In-Town Report 4-5-2009
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In Town Report Election Special April 5th 2009
Transcript of In-Town Report 4-5-2009
In-Town ReportElection Special
04/05/2009
This week:
Back To The FutureThe Godfather’s forumShorthand NewsHold that PlantSlow Growth? Smart Growth? Reform? Repeal?Mudslinging at the 40B CorralThe Final LapIn Closing
Sign Holding Photos by: T.Christiano
CClliicckkCClliicckkHHeerree HHeerree for VViiddeeooVViiddeeooof the Signholdingactivities ofSat.April 4th2009 byKevinZimmerman
Chelmsford plans for its futureChelmsford plans for its futureBy Kevin Zimmerman/Staff Writer Chelmsford independent
Thu Apr 02, 2009
CHELMSFORD - The Master Plan Committee began its 16-month process of updating Chelmsford’s pri-mary planning document by asking residents what they believe works in town and what could be improved.
Although no single issue bubbled to the top at last week’s public hearing, the 76 residents who attendedseemed to share a common respect for the school system, cultural and recreational opportunities and thetown’s character.
“It’s a good place to live. The school systems are excellent. The housing is really diverse. We do have a lotof older homes, which gives it charm,” said Bridge Street resident Peggy Dunn. “And we do have neighborhoods, which are still very friendly. And even though it has grown, it is still a small town.”
Key to developing the new master plan, which was last updated in 1996, said Northern Middlesex Coun-cil of Governments consultant Jay Donovan, is to perform a analysis to identify the community’sstrengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT).
Plenty of residents claimed it was the reputation of the school system that brought them to Chelmsfordin the first place. Others praised the town’s respect for history and its efforts to help preserve and pro-mote historic locations throughout the community.
The town’s real and perceived housing deals also resonated with some residents.Planning Board member Sue Sullivan said the Chelmsford Housing Authority and its ability to “think out-side of the box” made it one of the town’s top assets.“I think also on housing, we have a diversity,” said Sullivan. “We have a fair amount of senior housing andsome multifamily housing scattered throughout town so it’s not all concentrated in just one location.”
It was the housing opportunities that brought Tim McIlvenna back to town where he spent his child-hood.“The Chelmsford community is a real deal when it comes to housing costs,” said McIlvenna. “If you look atother communities you can’t touch the kind of home I was able to get here for the kind of pricing that’s of-fered in Chelmsford.”
Housing also provided a chance for residents to talk about areas they think Chelmsford needs to improve.When it comes to affordable housing, said Stedman Street resident Debbie Dery, the town appears to befocusing only on apartments for senior citizens.“We don’t have affordable housing for families,” said Dery. “Rather than build three-story buildings thatreally do not fit into the character of our town, we should use existing houses. Purchase duplexes and turnthem into housing for families.”
Dery also expressed concern about the number of 40B affordable projects already in town or in the earlyplanning stages. This development, said Dery, has progressed for decades and has brought increased traf-fic and less open space in town. “The town has grown but the character is starting to change,” said Dery.“It’s starting to feel like living in a city.”
Which is why this master plan process so important, said Pinewood Road resident Glenn Thoren.It is imperative that the Master Plan committee develops the right vision for what Chelmsford hopes tobe for the next 10 to 15 years, said Thoren.
“Do you want the town to grow? Then you do one thing. Do you want the town to remain in its currentcharacter? Then you do another thing,” said Thoren. “If you don’t get the vision right then you don’t havethe foundation on which to build all these other activities.”Master Plan Committee Chairman Jim Lane said the results from last week’s SWOT analysis should beready in time for the committee’s next hearing on May 6, which will focus on issues affecting the town’sbusinesses.
Kevin Zimmerman can be reached at [email protected].
What are the What are the SSTTRREENNGGTTHHSSSSTTRREENNGGTTHHSS of Chelmsford? of Chelmsford? What are the What are the WWEEAAKKNNEESSSSEESS WWEEAAKKNNEESSSSEESS of Chelmsford? of Chelmsford?
What are the What are the TTHHRREEAATTSSTTHHRREEAATTSS to Chelmsfordto ChelmsfordThe new Chelmsford Master Plan is under construction to watch the first public forum and get these answers
CLICK HERECLICK HEREto go to the Chelmsford Telemedia site for streaming video and click on Chelmsford Vision - Master Plan
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************************************************************************************The Town Annual Report 2008 The Town Annual Report 2008
CLICK HERECLICK HERENo Town Meeting Rep should leave home without it No Town Meeting Rep should leave home without it
Dave MoreyDave MoreyBetty TwomblyBetty Twombly Sandy Rega Sandy Rega Ed RouxEd RouxThe GodfatherThe Godfather
PPII SShhoowwPPII SShhooww33//2244//009933//2244//0099
CLICK HERECLICK HEREto hear the updates onto hear the updates on
the Town Hallsthe Town Halls
CLICK HERECLICK HEREto hear the discussion on theto hear the discussion on theBillboards in ChelmsfordBillboards in Chelmsford
CLICK HERECLICK HEREto hear the discussion on to hear the discussion on
Town Meeting representatives Town Meeting representatives accountabilityaccountability
For the complete Politically Incorrect show from March 24th CLICK HERECLICK HERE
NEWS BRIEFS:http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/x1331535350/Changes-in-school-administration-positions
Changes in school Changes in school administration positionsadministration positions
By Kevin Zimmerman/Staff Writer Chelmsford IndependentThu Mar 19, 2009
CHELMSFORD - In a move expected to save $200,000, school officials have proposed consolidating some of the department’s top ad-ministration positions.
CLICK HERE FOR STORYCLICK HERE FOR STORY
http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/education/x1465806086/Chelmsford-to-receive-1-5-million-in-stimulus-money-for-school-funding
Chelmsford to receive $1.5 million Chelmsford to receive $1.5 million in stimulus money for school fundingin stimulus money for school funding
By Kevin Zimmerman/Staff Writer Chelmsford IndependentFri Mar 20, 2009
Superintendent Donald Yeoman discussed a budget addendum that would restore 11 positions. Those would include seventh- and eighth-grade teachers at McCarthy, four of the middle schools fifth- and sixth-grade teachers, guidance counselors at the elementary level andtwo teachers at the high school.
CLICK HERE FOR STORYCLICK HERE FOR STORY
Outrage over MBTA plans for Outrage over MBTA plans for Lowell, Wilmington billboardsLowell, Wilmington billboards
By Matt Murphy, [email protected] Matt Murphy, [email protected]: 04/01/2009Posted: 04/01/2009
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is seeking bids to put 32 new billboards in 19 communitiesThe Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is seeking bids to put 32 new billboards in 19 communitiesalong the state's highways in an effort to raise revenue for the cash-strapped agency.along the state's highways in an effort to raise revenue for the cash-strapped agency.
CLICK HERE FOR STORYCLICK HERE FOR STORY
Chelmsford balks at Nashoba Tech budget increaseChelmsford balks at Nashoba Tech budget increaseBy Rita Savard, [email protected] Rita Savard, [email protected]
04/01/200904/01/2009CHELMSFORD -- With layoffs and wage freezes hitting home, the Chelmsford Finance Committee has rejectedCHELMSFORD -- With layoffs and wage freezes hitting home, the Chelmsford Finance Committee has rejectedNashoba Valley Technical High School's request for more money this year.Nashoba Valley Technical High School's request for more money this year.
CLICK HERE FOR STORYCLICK HERE FOR STORY
Selectmen grant Verizon a licenseSelectmen grant Verizon a licenseBy Kevin Zimmerman/Staff Writer Chelmsford Independent
Thu Apr 02, 2009
Verizon agreed to wire the town so all residents could sign on to its fiber optic network, FiOS, by November 2011.
CLICK HERE FOR STORYCLICK HERE FOR STORY--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-WATER DISTRICT MEETINGS COMING UP--WATER DISTRICT MEETINGS COMING UP-4/6/2009 5:00 PM4/6/2009 5:00 PM - - East WaterEast Water Joint meeting with /North & Center Distr. 64 Washington St. - Joint. Quarterly Mtg.Joint meeting with /North & Center Distr. 64 Washington St. - Joint. Quarterly Mtg.4/6/2009 5:00 PM 4/6/2009 5:00 PM - - Chelmsford WaterChelmsford Water Joint meeting with /East & North 64 Washington St.Joint meeting with /East & North 64 Washington St.4/6/2009 5:00 PM 4/6/2009 5:00 PM - - North WaterNorth Water Joint meeting with /East & Center District 64 Washington St.Joint meeting with /East & Center District 64 Washington St.
