Please list any experience on other boards, committees or organizations.
Town Council, Finance, Bylaw and Communication and Transparency Subcommittees, Board of Public Works, Historical Commission, Representative Town Meeting.
Why are you running for this position?
I am running for Town Council to continue to represent all the residents of North Attleborough, to provide them with the best possible services at the lowest possible costs, and to keep the town moving forward. We have made tremendous strides since the first council in 2019 and I want to be a part of continuing that progress.
If elected, what issues would you like to focus on?
Some of the issues that are important to the town are: economic development; affordable housing; the 10 Mile River; the rising cost of health care and its impact on the town’s budget. These are at the top of the list of issues the next Town Council will have to deal with.
What sets you apart from other candidates?
My biggest strength as a councilor is my preparation for the job. It’s not good enough to show up to meetings. A councilor must have done their homework on the issues we’ll be asked to vote on. I also believe it’s important for councilors to know what’s going on with other boards in town, such as Planning, Zoning and the School Committee, as very often issues that start on those committees end up at council. That means watching those meetings, in addition to attending council and subcommittee meetings. It is an enormous commitment of time but I feel that it’s essential to doing the job.
What are some areas that the town has improved upon and what, in your opinion, remains to be done?
The town’s financial position has improved dramatically since the passage of the override in 2018. By working together, the Town Council and the administration have increased the balance in the general stabilization (“rainy day”) fund; created capital projects and special education stabilization funds; and put the town on the verge of a AAA credit rating. Where we have fallen short is in commercial economic development. We have gone from 80% residential and 20% commercial to 90%/10%, which is the wrong direction. We must get better at attracting businesses to the town to provide relief to residential taxpayers.
Being part of a board requires one to be a team player. Does your background lend you to working well in this environment?
Absolutely. Teamwork and collaboration are essential to being successful as a councilor. Most decisions must have a majority (five members) to pass, and some need two-thirds, or six members. It is impossible to have any success alone. Being combative and adversarial is not productive. The council must work collaboratively with the administration, with department heads, and with the School Department. I have proven over my almost three years on the council that I can and will work with others for the best interest of the town of North Attleborough.