a couple of Selectmen candidates
January 17, 2008
Two individuals have already taken out papers, expressing an interest in challenging for the Board of Selectmen seat currently held by Mark Oliari. (At this point, it is not clear if Mark will run for re-election.) I excerpted from emails both candidates have circulated:
MICHAEL DEMOS
Bridgewater will be faced with many challenges during the upcoming year. The budget projections, just like
the previous six years, are not positive. In fact, this year could prove to be even more challenging.
With limited resources available, zero cash reserves, and a bond rating that has been steadily declining over the past five years, issues like the de-certification of our town library and high school will need to be addressed with creative, viable, solutions. My experience on the Advisory Board, in depth knowledge of fiscal policy and familiarity of the town’s affairs will allow me to accomplish these things on the Board of Selectmen.
Rather than focus on divisive politics that turn neighbor against neighbor, we should be focused on finding a way to meet our community’s needs. In an environment of limited funding, tax dollars must be spent where they do the most good for public safety and education. We shouldn’t have to experience anguish every budget season to choose one over the other.
The people’s business cannot be conducted in secrecy to avoid unpopular decisions, especially when those decisions involve the allocation of the taxpayers’ hard earned money. We must have transparent government that works for the greater good of our community. Unresponsive leadership results in misinformed residents by which turn people away from the decision making process. Our right to participate in the governmental process must never be compromised!
MARILEE KENNEY-HUNT
As you might already know, my family and I have been active members of the Bridgewater community for over 20 years. Our 4 children are B-R graduates and both my husband and I have served on numerous committees and boards. Among other things, I have served or serve on:
· a recycling committee to assure that we had recycling capacity at the transfer station;
· the site committee for the “new elementary school”---for 5 years (before it was named the Mitchell School );
· the Bridgewater School Study Committee, as chair;
· the Bridgewater Improvement Association
· the Citizens for a Better Bridgewater, as vice-chair; and
· the Community Preservation Committee, as chair.
My bottom line philosophy is that government must be Reasonable, Responsible and Responsive. That cannot happen when a town’s boards/committees and employees lack communication with and respect for each other. My personal and professional reputation is built on coalition building. I pledge to work to end the divisiveness. It is time for healing; for working together to address the serious needs of the town we chose as our home.
I am a professional public servant. I have never sought a career or volunteer opportunity outside of public service or a private non-profit organization. I enjoy the challenge of listening to diverse opinions and working toward solutions that bring positive solutions.
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