4/6/2009 7:00 PM 4/6/2009 7:00 PM - North Water District 64 Washington St.- North Water District 64 Washington St.
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Chelmsford workers' delay of raises calledChelmsford workers' delay of raises called'admirable''admirable'
http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_12062722http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_12062722By Rita Savard, [email protected] Rita Savard, [email protected]
04/03/2009 04/03/2009
CHELMSFORD -- As the stalled economy shows no signs of picking up steam, nearly all of the town's unions haveCHELMSFORD -- As the stalled economy shows no signs of picking up steam, nearly all of the town's unions havenow agreed to stall pay raises for one year.now agreed to stall pay raises for one year.
The Board of Selectmen last night voted unanimously to accept new union contracts for Chelmsford firefightersThe Board of Selectmen last night voted unanimously to accept new union contracts for Chelmsford firefightersand superior police officers, as well as library, clerical, highway and cemetery workers.and superior police officers, as well as library, clerical, highway and cemetery workers.
The patrolmen's union and the teachers' union are still hammering out details to their new contracts, but town ofThe patrolmen's union and the teachers' union are still hammering out details to their new contracts, but town of--ficials said they are confident a similar agreement will emerge.ficials said they are confident a similar agreement will emerge.
"This is not the first time the unions have taken cuts," said Selectman Bill Dalton, whose vote to accept"This is not the first time the unions have taken cuts," said Selectman Bill Dalton, whose vote to acceptthe contracts was his last before he takes leave of his 15-year seat Tuesday. "When it's time to belly up tothe contracts was his last before he takes leave of his 15-year seat Tuesday. "When it's time to belly up tothe bar, the employees rise to the task."the bar, the employees rise to the task."
John Kivlan, president of the firefighters union, said the majority of the 50 membersJohn Kivlan, president of the firefighters union, said the majority of the 50 membersvoted in favor of accepting a temporary wage freeze. The condition was one thatvoted in favor of accepting a temporary wage freeze. The condition was one thatfirefighters offered to the town.firefighters offered to the town.
"We understand what the economic situation of the town is right now," Kivlan said"We understand what the economic situation of the town is right now," Kivlan saidin a phone interview after the board's vote. "We'd all be spinning our wheels if wein a phone interview after the board's vote. "We'd all be spinning our wheels if wegot to the bargaining table and started talking about more money. There isn't anygot to the bargaining table and started talking about more money. There isn't anymore money to go around."more money to go around."
Union cutbacks began in February, when the Highway Department union refused a 2Union cutbacks began in February, when the Highway Department union refused a 2percent wage increase and forfeited longevity and workers' compensation pay to save the jobs of two men facpercent wage increase and forfeited longevity and workers' compensation pay to save the jobs of two men fac--ing layoffs ollowing midyear budget cuts.ing layoffs ollowing midyear budget cuts.
At that time, Town Manager Paul Cohen gave two unions the option of a temporary wage freeze to avoid cutAt that time, Town Manager Paul Cohen gave two unions the option of a temporary wage freeze to avoid cut--ting jobs, but only the Highway Department accepted, saving the town about $40,000.ting jobs, but only the Highway Department accepted, saving the town about $40,000.
Two full-time maintenance and facilities workers were not as lucky, losing their jobsTwo full-time maintenance and facilities workers were not as lucky, losing their jobsafter their union voted against taking a pay cut.after their union voted against taking a pay cut.
Selectman Eric Dahlberg called the recent efforts of unions "admirable and couraSelectman Eric Dahlberg called the recent efforts of unions "admirable and coura--geous."geous."
Selectman Clare Jeannotte added that during a time of fiscal uncertainty, the tempoSelectman Clare Jeannotte added that during a time of fiscal uncertainty, the tempo--rary wage freeze is the best arrangement to avoid locking up either side for an exrary wage freeze is the best arrangement to avoid locking up either side for an ex--tended period.tended period.
The Clerical Union also forfeited step increases for one year.The Clerical Union also forfeited step increases for one year.
In July 2010, pay raises will resume. On average, public employees' wages increase at about 2.5 percentIn July 2010, pay raises will resume. On average, public employees' wages increase at about 2.5 percenteach year, Cohen said.each year, Cohen said.
The School Committee was scheduled to meet with the teachers union this morning to discuss teacher contracts.The School Committee was scheduled to meet with the teachers union this morning to discuss teacher contracts.
JohnJohnKivlanKivlan
Bill DaltonBill Dalton
PaulPaulCohenCohen
EricEricDahlbergDahlberg
ClareClareJeannotteJeannotte
http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/x1008346313/Planning-Board-gives-billboards-thumbs-down
By Kevin Zimmerman/Staff Writer Chelmsford IndependentSat Apr 04, 2009
CHELMSFORD - Although it produced the proposed billboard zoning bylaw change, the Planning Board voted 5-to-2 not to recommend its passage at Town Meeting.“I looked at it as a planner,” said Planning Board member Bob Joyce. “You have to take the emotion out of it. Not, does thetown need money? Is this something we want? I don’t think it’s appropriate for a town like Chelmsford.”
Joyce served on the Billboard Subcommittee that studied whether zoning could be changed to allow billboards.He and subcommittee Chairman George Zaharoolis, along with Planning Board members Sue Sullivan, Ann McGuigan and Chairman Pam Armstrong voted not to recommend the change at Town Meeting in April.Colleen Stansfield, the third member of the Billboard Subcommittee, and Planning Board member Jim Lane cast the two votes to recommend approval of the changes.
“My understanding of the request from the Board of Selectmen was to determine if this was plausible and to protect Chelmsford,” said Lane. “Based on that, billboards are a plausible option and this bylaw protects Chelmsford from a land use and zoning perspective.”
Zaharoolis agreed the bylaw would protect the town through such requirements as only allowing billboards in three overlaydistricts -- Oak Hill on Route 3 near Scotty Hollow, Chelmsford High School land along Route 3 and at the Route 3/Interstate495 interchange. It would also require billboards to be at least 500 feet from a residence and mandate at least 1,000 feet between signs.
But for Zahroolis and the other four members who voted not to recommend approval of this article, the question became dobillboards fit in Chelmsford?
“Any bylaw created has to keep in mind what’s best for the town,” said Zaharoolis. “To me, this is not what I want in town. This is not the character of the town.”Zaharoolis’ suggestion the change might encourage a proliferation of outdoor advertising in town, effectively turning Chelms-ford “into Boston,” was met by derisive laughter from the crowd in the Police Station Community Room Saturday morning.
“Fifty or sixty billboards is urban,” said Lane. “This bylaw has been written so the town has control.”
Despite a negative vote of confidence from the Planning Board, the issue now moves on to the Board of Selectmen, which meets April 13 to decide if the proposal will be introduced on Town Meeting floor April 27.
Kevin Zimmerman can be reached at [email protected].
Please share with your friends, family, and neighbors.
www.BillericaPowerPlant.orgwww.BillericaPowerPlant.org
23 March 2009
Welcome to the many new readers of the update!
In an interesting turn of events last week relating to the Billerica power plant proposal, the plant developer ran an ad in the Lowell Sun pro-claiming victory with the EFSB decision to site the plant. And on the next day, also in the Sun, Joe Fitzpatrick, CEO of DG Clean Power, admit-ted that the plant would likely be delayed for some time due to decreasing demand for power overall and specifically for plants like this one.Click here to see the ad that ran in the Sun. Click here to read the article in the Sun. A second article in the Tewksbury Town Crierquotes ISO-NE’s spokesperson stating that there was far more capacity than demand in the recent ISO-NE auction. There is also commen-tary from the other partner in DG Clean Power, Ed Liston. Click here to read the Crier article.In a predictable reaction, the developers of the proposed Brockton power plant tried to stave off suggestions that their project would fall victimto the same set of circumstances. Click here to read their response. The Brockton developers are also finding increased concern beingraised by towns surrounding the site, with the Middleboro Board of Selectmen as the latest neighboring body to formally oppose the plant.Click here to read their concerns.For those concerned with these plant proposals, it is critical to point out that decreasing demand has played a large role in their delay. Obviouseconomic conditions not withstanding, if we continue to reduce demand with conservation and careful utilization of power, then we all stand agreater chance of putting these proposals behind us for good. Stay tuned!
