Even though there are no contested races in Mattapoisett’s upcoming election, several candidates spoke on Sunday about why they want to serve.

Held in the Mattapoisett Public Library, the second annual candidates meet and greet event was sponsored by the Tri-Town League of Women Voters. The league promotes civic and educational initiatives in the tri-town.

“You may have seen the league’s bumper stickers around town: ‘Democracy is not a spectator sport,’” said league member Rebecca McCullough.

Five candidates for seats on the Board of Selectmen, the Water and Sewer Commission, the Library Trustees as well as town moderator and highway surveyor spoke.

If re-elected, Selectman Paul Silva would serve a third term.

Semi-retired from the cable industry since 2000, Silva said he was proud of several board accomplishments over the past few years.

During that time, the board restructured town employee health benefit payments. Previously, employees paid 25 percent of health insurance costs while the town paid the remainder. After seeking approval from the state, new employees must share health costs 50-50 with the town. Benefits for employees hired before the switch remain the same.

The board also increased the town’s stabilization fund, otherwise known as the rainy day account, from $1 million to $3 million.

Highway Surveyor Barry Denham said he hopes voters send him back to a job he loves.

“I’ve enjoyed doing this job more than anything I’ve done in my life,” Denham said.

If re-elected, this would be Denham’s fourth term.

He said the Highway Department and the Water and Sewer Commissioners have pooled resources for the first time recently.

“This year we’re attempting to work together,” he said. “That brings savings on engineering costs.”

Al Mennino, the Water and Sewer Commission candidate, agreed, saying the two groups collaborated more.

This is Mennino’s second run for the commission after serving one three-year term.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting involved with the process,” he said. “There is a learning curve.”

He said voters should be commended for supporting the commission’s efforts to preserve open space near town wells, which preserves water quality.

Amy Lignitz-Harken, the pastor at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, is seeking one of two open seats as Trustee of the Public Library.

Lignitz-Harken and her husband moved to Mattapoisett four years ago.

As a former journalist, she said the library’s mission of making sure information is available to everyone is important to her.

“Dissemination of information has long been near and dear to my heart,” Lignitz-Harken said.

Town Moderator Jack Eklund is seeking a 13th term. Unlike the other positions, the town moderator seat is up for re-election every year.

“It’s a great honor to have the faith of the community,” he said.

Mattapoisett’s Town Election is set for May 19. Polling takes place in Old Hammondtown School from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.