Please list any experience on other boards, committees or organizations.
School Committee, 2019-2023; Town Council, 2023-present; Member of Finance and Economic Growth and Sustainability Subcommittees
Why are you running for this position?
I believe North Attleborough has no way to go but forward, and that requires that the people’s representatives commit to a thoughtful and substantial dialogue to keep our town moving in the right direction and not move backwards. We must think holistically and not fall for rash, simplistic solutions that might sound good on paper without considering the full impact. It is also highly rewarding to witness firsthand how local government truly can help people, and I would be honored to continue being a part of that for a second term on Town Council.
If elected, what issues would you like to focus on?
Bringing in new growth, be it residential or commercial, will be crucial to generating new revenue and ensuring the total tax levy is spread across as many properties as possible, thus keeping the burden as low as possible on individual home and business owners. This will be especially important if the high school debt exclusion passes. We also need to find ways to provide tax relief to seniors on fixed incomes, regardless of whether the school is approved or not. There has to be a balance between attracting new residents and keeping longtime residents in town.
What sets you apart from other candidates?
I am the youngest candidate and councilor, so I represent the generation with the most at stake in the future. As the only incumbent councilor and one of just two candidates to have been a voting member of the School Committee, I can continue to use that experience to foster collaboration between the town and schools to ensure we meet as many of their needs as possible, whether the high school gets approved or not.
What are some areas that the town has improved upon and what, in your opinion, remains to be done?
The AA+ bond rating from S&P is a huge milestone for the town, reflecting fiscal responsibility and the town’s commitment to sound financial stewardship. The new Senior Center/regional food distribution center is a historic investment in our town, and with the help of the state and federal governments, all our wells are either at or well on their way to meeting undetectable PFAS levels. The lack of housing availability remains a problem. We should focus on repurposing vacant and/or dilapidated structures into new opportunities for housing, business and recreation.
Being part of a board requires one to be a team player. Does your background lend you to work well in this environment?
I think anyone who knows me personally knows I am a middle-of-the-road guy who just wants government to work for people — that starts with local government, which affects our daily lives more than the president, Congress, or State House. As Tip O’Neill once said, “all politics is local.” Ninety-five percent of any representative’s job is to listen, both to their constituents and their colleagues. My day job working for a disability law firm is also heavily focused on close collaboration with colleagues to determine how we can most effectively assist our clients, most of whom are disabled veterans.