Economy has power plant on holdEconomy has power plant on holdBy Chris Camire, [email protected]
03/31/2009
BILLERICA -- The opening of a natural-gas-fired power plant proposed for North Billerica has been delayed until 2013. Meanwhile, the permit-ting process for a power plant in Uxbridge has been put off for a year.
The reason? Dropping demand in electricity across New England.
Joseph Fitzpatrick, president and chief executive of DG Clean Power, the company behind both projects, expects the demand for power to in-crease in the coming years.
But that may largely depend on a series of factors that has led to this recent drop in demand: a bad economy, conservation efforts and highelectricity prices.
Independent System Operator-New England, the independent nonprofit corporation that operates the region's power grid, conducts annual, aswell as daily, electricity forecasts to determine what kind of power-system infrastructure the region will need.
In 2008, electricity consumption decreased by 1.9 percent from the previous year. This year, ISO New England is forecasting that demand willgrow, although slowly.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORYCLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY
http://www.lowellsun.com/ci_12035891http://www.lowellsun.com/ci_12035891
Deslaurier upsets O'Donnell in Billerica selectman's raceDeslaurier upsets O'Donnell in Billerica selectman's raceThe Lowell SunThe Lowell Sun
04/04/2009 04/04/2009 http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_12077302http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_12077302
BILLERICA ---BILLERICA ---
Finance Committee member Andrew Deslaurier upset five-term Selectman James O'Donnell Finance Committee member Andrew Deslaurier upset five-term Selectman James O'Donnell
in Saturday's annual town election.in Saturday's annual town election.
According to unofficial results, Deslaurier took 1,945 votes to O'Donnell's 1,479.According to unofficial results, Deslaurier took 1,945 votes to O'Donnell's 1,479.
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Andrew Deslaurier from the start of his campaign made the opposition to the Billerica Power Plant Andrew Deslaurier from the start of his campaign made the opposition to the Billerica Power Plant
one of his top hot topic issues.one of his top hot topic issues.
O'Donnell a Selectman for 15 years had never come out against the proposed plant but was assumed toO'Donnell a Selectman for 15 years had never come out against the proposed plant but was assumed to
be leaning in favor of the project.be leaning in favor of the project.
POWER PLANT BUZZPOWER PLANT BUZZ
http://www.lowellsun.com/opinion/ci_12023985
'Slow growth' is no optionThe Lowell Sun
03/29/2009 By John Edward
As reported in The Sun, the Chelmsford Slow Growth Initiative is causing controversy with "affordable housing takingcenter stage." If only that were the truth.
The Slow Growth Initiative (SGI) is an outgrowth of the failed repeal Chapter 40B initiative. Originally called the anti-snobzoning law, critics refer to 40B as a developer-welfare program. It is state law designed to increase the supply of afford-able housing.The most recent SGI mass mailing was very critical of Chelmsford officials using words like defeatist, ignorant, and in-sanity. During a subsequent meeting, each selectman felt compelled to defend themselves and town officials using wordslike distortion, lies, and despicable. Missing in all the rhetoric were words like "the need for affordable housing."Chapter 40B established a quota for each town of 10 percent of housing units being affordable. According to the Massa-chusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, 6.8 percent of units in Chelmsford qualify.The SGI claims that if we repealed 40B there would be more affordable housing. They cite Chapter 121B which createdhousing authorities. However, David Hedison, executive director of the Chelmsford Housing Authority, "strongly believes"that if Chapter 40B were repealed "no affordable housing would be created" in Chelmsford.Critics focus on regulations that allow developers to bypass local planning and control. What gets virtually no attention isthe fact that the 40B definition of affordable does not reflect what homeowners and renters can truly afford.Most 40B housing units target households making 80 percent of the area's median income. In the Lowell-Chelmsfordarea, that is $68,000 for a family of four. Using 2007 Census estimates, about one out of four Chelmsford householdsmake less than the target.More evidence of a severe lack of affordable housing is the 1,400 names on a waiting list for rental assistance in Chelms-ford. Using the average household size for Chelmsford, the list represents 3,500 people in need of affordable housing.Many more in need do not apply or do not qualify. Some people have been on the waiting list since 2003.Families are living in substandard housing and spending too much on housing. People who purchased homes they couldbarely afford are now losing them. Banks foreclosed on 56 homes in Chelmsford during the past two years, the samenumber as the previous nine years combined. Orders of Notice to foreclose are still increasing, so the problem is going toget worse.Meanwhile, the Slow Growth Initiative and town officials are arguing over whether we are doing enough to protectChelmsford's integrity. The SGI actually makes some good points about problems with 40B. They offer alternative ap-proaches. However, it may all get lost in the noise.The Board of Selectmen was appropriately offended by SGI's attacks on town officials. Chelmsford residents were appro-priately offended because a mailing they did not support listed their names. I am also offended by a statement that ap-peared, underlined, in that mailing: "Every objective growth study indicates that each additional housing unit built coststhe town between $30,000 and $80,000 more than taxes and fees collected."The first offense is the use of the word "every." It is not hard to find studies that indicate much lower costs and even netpositive benefits of increased housing.As for being "objective," how can the American Farmland Trust be considered objective on land-use issues? The SeattlePost-Intelligencer described another SGI source as a slow-growth anti-globalist group.The numbers cited, up to $80,000, are alarming and misleading. The numbers represent capital costs, not annual operat-ing costs. Omitted are some one-time and ongoing revenue streams created by housing.Finally, none of the studies are directly relevant to Chelmsford.The SGI mailing offers strong opposition to high-density housing projects. Ironically, Chelmsford would benefit from afew well-planned and properly zoned higher-density affordable rental developments. They would dramatically lower thenumber of housing units required to meet 40B requirements.The town's cost per unit would also decrease. One of the studies used by the SGI cites an estimate that multifamily hous-ing has a per-unit cost of 60 percent of single-family homes.
Such developments would be very good for businesses in town. Two studies recently conducted in Massachusetts con-clude that restrictive zoning policies have greatly inhibited economic growth in the Commonwealth.
Chelmsford has certainly experienced periods of rapid expansion, but the last decade exhibits little evidence of fastgrowth. Population is down and school enrollment is down. Traffic studies conducted by the Northern Middlesex Councilof Governments show no big increase in traffic on Chelmsford roads. Protected open space is stable. Building permitsshow significant activity but 60 percent of units and 97 percent of permits were for single-family buildings.
For those who would repeal 40B, I offer the following analogy. If I had a life-threatening medical condition and my doctorsuggested stopping my treatment program, I would ask why. She might say the treatment was not as effective as shewould like and there are some manageable side effects. I would insist on having a better program in place before termi-nating a treatment that might be keeping me alive.
There is a real need to reform 40B, but an even bigger need for affordable housing. The Slow Growth Initiative says it
wants to promote a sustainable community. However, for a community to be sustainable it has to be affordable.
The repeal 40B effort failed. The SGI now wants the town to subvert 40B. Better, we try to manage 40B in a focused effortto produce much-needed housing that is truly affordable.
John Edward earned his master's degree at UMass Lowell and is an adjunct professor of economics at Bentley Univer-sity. He lives in Chelmsford.
REBUTTAL REBUTTAL http://www.lowellsun.com/letters/ci_12062718http://www.lowellsun.com/letters/ci_12062718
ʻSlow Growthʼ is ONLY OptionThe recent opinion piece titled “Slow Growth Is No Option,” defends the same flawed, growth-oriented economic theoriesthat have been thoroughly discredited by recent events. To say slow growth is no option is to say that the only option israpid, unsustainable growth. This notion is laughable. Rapid growth is not only ecologically unsustainable, it is finan-cially unsustainable. If local communities continue to allow large amounts of high-density, new construction they will gobankrupt. That is not opinion, that is a fact. Virtually all studies show that residential growth costs more money than itgenerates. This fiscal distress has been clearly demonstrated in the Town of Chelmsford and in many other towns.
