Veteran Adams Selectman John Duval Quits After Election
ADAMS, Mass. — Longtime Selectman John Duval abruptly resigned Wednesday, hours before the new board was about to meet.
Duval's departure two years into his three-year term came after Kelly Rice's defeat of Christine Hoyt on Monday.
Rice, who retired as town treasurer after 12 years on the May 4, the day of the election, polled a decisive victory against the three-term Hoyt, giving an indication of the dissatisfaction of voters and the future direction of the board
Duval and Hoyt had frequently served either as chair and vice chair over the years and often — but not always — voted in tandem.
Duval's departure was announced during the Selectmen's meeting on Wednesday night. He had served on the board for more than a decade, first being elected in 2012. He was chair of the board at his resignation. He also spent 17 years serving on the Hoosac Valley Regional School Committee and representing Adams on the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission until last year.
He was a systems engineer at General Dynamics before his retirement last year.
Wednesday's meeting was the annual board restructuring, with Jay Meczywor elected as chair and Ann Bartlett as vice chair.
"It was an unforeseen situation. Just want to thank John for all of his work with the town as well," Meczywor said.
Meczywor also thanked Hoyt for her nine years of "dedicated service" to the town and welcomed Rice to the board.
"She was a tireless advocate for the town of Adams, both at the state and local level. So, I just want to thank her for her time here," Meczywor said.
The board will be discussing how to address the vacancy left behind by Duval at the May 20 meeting after reviewing its options.
The town could hold a special election to fill the final year of Duval's term, or operate with four members until the next annual town election.
iBerkshires has reached out to Duval for comment.
However, he posted on his Facebook page just before the meeting started that:
I decided to step down today from the Town of Adams Board of Selectmen after 30+ years of public elected service. I was in the arena for 17 years on the School Committee and 14 years as Selectmen.
I have retired from work, stepped down from the BRPC after 10 years of service and select board member was my final role.
It was a difficult decision but made easier knowing I will be able to spend more time with my family (Patriot Football games!) and especially with my four grandchildren.
Thank you to all that have supported me over the years during elections or just lent an ear when needed.
And rest easy my friends Skip Harrington and Jim Bush. I still miss you both.
Best wishes to the current bord [sic] of selectmen, Town Administrator Nick Caccamo, the soul of the town of Adams Donna Cesan and the folks of my hometown, Adams.
I am now 100% retired!
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