Why are you running for this position?
We’ve accomplished a lot over the last six years. Eight years ago, North Attleborough’s financial health was a mess. Allen Avenue School was shut down; fire stations reduced hours. Today, things have changed. We are on the verge of a AAA bond rating, we are opening a new Senior Center, we covered a nearly $3M hit to our budget due to the new Tri-County School without raising taxes, all the elementary schools have playgrounds, public parks/fields are in better shape than ever, and we’ve fixed the PFAS problem. I don’t want to go backwards. There is unfinished work.
If elected, what issues would you like to focus on?
As I mentioned above, there is unfinished work. Some classes are being held at the new Senior Center, but we need to complete the project. The town’s drinking water meets MA DEP standards, but there is more work to be done to be ready for the 2029 federal standards. Our bond rating is AA+, but we need to get it to AAA. Lest we forget about the new high school project, and the upkeep on all our existing elementary schools. And, finally, let’s finish those fields up at High Street.
What sets you apart from other candidates?
I’ve been fortunate to be the vice president and two-time president of Town Council over six years. Prior to that I spent one year as a selectman. That’s leadership experience. However, the council is a nine-member body, and it is all about TEAM. I played sports as a kid growing up, then in high school, and I played football in college. Today I coach youth sports (softball, baseball, basketball and football), and I absolutely love it! I bring a TEAM mentality to council. It’s not about me. It’s about TEAM success in executing our shared vision in serving our town.
What are some areas that the town has improved upon and what, in your opinion, remains to be done?
Our financial situation has dramatically improved from where it was eight years ago. We have enacted fiscally responsible policies and developed and nurtured relationships with state/federal representatives, who have brought dollars into town, and we’ve spent that money wisely. We solved the PFAS problem, made significant investments in 10-Mile River flood mitigation, ensured every school has a playground, updated parks and fields throughout town, dramatically expanded senior tax exemptions, we are turning 451 Elm St. into a new Senior Center, and more. Of note—we’ve done all that while keeping taxes low compared to all our neighboring communities.
Being part of a board requires one to be a team player. Does your background lend you to working well in this environment?
I live my life with the belief that if my team is successful, I am successful. We are all on a lot of different “teams.” Family, faith, our jobs, classrooms, social groups, sports teams, etc. I believe that today, the Town Council is more of a team than it ever has been before. While there will always be bumps in the road, I believe the vast majority of councilors are rowing in the same direction, leveraging their skills and passions for the betterment of the town we all love—town above self—and with tremendous results!