The economic models touted by Mr. Edward do not work because they donʼt consider external environment or limits togrowth. Michael Ferber, a professor at the University of New Hampshire, writes that economists like Mr. Edward havebeen wrong on virtually every major topic for the last decade. This is due mostly to a reliance on outdated mathematicalformulas that do not take current conditions or human factors into account. In 2006, economist David Lereah wrote abook titled “Why the Real Estate Boom Will Not Bust.” He was recently named in Time Magazine as one of the “Top 25People to Blame for the Financial Crisis.” Billionaire Warren Buffet attributes this total miscalculation to “flawed, history-based models.” He states that economists “blissfully ignored the fact that home prices had recently skyrocketed, loanpractices had deteriorated and many buyers had opted for houses they couldnʼt afford.” He goes on to say “too often,Americans have been enamored by [people] using esoteric terms like Beta, Gamma, Sigma and the like…our advice: be-ware of geeks bearing formulas.” The slow growth platform, and the Slow Growth Initiative, advocate for a new eco-nomic model, one that focuses on common sense and sustainability.
For most of his article, Mr. Edward argues against successful, sustainable development strategies, justifying the illogicof predatory development with the miniscule number of “arguably affordable” units it produces. The fact is, redevelop-ment would create exponentially more affordable units than the current policy, which focuses solely on new construc-tion. Accordingly, the state housing agency DHCD lavishes taxpayer money on hostile developments that destroyneighborhoods and destabilize entire communities.
The bottom line is this: we can no longer rely on flawed historical formulas and failed policies that lead only to fewerservices, higher land prices, and a lower quality of life for everyone. Massachusetts currently ranks at the very bottom,49th, in housing affordability. Current policy has not brought down home prices, and 40B in particular sucks up virtuallyALL the Stateʼs affordable housing money, so programs that need funding for truly affordable housing, canʼt get it. Fortwo years the Chelmsford Board of Selectmen has refused to take simple, no-cost steps to curb predatory development.It is time for them to focus on making Chelmsford better, not bigger.
-- Craig Chemaly, DirectorSlow Growth Initiativeemail: [email protected]://www.slow-growth.org
Criag Chemaly speaks brfore the Board of Selectmen March 2009
CLICK HERECLICK HERE
From: Eric Dahlberg <[email protected]>Date: March 19, 2009 10:15:32 PM EDTTo: Roy Earley, Tom ChristianoSubject: Last night's Billerica ZBA hearing on Aspen Apartments proposal
Hi Tom and Roy,Last night I attended the Billerica ZBA's hearing on the Aspen Apartments proposal (672-unit 40B mega-project proposedfor Rangeway Road in Billerica). Paul Cohen was also in attendance, as were a number of Chelmsford residents.
The purpose of the hearing, which kicked off at 8:00 PM, was to hear reports from various town departments/officials whoare in the process of reviewing the proposal. Below are quick and dirty run-downs of the 4 reports I heard:
Planning BoardPlanning BoardConcerned about traffic, water, sewer, parking, school capacity, wetlands, hydrology, population being served.Concerned that this project as proposed does not comply with basic standards of smart growth.Believes that proposal needs careful review by engineering firm.
School DepartmentSchool DepartmentBased on number of students coming from other 40B projects in town (weighing for number of units), Billerica SchoolDept estimates that project, if built as currently proposed, would add 47 new students to Billerica public schools.Stressed need for covered bus stop, proper street signage and sidewalks around site for children's safety.
Department of Public WorksDepartment of Public WorksTown has capacity to allow project as proposed to connect to water/sewer.Estimates a payment of $660,000 by developer to town for water connection.Estimates a payment of $1.3m (could be significantly higher) by developer to town for sewer connection, which soundslike it would be a major public works project.
Conservation CommissionConservation CommissionNo representatives present but report previously submitted and cited by ZBA ChairLots of concerns because of wetlands.Eager for petitioner to file with ConCom so dialogue can begin.
I left at 9:00 PM to attend another appointment. The hearing was still going on when I left - I will get a report on what, ifanything, I missed.
Eric
Chelmsford, Billerica abutters seek more information on Aspen Apartments
By Max Bowen/Staff WriterFri Mar 20, 2009
http://www.wickedlocal.com/billerica/news/x1331537754/Chelmsford-Billerica-abutters-seek-more-information-on-Aspen-Apartments
“A lot of the time, whatʼs built in real life is a lot different than whatʼs shown on renderings,” Hill said.New Jersey-based developer Better Homes first outlined their plans for the 14-building complex in a vacantwooded area on the west side of Rangeway Road on Dec. 3. The proposed project will have three entrances in-cluding an emergency only entryway accessed by a gate on State Street in Chelmsford. Primary access will be a35-foot wide driveway onto Rangeway Road with a secondary driveway by Curriculum Associates.
CLICK HERE FOR STORYCLICK HERE FOR STORY********************************************************************************************************
From: "John Belskis" <[email protected]>Date: April 5, 2009 11:55:46 AMTo: "Post Message" <[email protected]>Subject: How were the targets selected?
The below link to a recent article raises the questions: What was the selection process?, Who were the decision makers?, Are these existingprojects or new entries?
I find it interesting that there are some very familiar towns that have been involved in confronting questionable 40B developments.
http://www.tuboston.com/article-1879-governor-patrick-targets-$108-million-to-boost-affordable-rental-housing.html
Project funding will support 39 developments in the following communities: Athol, Boston (10 projects), Billerica, Cambridge, Greenfield, Har-wich, Lawrence (2 projects), Longmeadow, Lowell (3 projects), Marshfield, Northampton, Somerville, Townsend, Tyngsboro, Wareham (2 proj-ects), Chelsea (2 projects), Fall River, Gloucester, Leominster, New Bedford, North Andover, Salem, Springfield, Weymouth and Worcester.See detailed list attached.
The articles link to www.mass.gov/recovery. does not supply any further details.
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http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_12024015
Chelmsford race roiled by mailingThe Lowell Sun03/29/2009
By Rita [email protected]
CHELMSFORD CHELMSFORD -- As the six-man race for the Board of Selectmen enters the final stages of the campaign, an anti-40Bmailing has ignited a level of controversy -- and contradictions -- that has one candidate clearly upset.
Donald Van Dyne said a mass mailing sent last week by the Coalition to Repeal 40B was "full of lies" when writing thatthe state Inspector General's office named him "as a participant in a 40B land-flip scheme."
A review of official records by The Sun appears to support Van Dyne's contention.
Land or property flipping happens when property is purchased and quickly resold for a large profit.
In 2007, the Inspector General's office released findings from an audit of Sumner Cheney Condo-miniums, a 40B project in Reading. Sumner Cheney was among 10 40B projects examined by thestate, in which developers were suspected of hiding excess profits.
While Van Dyne's name is listed in the Inspector General's report, he was not cited as a partici-pant in a land-flip scheme. In fact, the IG's report said Van Dyne made an "arms length" (not re-lated to the other party) transaction in acquiring the Reading parcel from Rangeway Farms, LLC .
It was Rangeway's manager, Rocco Scippa, who the Inspector General's office reported as "earn-ing more than what (he) should have earned on the resale."
"I believe the Coalition owes the town of Chelmsford an apology for spreading false information," said Van Dyne,adding that he was targeted by the anti-40B organization because he's the only candidate who advocates amending theaffordable housing law instead of scrapping it.
John Belskis, chairman of the Coalition to Repeal 40B, told a Sun reporter Thursday that he "probably" looked at the In-spector General's report, but couldn't remember it because he's "been through so many."
"I rely on the local (Chelmsford) membership to do their work properly," Belskis said, adding that he couldn't re-member who provided him with the information on Chelmsford candidates.
Craig Chemaly, director of the Chelmsford Slow Growth Initiative (SGI), a nonprofit group alsocommitted to repealing 40B, said SGI gave Belskis a copy of the IG's report. Chemaly said SGIdidn't write the letter slamming Van Dyne, but after reading it, he doesn't see a problem with thewording.
"You can say (Van Dyne) didn't flip the land," Chemaly said. "But he was involved on multi-ple levels."
Van Dyne paid the town of Reading $17,000 after the Citizens' Housing and Planning Association informed the town itwas still owed profits from the Sumner Cheney project.
Reading Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner said "getting the developer to do what they were supposed to dowas really problematic."
Reading town officials told Van Dyne it was clear from CHAPA's audit that the town was entitled to money for its afford-able housing trust fund that it never received from the Sumner Cheney project. Van Dyne disagreed, Hechenbleiknersaid.
When the Reading town manager told Van Dyne the town was going to pursue an investigation into surplus land profits,"they quickly paid approximately $17,000," Hechenbleikner said.
Donald Donald Van DyneVan Dyne
CraigCraigChemalyChemaly
Van Dyne said the problems stemmed from the original owner, Schippa, who was cited in the IG's report. Van Dyne saidonce he confirmed a miscalculation in funds, he paid the money, even though he was under no obligation.
