Cindy Russo and Bob Eubank, the two candidates for Town Moderator, told the Press this week that they are looking forward to an opportunity to continue serving the town. Each hopes to get the nod from voters at the Sept. 16 special election.

Cindy Russo (File photo)

Russo has been involved in town government since 1995, when she served on the Planning Board. Her experience also includes time on the Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee. She resigned from the Finance Committee in December.

“I’ve always really enjoyed town government, but I no longer wanted to be involved in politics,” she said in an e-mail to the Press. “As moderator, I would have the opportunity to serve the town in a non-policy-making, nonpolitical way.”

Russo added that her background as an attorney and her experience chairing town boards would help her with that responsibility.

Eubank, who served the town most recently on the Board of Selectmen and is the executive director of the Northeast Human Resources Association, said in a telephone interview this week that when he heard David “Doc” Westerling was stepping down as moderator, “It captured my interest…as a way to continue my volunteer service to the town.”

Bob Eubank (File photo)

He emphasized the importance of the moderator’s role in leading Town Meeting, and noted that the moderator also plays a central role in the selection of the Finance Committee.

“I look forward to being able to do that and do it reasonably well,” he said.

Eubank acknowledged the fine line the moderator walks in allowing voters to have their say while preventing anyone from monopolizing the meeting.

“I thought Doc did a great job in letting people speak their minds…but keeping things on track,” he said.

“The moderator sets the tone for Town Meeting,” said Eubank, noting that the moderator is responsible for “ensuring that Town Meeting is a reflection of the democratic process.”

Town Meeting, he said, is an important part of the history of democracy in Harvard.

Russo echoed that sentiment.

“I really appreciate the tradition of the Town Meeting, and it would be a huge honor to preside over it as moderator,” she said.