and invests certain Town trust funds in accordance with state law.

• Warren Morrison

Planning Board (Two positions, 3-year terms)

The Planning Board reviews development proposals guides long-range planning and makes recommendations to the Town Council for adoption of zoning ordinances.

• Bianca Carlson
• Joseph Feole

Supervisor of the Checklist (One position, 6-year term)

Supervisors of the Checklist maintain and update the Town’s voter registration list.

• Luanne David
• Corinne Gordon
• Jessica Wachsman

Town Treasurer (One position, 3-year term)

The Town Treasurer manages the custody and disbursement of Town funds.

• John Sytek

Town Clerk (One position, 3-year term)

The Town Clerk maintains official Town records and administers elections, licensing, and vital records.

• Jeffrey Hatch
• Nicole Morse

Tax Collector (One position, 3-year term)

The Tax Collector is responsible for collecting property taxes and other municipal payments.

• Martha Breen

Zoning Board of Adjustment (Two positions, 3-year terms)

The Zoning Board of Adjustment hears and decides requests for variances from the Zoning Ordinance and appeals related to zoning decisions.

• Daniel Guild
• Claire Karibian

Voters will select candidates for each listed office on the official ballot. Residents seeking additional election information, including polling locations and hours, are encouraged to visit the Town’s Election Information page.

Part 2 of 6 of this series will review the proposed Charter Amendments appearing on the 2026 Town Meeting ballot.