Chelmsford Housing Authority Director David Hedison praised Van Dyne's 40B project in Chelmsford, calling the unitson Glen Avenue a model 40B project in which the builder worked closely with town officials and abutters on a develop-ment that "everyone involved was happy with."
Belskis said it's common for the Coalition to endorse candidates in local elections throughoutthe state.
"We do this in a number of towns to get members interested in serving on theirBoards of Selectmen so that there are people elected who understand the issues of40B, and represent in a way that doesn't negatively impact cities and towns," Belskissaid.
An earlier mass mailing by SGI in February, which slammed town officials for rubber-stamp-ing 40B projects in Chelmsford, inspired two candidates -- Jim Murray and Steven Roberts --to enter this year's race.
When asked if the Coalition targeted Van Dyne because of his involvement in developing 40Bs, Belskis said "that couldbe part of it."
In the same mailing, the Coalition to Repeal 40B endorses another developer for Chelmsford selectman, George Dixon.In the past, Dixon worked for Rangeway Farms, LLC -- the same company probed for land-flipping under the Reading40B audit.
Jack McCarthy, a spokesman for the Inspector General's office, said Dixon was never a part of its investigation. Dixon,who lists himself as a developer for Rangeway Farms, LLC in the 2002 Chelmsford High School Alumni Directory, saidhe worked for Rangeway, but was "never involved with a 40B or associated with a 40B."
Scippa, the Rangeway owner, said Dixon mainly helped him develop the Swanson Meadows GolfCourse in Billerica, which was not a 40B project. Scippa added that the Inspector General's reportwas "laughable," because his company did nothing illegal.
"Last I looked we live in a capitalist country," Scippa said. "It's how I support my children andmy life, hoping to make profits from my business."
Dixon said he was unaware that Rangeway Farms was audited by the Inspector General's office.
"I don't pay attention to that stuff," Dixon said. "They (IG's office) were taking shots at every-body."
JohnJohnBelskisBelskis
GeorgeGeorgeDixonDixon
Glen Avenue 40B complex
Chelmsford selectman candidate vows lawsuit Chelmsford selectman candidate vows lawsuit if land-flip charge not retractedif land-flip charge not retracted
http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_12044403http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_12044403
By Rita Savard, [email protected] Rita Savard, [email protected]/01/2009
Van Dyne...says mailing claims falseVan Dyne...says mailing claims false
CHELMSFORD -- Saying an anti-40B group tried to derail his campaign, selectman candidate Donald VanDyne is pushing forward on a lawsuit.
After a mailing that singled out Van Dyne for allegedly participating in a land-flip scheme was sent toabout 1,400 Chelmsford homes, the sender -- the Coalition to Repeal 40B -- has refused to mail a retrac-tion.
"This is not about my position of reform and their position of repeal," Van Dyne said yesterday. "Thatallows for healthy debate. But when you go through and bash individuals, you just don't call some-one something derogatory because you disagree with their position."
The "something derogatory" is land flipping -- a term used when property is purchased and quickly resoldfor a profit. When the coalition linked Van Dyne to such a deal, Van Dyne said not only was the informa-tion false, but it was intended "to bring me down in this election."
John Belskis, chairman of the Coalition to Repeal 40B, stands by the mailing, adding that if Van Dynewants to pursue legal action, "that's his prerogative."
"There wasn't anything in the letter that wasn't based on facts," Belskis said. "I don't see this as asolid case, but more as harassment of John Belskis."
Massachusetts Chapter 40B, enacted in 1969, allows developers with qualified projects to bypass certainlocal permitting requirements, allowing them to build higher-density developments in return for providingaffordable housing.
The letter by the Coalition to Repeal 40B was a political mailing, endorsing candidates for two open seatson the Board of Selectmen, George Dixon and Jim Murray.The coalition also highlighted Van Dyne's 40B affordable-housing developments. He has built two 40Bs, aproject in Reading and another on Glen Avenue in Chelmsford.
"We think you should be aware that Mr. Van Dyne was named in one of the inspector general's re-ports as a participant in a 40B land flip in Reading," the coalition wrote in the mailing.
In 2007, the state Inspector General's Office released findings from an audit of Sumner Cheney Condo-miniums, a 40B project in Reading. Sumner Cheney was among 10 40B projects examined by the state, inwhich developers were suspected of hiding excess profits.
While Van Dyne's name is listed several times in the report, the Inspector General's Office told The Sunthat Van Dyne was not cited as a participant in a land-flip scheme, but was listed as the developer whopurchased the parcel from its original owner, Rocco Scippa.
It was Scippa who was mentioned in the inspector general's report as "earning more than what (he)should have earned on the resale."
In the end, Van Dyne, who built the project, paid the town of Reading $17,000 after the Citizens' Housing andPlanning Association informed the town it was still owed profits from the Sumner Cheney project.
Reading Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner said dealing with Van Dyne was problematic. Years after the asso-ciation's findings, the Inspector General's Office did report that Reading should have received hundreds of thou-sands more on the project. But when Reading accepted $17,000 from Van Dyne, it also accepted an agreementto waive any future litigation regarding profits.
Van Dyne said any gross miscalculation stemmed from the original landowner, not him.
Belskis said the coalition's mailings do carry some weight. Last weekend in Duxbury, a four-term memberon the Board of Selectmen who advocated 40B in his positions was defeated easily and replaced.
"There's an atmosphere in these towns where people are not sympathetic to politicians who are ac-tively supporting 40B," Belskis said.
Van Dyne, who is also the current vice chairman of the Finance Committee, demanded that Belskis print aretraction and issue an apology to the people of Chelmsford for distorting the facts. Van Dyne wanted theretraction mailed to all households that received the land-flip letter.
In the wake of the Coalition's refusal, Van Dyne said his attorney was drafting a formal complaint, the firststep in pursuing legal action.
Craig Chemaly, director of the Chelmsford Slow Growth Initiative, a nonprofit group also committed torepealing 40B, said the group gave Belskis a copy of the inspector general's report. Chemaly said hisgroup stands by all claims in the coalition's letter.
"Just because I didn't agree with repeal, the coalition used that as a reason to come after me," VanDyne said, adding that the coalition took its eye off the ball.
"The real issues facing the town now are greater than 40B," Van Dyne said. "We still need to ad-dress the town's fiscal concerns. I have the education, skill and experience to do that."
VIDEO TIME CAPSULEJohn Belskis on Politically Incorrect April 2007
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEOCLICK HERE FOR VIDEO
Dear Mr. Editorhttp://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/opinions/letters/x108131282/Candidate-says-40B-does-not-work
Candidate says 40B does not workWed Mar 18, 2009
CHELMSFORD - To the Editor:The 40B law is broken and needs to be fixed. In conjunction with working for this at the state level, we need to take immediate action atthe local level. We cannot wait and hope things get better. I have proposed using the Local Initiative Project (LIP) to defeat undesirable 40Bprojects and increase local control. LIP is part of the 40B law, and has been substantially weakened by recent changes in the regulations.However, it’s the only tool we have currently.We cannot give developers a “free ticket right to the ZBA.” As selectman, I will frustrate all efforts by unsavory developers intent on lootingour town resources.
I will require:One, all 40B projects, unless presented by the Chelmsford Housing Authority or similar, must be a LIP. Projects must be a marriage betweenour town, the applicant, the state and, most importantly, the abutters. It cannot be a hostile 40B pretending to be a LIP. It must follow theoriginal spirit of the LIP.
Two, all 40B projects must be consistent with the affordable housing plan adopted in 2005. To this end, we should have a by-law that givesthe Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) the teeth to require developers to follow that plan.
Further, the Board of Selectmen (BOS) must have the political fortitude to challenge developers and send the message we will NOT tolerate“HOSTILE” 40Bs. While the LIP process still exists in name, it is the BOS’s responsibility to inject life into the LIP and stand tall against hostiledevelopers.
I’m the only candidate with a plan to challenge 40B projects within the current law and I bring the unique advantage of experience withthis issue. I represented a company that built a LIP in Chelmsford. We worked with the community, and after approval we took extra stepsto work with abutters – including giving residents money to make neighborhood improvements and hosting a neighborhood party afterproject completion.
For clarification: During a recent debate, I was unclear about the Hillside Gardens project. My point - To get lower-density projects, wewant the developer to want to work with the community.
