Candidates Forum

Prepared Statements for the Brewster Candidates Forum - May 8, 2014

Opening Statement

I am running for reelection to the Brewster Board of Selectmen to continue the progress we have made over the last three years. I’d like to summarize five main areas.

First, we have succeeded in improving the long-term planning of the town. • We have created a five year budget outlook to guide our planning.
• We have revised the Capital Plan by-law to included its presentation to town meeting.
• We reconstituted the Building and Needs Assessment Committee to address the condition of our town facilities.
• We have also initiated a Government Study committee to review the structure of our town government with our long-term needs in mind.

Second, we have improved the budget process. In addition to the five-year outlook,
• We have revised the process to begin with a joint presentation to the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee.
• We have better cooperation between the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee during the budget review.
• We have adopted electronic budget documents that are available to the public online.

Third, we have improved public access to the town government process - its transparency.
• Meeting packets and FYI items are now posted online.
• Future agenda items are now openly discussed each week.
• Many public forums have been held on issues - especially by the Building and Needs Assessment Committee.

Fourth, we have made progress on town environmental issues.
• The Comprehensive Water Planning Committee has done great work on wastewater issues.
• We have continued town solar development, especially on the landfill.
• We have implemented Pay As You Throw increasing recycling and reducing solid waste.
• We have continued to acquire open space to protect water quality and preserve the rural character of the town

Fifth, we have made progress on improving the business climate.
• Cooperation between businesses and the town has improved, for example on the development of a Special Events process.
• There has also been more cooperative process reviewing by-laws, as seen in the sign by-law that just passed at town meeting.
• Also we have begun reviewing the state’s plans to reconstruct Route 6A to try to improve the business conditions in downtown Brewster.

Many of these projects are ongoing, There is much more work to be done, and this is what I’d like to see happen over the next three years.
• Complete the renovation of the Stony Brook and Eddy schools.
• Bring the fire house project to a successful conclusion.
• Develop the campus concept at the Council on Aging, planning for a possible future annex.
• Address the long term needs of the Natural Resources Department.
• Work on long-term revenue sources for the town.
• Complete the pavement management study and adopt a long-term approach to our roads.
• Continue efforts to expand affordable housing.
• Work on creating better pedestrian and bike accommodations in downtown Brewster.
• Develop a long-term beach management plan.
• Adopt a plan to improve the water quality of our ponds.
• Continue pursuing alternative energy and preserving open space.
• Complete the Comprehensive Water Planning process.
• Complete the Government Study process.

Right now, I believe we are fortunate to have a very effective Board of Selectmen working on these issues. I wish to continue with the board and further our work in these areas. This is why I am running for re-election.

Closing Statement

Thanks again to Steve Liebowitz and the Brewster Democrats for this debate, and thanks to all of you here and at home for being engaged in this year’s campaign.

As I said earlier, I believe that Brewster is making progress in many important ways. And I am running for reelection to keep Brewster moving forward.

I want to conclude by picking up on a theme from the Brewster Goes Green event last week - Brewster is a special town. I know of no place that has a stronger community spirit, or that is as positively engaged together in our town’s progress. As Rich Eldred wrote in his town meeting article this week - “What an agreeable town Brewster is.” I couldn't agree more.

This week’s town meeting I think was an affirmation of the approach that we as a Board of Selectmen and as a town have taken these last few years. The articles, budgets, major projects that we brought forward have been developed in a public and thorough manner, such that the town was willing to support these efforts.

Finally, I want to thank the citizens of the town for their support over the last three years. The progress we have made would not be possible without the efforts of the many dedicated staff and volunteers that serve the town, and the engagement of all of you who attend, participate, and vote. I am hopeful that we will see the same support at the election on May 20, and I ask for your vote for re-election. Thank you.