If the process becomes too complicated it could cause the developer to become hostile.We need to fix 40B. I’m fully in favor of reform. We also need to work now on the solution in our community.
Donald Van DyneBrentwood Road
Candidate for Board of Selectmen
http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/opinions/letters/x1416195099/Rebuttal-to-candidates-letter
Rebuttal to candidate's letterWed Mar 25, 2009
CHELMSFORD - To the Editor:I significantly disagree with some of the comments made in a letter submitted to the editor by my fellow Board of Selectman candidateDonald Van Dyne, on March 19.He states that the Local Initiative Project (LIP) can “defeat undesirable 40B projects and increase local control” and that “it’s the only toolwe currently have.” This is not true. A LIP cannot “defeat” a 40B project; it is simply a process in place today to allow Selectmen to com-ment on a 40B proposal, however, a developer does not have to go before the Board of Selectmen under the recently revised State 40B law.In addition, there are multiple other laws in place such as the 40R and 40S, which allow for “smarter growth” and even more local control.
Mr. Van Dyne continues by stating “I will require: One, all 40B projects, unless presented by the Chelmsford Housing Authority or similar,must be a LIP.” As a selectman, under Massachusetts State law, he does not have the authority to do this.He then states that all 40B projects “must be consistent with the affordable housing plan adopted in 2005.” He cannot require this either.The 40B law takes away local control so there is no way to ensure that a project will meet any affordable housing plan adopted by the townof Chelmsford.
Mr. Van Dyne finally states that he is “the only candidate with a plan to challenge 40B projects within the current law.” I also disagree withthis statement. He is simply the only candidate against the repeal of 40B. Furthermore, his only plans to combat 40Bs are to promote 40BLIPs.
I have stated in multiple debates that there are other ways for the Board of Selectmen to take action against “hostile” 40B projects. This in-cludes everything from requiring environmental impact studies on current 40B projects (which could help to identify any flaws in the devel-opment early on), all the way up to implementing our own 40R housing zones.
The town of Chelmsford needs a selectman candidate who will not just do “business as usual,” but will continuously explore alternative avenues for change.
Matthew HansonWedgewood DriveCandidate for Board of Selectmen
Q & A with the Selectmen CandidatesQ & A with the Selectmen Candidates"WHY SHOULD I VOTE FOR YOU ?""WHY SHOULD I VOTE FOR YOU ?"
Candidate for Board of SelectmenJim MurrayWhy should I vote for you?
A leader leads by example, never asking his crew to do something he would not do. The team understands they will accomplishfar more working together rather than as individuals and it still takes a natural born leader to pull them in the right direction.This is the quality of character I possess which separates me from the other candidates.
I will not make promises I can not keep, but I will never back down on the drive to repeal the 40Blaw. I will not allow our assessors to tax our seniors unfairly. I will champion all school issues as ourchildren are our future. I will work to lower our health care costs with full regard to the dignity ofthose who worked for our town. I will work to implement the long term master plan, as we should notallow every blip on the radar to alter our course in history. I will work for each and every member ofmy community and will be available at any time to answer questions, tackle the issues and provide in-telligent solutions.
A vote for Jim Murray is a vote for creative problem solving, fiscal responsibility, strong leadershipand a brighter future for the community of Chelmsford. It is now up to the people to make the rightchoice.
Candidate for Board of SelectmenSean ScanlonWhy should I vote for you?
Over the past month and a half or so, I have often been asked – “Sean, why are you running for Selectman?” Even over debatequestions from other candidates, I often found this question to be the most difficult because I didn’t think people would believeme when I told them that I just want to serve. The more I searched for a reason, the more the answer stared me in the face.
I believe each of us has a calling in life – a purpose that draws us to our professions, or passions. I have come to realize that mypassion is for serving others, and that is the reason I am running for Selectman. In the year following September 11, 2001, Istepped forward to serve four years in the military, and earned the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for my leadership inAfghanistan. I was also a Mission Commander for a team of nine airmen supporting the evacuation of U.S. Citizens from the2006 war in Lebanon. I have learned on the fly to adapt to challenging leadership situations, and I am not afraid of stepping for-ward to do my part in the face of difficult times.
When I introduced myself at the Board of Selectmen Meeting on February 23rd, I told you that I am not a candidate runningfor personal or political gain. Throughout my campaign, I’ve not danced around a controversial issue. I have always spoken mymind because I want you to vote for me because of who I am, what I represent, and the experience I would bring to the job –not because I told you what you wanted to hear. I pledge to analyze each issue in detail and make decisions that draw upon factsand are in Chelmsford’s best interest, even in the face of adversity. I would carry the core values of military officership to the po-sition of selectman should you elect me: Integrity, Service, Excellence: I refuse to settle for anything less.
I ask that you vote for me because I know I have the energy to work tirelessly for you. I was awarded Student of the Year fromChelmsford High School upon graduating in 1998 because I understood how to juggle multiple activities while maintaining ac-ademic standards. You need a Selectman who can successfully balance life’s responsibilities with those of serving. Whether writ-ing grant requests for public safety initiatives, lobbying for one unified representative at the state house, fighting tax increases, orbuilding consensus on issues (like 40B and Chapter 70) that trouble others beyond our borders, I am intent on prioritizing andexecuting a plan with purpose.
In closing, I ask that you vote for me because I have a vested interest in the long term health of ourcommunity. I grew up in Chelmsford and chose to return because, simply, I think it is a great placeto live. I value the opportunities our town offered me, and I want those same chances for my sonChristopher and the rest of our growing families. I offer the perspective of someone who grew up intown, but has also witnessed solutions to some of our current problems while living in other parts ofthe country and the world. Your vote April 7th will help me help our town.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions at 978-888-1905 or [email protected]. If youare passionate about serving Chelmsford as I am, please consider getting involved with my cam-paign. For more information, visit my website at www.seanscanlon.us. I have dedicated my life tothe service and protection of our nation. I ask for one of your two votes on April 7th so that I mayserve you now as your Selectman.
JimJimMurrayMurray
SeanSeanScanlonScanlon
Candidate for Board of SelectmenDonald Van Dyne
Why should I vote for you?
I consider myself to be more of an administrator than a politician. I have been trained, educatedand have the proven local government leadership experience to do what is in the best interest ofour town. I make decisions (budget, licenses, policy and housing) based on reason, not on whatis politically advantageous. My recommendations to balancing revenues and expenditures andconsequently the level of service our town delivers is based on years of training, hours of study-ing issues and further supported by a Masters degree in Urban and Financial Management fromthe American University in Washington DC.
At times not everyone will agree with me on positions I believe to be in the best interest of ourtown. But that is okay. That is what makes our town a stronger community; we have open dia-log and consider the different sides of an issue. Once we have vetted a topic, made a decisionand implemented policy as a community we will wipe the slate clean and start anew on the nextissue. I will always look forward to working with any and all members of our community on the many issues we face. I will al-ways support the decision of policy making and encourage the participation of the residents of Chelmsford. Most importantly,we will keep an open flow of communication and ideas and work together to make Chelmsford great.
This is my philosophy towards the delivery of efficient and fair governance. Especially at the local level, government should beby the people and for the people. This demands respect, honesty, and transparency. These are the values I have reflected in mymany years of service to the Town of Chelmsford as a member and current Vice Chairman of the Finance Committee, a mem-ber of the Capital Planning Committee, the Charter Review Committee, Solid Waste Recycling Committee, and as a TownMeeting Representative. On April 7th you have a choice and your vote will make a difference. A vote for Donald Van Dyne is vote for an honest leader.
Four key reasons: First, I want to unite this town. We can do anything if we work together. Second, I'll work hard to find cre-ative ways to protect the services like fire, police, schools and libraries. Also, I can help us get a fair hearing from the statehouse. A lot of our problems are due to state mandates and funding issues. Fourth, I want to lead Chelmsford to be an exampleto the state on alternative energy and conservation.
Candidate for Board of SelectmenGeorge Dixon
Why should I vote for you?
These are tough times for Chelmsford and everywhere. But since the earliest days of the USA, we've stood united been able todo things against long odds. I don't have all the answers and probably nobody does. But in Chelmsford, you can bet that some-body does. We have a lot of really smart people here who love this town. We need a town government that listens to people. If
we really listen and we welcome their ideas and skills, we can get through anything andmake this a better town for all of us.
If I'm elected my first priority will be to improve communication and cooperation betweenthe town departments, and between the town government and the residents. Email is greatbut an email address on our website isn't how you improve communication. You improve itby hearing people and not ignoring what they're telling you.
We have important services that protect our neighbors and our children. I'm not running tofigure out how to slash those. I'm running to protect those. As a volunteer serving on theboards of The Paul Center, the Greater Lowell Boys and Girls Club, and the ChelmsfordAlumni Association, I've created and chaired a lot of fundraisers. We need creative ways toraise money and put volunteers to work to protect the town our fathers gave us, and I havesome experience bringing people together for that.
We need cooperation from the state on a lot of issues, including Chapter 70 funding and 40B
DonDonVan DyneVan Dyne
GeorgeGeorgeDixonDixon
developments, but other things too. I've worked on the campaigns of a lot of our local legislators, I was named DistinguishedDemocrat of the Year, and I graduated from a 6-week Citizens Legislative Seminar at the State House. I can't make promisesabout what they will or won't do but I can help us get a fair hearing from them.
Finally, I want to see how we can bring in grant money to start some alternative energy projects here, like wind power or solar,and get cooperation from businesses that are looking for places for pilot projects. Energy costs are going to go back up and tech-nology costs are coming down. We can invest now to get control over this part of our budget.
My family has lived in this town for four generations. I'm running because I love this town, and like my father showed me, yougive back to your home. I won't be taking orders from anyone, and I won't be trying to give orders, I'll get things done by lis-tening and pulling people together.
I respectfully ask for one of two votes on April 7th.
Candidate for Board of SelectmenMatt Hanson
Why should I vote for you?
I have a clear vision of why I am running, what the position entails, and how I will be an asset to the Board of Selectman(BOS).
Having attended many meetings and public forums throughout Chelmsford, I have gained a thorough understanding of theworkings of our town government. I am an active Town Meeting Rep (TMR) who has worked with residents on various issuesfacing the town ranging from leaf collection and snow plowing, to issues such as taxation, 40B, and the proposed Aggregate In-dustries expansion.
Throughout my experiences as an active TMR, I have identified things that I would do differently on the BOS. Being accessi-ble and responsive to residents, while being a TMR and working on many issues facing Chelmsford, allowed me to see first-hand how valuable this was. I felt that my ability and willingness to work closely with residentswould help me be an effective Selectman.
After taking a proactive approach to many issues here in Chelmsford, as well as at the Statehouse, Iwant to bring that same proactive attitude to the BOS. I have seen how issues such as the Billericapower plant, 40B, and Chapter 70 have affected our town. If a surrounding town is building a 40Bon the border of Chelmsford, or a power plant that will have potentially dangerous effects to our airand water, I will not wait for them to ask our opinion. I will research the proposals and take the ini-tiative to pick up the phone and start the dialogue positioning our towns concerns immediately. Iwill lobby our state representatives tirelessly to ensure that the Town of Chelmsford receives fairrepresentation at the state level. I have done this in the past, and I will continue to do this as amember of the BOS.
I have a deep understanding of the economic climate in which our town is currently operating. Ispend a great deal of time speaking with our legislators and attending forums on the financial situa-tion at the Statehouse and issues of local development.
I will be receiving my BA in Political Science from UMass Lowell in May and I am currently working towards my MastersDegree in Regional Economic and Social Development. It is important for me to stress exactly what that means and why itwould be valuable as a member of the BOS. Politics and science are two words that don’t seem like they belong together, butfor me, Political Science is the study of what policies work, and most importantly, why. I have always been a very objectiveperson and my experience working with intricate political issues has helped me to develop an understanding of the processesinvolved in making those decisions.
In September 2008 when I announced my candidacy; I did so because I saw the need for change and believed that my politicalplatform supports that need. I will always be accessible, take a proactive and objective approach to every situation, and exercisefiscal discipline. I have a strong desire to give back to the town where I have lived my entire life. I believe the best way for meto do that is as a member of the Board of Selectman.
I respectfully ask for one of your two votes on Election Day, Tuesday, April 07, 2009.
Regards,
Matt Hanson
MattMattHansonHanson
Candidate for Board of SelectmenSteve Roberts
Why should I vote for you?
I am an Engineer by trade for over 10 years. I have a strong analytical and technical background as a result. I have been a manager of a soft-ware engineering team with members in Europe, Asia & here in Massachusetts. I have led these teams in trouble-shooting problems withcomputer systems in our world’s leading financial & healthcare institutions.
Outside of work, I was a project lead for a Tsunami Relief project in 2005 that was charted to rebuild 45 fishingvillages in South East India. I worked cross-timezone and cultures to design sustainable living environmentsthat would withstand future weather events. At home, I have been an active member of the Chelmsford OpenSpace Stewardship, leading efforts to clean-up, protect & promote our open space properties.
I represent a generation that will jump into our political process with a renewed outlook on Chelmsford’s future.It is part of my nature as an engineer to want input and to take in all sides of a problem, but to also makesound decisions and move forward. As Selectman for Chelmsford, I will reach out to my fellow residents andlisten, but stand up & lead our town through these difficult times.
What differentiates me from my fellow candidates is my upbringing in a small town, a town similar to whatChelmsford was not that long ago. I am at a point in my professional career where I have been faced with diffi-cult challenges. I have restructured organizations to meet the economic challenges that I have faced. I havedone this with integrity and consideration for all sides. We face a difficult path ahead in town and we need aleader who will have the experience in making difficult decisions, but the compassion for the hometown valuesthat were instilled on me at an early age.
We need a leader who reaches out to every resident, not just the small percent who are active in our town government and associations. Together we will build a vision for the community that we can pass on to future generations. Please do the first part in this by voting on Tuesday.
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SteveSteveRobertsRoberts
The Candidatesspeakon 40B
CLICK CLICK HEREHERE
The Candidatesspeakon Billboards
CLICK CLICK HEREHERE
The Candidatesspeakon Aggregate Industries
CLICK CLICK HEREHERE
A fool and his money are soon elected.A fool and his money are soon elected.- WILL ROGERS- WILL ROGERS
Recession sees fewer campaign donations in Chelmsford raceRecession sees fewer campaign donations in Chelmsford raceBy Rita Savard, [email protected]
03/31/2009
CHELMSFORD -- The recession has people thinking about a lot of things. Donating to political campaigns isn't one of them.
That's evident in Chelmsford where several candidates running for selectman are loaning themselves money just to do some basic campaign-ing.
Candidate Steven Roberts spent more than $1,000 out of his own pocket to help pay for bulk mailings and yard signs.
"Mailing is a big and expensive part of campaigning, but it helps reach those people who you might not get to meet knocking on doors,"Roberts said. "It's about making people aware of who you are when they head to the polls."
Candidate George Dixon, who was weighing whether he'll need to put $800 of his own cash into another mailing yesterday, said he doesn'tfeel comfortable asking his friends and neighbors for money.
"No one has any money right now," Dixon said. "It's humbling enough that people are willing to donate their own time to help you get elected."
All six candidates vying for two open seats on the board agreed that in a crippled economy, volunteers can outweigh the value of a dollar.
Even simple campaigning isn't cheap, said Ken Hanson, a member of the Committee to Elect Matthew Hanson. Just one mailing to 15 percentof the town's registered voters -- about 3,501, out of 23,246 total -- can add up to more than $2,000 with the cost of postcards and stamps.
Hanson, as well as candidate Sean Scanlon have each spent more than they raised as of March 30, according to campaign finance reportsdue in the town clerk's office yesterday by 4 p.m.
"Our volunteers really saved us," said Nancy Scanlon, Sean Scanlon's wife and campaign volunteer. "The hours they've put in are pricelesswhen you think about all the work involved."
From standing outside and holding signs to knocking on doors, Nancy Scanlon, who is pregnant with the couple's second child, said gettingout a message that's effective yet cost-efficient is the way to go.
Don Van Dyne spent Saturday holding campaign signs in Chelmsford Center with his daughter, Maggie-Molloy, 7.
"Money is tough for most people," Van Dyne said. "I've been getting by with a strong base of support from family, friends and neighbors justcontributing time to get the message out there. That's what it's all about. I'd rather have their support than their money."
Candidate Jim Murray was the only candidate who missed yesterday's deadline for filing a campaign finance report. Late filing can result infines of $10 a day for the oversight, according to state campaign laws.
Town Clerk Betty Delaney said she allows for a little wiggle room before referring late candidates to the state Office of Campaign and PoliticalFinance, which issues the fines.
Murray said he's raised less than $300, and estimates that he's probably invested the same. Murray said he's putting most of his money into amass mailing, with a small donation going toward a group of bagpipers called The Bunker Hill Pipe Band.
The band, which has opened up for the DropKick Murphys, drew a crowd in Chelmsford Center last weekend. Murray will bring them back thisSaturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
"I don't think you have to throw a bunch of money at a campaign to make it work," he said. "It's about leg work, and I've got a lot of good peoplebehind me."
Campaign finance reports are public record and available for viewing at the town clerk's office, 50 Billerica Road.
Politics has become so expensive that it takes a lot of money even to be defeated.- WILL ROGERS
Chelmsford Selectmenʼs Race Profileswritten by Rita Savard
Hanson: I'll have state experienceThe Lowell Sun03/28/2009
CHELMSFORD -- Matthew Hanson said he has something to offer that his challengers do not -- a view from the Statehouse.
After completing his bachelor's degree in political science this May, Hanson is slated to begin interning for newly elected state Rep. JimArciero, D-Westford.
"I'll be dealing with issues affecting Chelmsford every day at the state level," Hanson said. "Hopefully that will come back to the town in veryhelpful ways, whether it's a new money-saving grant or having the ear of all of our state reps."
On April 7, Hanson hopes his dedication and commitment to making Chelmsford an even better place to live will win over voters for one oftwo open selectman seats.
The only college student in this year's race, 20-year-old Hanson says his age has advantages.
"My studies revolve around politics and civic life," he says. "Because I don't have a family of my own right now, I have all of my time and en-ergy to devote to serving the town of Chelmsford, and that's something I'm very passionate about."
For the past few years, Hanson has spent his free time watching and attending meetings for the Board of Selectmen and School Commit-tee. His penchant for politics led him to run for an open Town Meeting Representative seat last year, which he won. Since that time, he'splayed an active role in a number of issues affecting Chelmsford, including Aggregate Industries attempt to expand its asphalt plant on Lit-tleton Road.
While Hanson is hesitant to criticize the current Board of Selectmen, he has said at a recent debate that the board should have pushedharder against the plant.If elected, Hanson said one of his priorities will be helping the town preserve the same public-education programs he benefited from.
"Since the town's revenues have declined, there have been substantial cuts to education and public safety," he says. "Besides fighting formore local aid, I would be in favor of asking the town's highest-paid public employees, as well as the unions to take a temporary wagefreeze."
Times in town are so tough, Hanson says, that the School Department cut bottled water out of the nurse's office.
"When you get to the point where kids can't have water on hand to take their medicine, something needs to be done," he says.
Although he is young, Hanson says his education has prepared him for public service, giving him a leg up on some of his older challengers.
"Because of my age, I'm enthusiastic, energetic and motivated," he says. "I'm not afraid of taking a proactive approach to get the job done."
“I donʼt make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.” - WILL ROGERS
Murray wants 40B abolishedThe Lowell Sun
Updated: 03/28/2009
CHELMSFORD -- Knocking down the state's 40B affordable housing law was Jim Murray's sole reason for entering the selectman's race.
During debates, opponents have charged Murray with being a one-issue candidate. But whether it's finding better affordable housing solutions,boosting the local economy or balancing the budget, Murray says he's committed to making all of the issues Chelmsford faces a top priority ifelected to one of two open seats on April 7.
"The time has come for a changing of the guard and a new crew to provide leadership direction to the people of our community," Murray said."I will bring to the office of selectman independent thinking, creative problem-solving, a clarity of purpose and a vision for the future."
Calling 40B "a monster devouring small-town character," Murray believes there's a better way to bring affordable housing into town and plansto launch a regional effort for repealing the law.
"As a licensed construction supervisor, I know it costs two to three times as much to rehabilitate an older building than to construct a new oneon the same footprint," he says.
Murray is also in favor of using foreclosed homes for affordable housing stock to possibly help shelter some of the town's 1,400 residents nowon a seven-to-10 year waiting list for affordable housing.
Murray has also called the Chelmsford Board of Assessors' decision to tax mobile homes "excessive." Last year, all 254 trailers in the parkwere assessed at $30,000 each. Murray said those estimates are off for many park residents, including Joan Linehan, who purchased her unitin 1961 at $6,000. Chelmsford is the first community in the commonwealth to assess homes on wheels like permanent homes with founda-tions. The unprecedented lawsuit is pending in court."I have a real problem with our assessor going after our seniors who are on fixed incomes and whose property values are nowhere near the$30,000 proposed," he said. "I wonder if our legal bill will reflect what we may have gained in revenue. I doubt it."
Murray has owned and operated a Christmas tree farm in Maine since 1975. As a small-business owner, Murray says he understands the lifeand challenges of Chelmsford's small businesses, including making payroll, hiring help and paying suppliers in a bad economy. He opposestax classification.
He said his training and service in the U.S. Navy Seabees helped shape his life and hone his leadership skills. While in the Seabees, Murraywas an engineering aide, helping to construct a 10,000-foot runway in the Indian Ocean.
"I know how to think independently, but I also know how to work well with my team until our goal is completed," Murray said. "If elected, I willoffer bold solutions and bring a lifetime of experience to the Board of Selectmen."
Roberts vows communicationThe Lowell Sun03/28/2009
CHELMSFORD -- Steve Roberts may be a newcomer to Chelmsford, but says he's no stranger when it comes to small-town appeal -- and pol-itics.
"Both my parents were teachers in Monson, a small town in western, Massachusetts," Roberts says. "But in the 1970s, their town facedbudget cuts very much like the ones we're facing now in Chelmsford."
Tough fiscal times prompted deep cuts in his hometown's public schools.
Roberts says he won't sit by and watch the same happen in Chelmsford. If elected to one of two open seats on the Board of Selectmen, hesays his mission will be fighting to preserve quality levels of public safety and education.
"I chose to settle in Chelmsford because of the town's preserved New England character and history, and its affordable housing compared toneighboring communities," Roberts says. "These are qualities that cannot be compromised, even in difficult economic times."
Part of keeping Chelmsford a great place to live, means nurturing a vibrant local economy, Roberts adds. His own parents left teaching to starta small printing business in the 1970s. Thirty years later, it's still thriving.
"Small businesses are the economic engine of a community," he says. "That's why I believe the town's uniform tax rate shouldn't be changed."
Roberts says communication between residents and town officials is key to bringing real change to Chelmsford. That's why he says his firstmotion would be to form committees in each neighborhood. Neighborhood committees could take any issues and concerns to selectmen sothe board can work more effectively on carrying out the will of voters."Having that level of communication would be a great way to engage with different neighborhoods and take the needs of those residents toother town boards and committees, and to our state reps," Roberts says. "Someone needs to be there in the middle to connect the dots anddrive the effort. I'd like to be that person for my community."
For the past nine years, Roberts has worked for the largest information-storage company based in Massachusetts. During most of his tenure,he's led research and development teams in trouble-shooting software problems for some of the world's leading financial institutions andhealth-care companies.
Think of it like this: If your online banking goes haywire, a hospital's patient database freezes up, or a major league baseball team runs into atechnical glitch when airing those game replays, Roberts' team finds a way to fix it fast.
He says his leadership skills have coordinated organizations across time zones, cultures and under tight deadlines.
Dixon vows to get answersThe Lowell Sun03/28/2009
CHELMSFORD -- In tough fiscal times, George Dixon says a strong leader should be able to open doors, get answers and stop at nothing toget funding.
As the candidate who's spent the most years in Chelmsford, 62-year-old Dixon says fundraising is something he knows a lot about. Dixon saysexperience coupled with his connections on Beacon Hill is why voters should choose him on April 7 for one of two open seats on the Board ofSelectmen.
"I know how to get together and raise money when money is tight," says Dixon, who has served on several fundraising committees over theyears, including the Greater Lowell Boys and Girls Club and Camp Paul in Chelmsford (a summer camp for children with special needs).
But probably his biggest project was spearheading the committee that helped raise more than $23,000 to erect a memorial to Chelmsford'sVietnam War veterans. The memorial, built in 2006, sits on the common in North Chelmsford. Dixon also founded his own charity, CaringFriends, to raise money for various organizations that fight Alzheimer's and breast cancer, diseases which afflicted both his parents and hiswife.
If elected, Dixon says his priorities will be working with all town boards and committees toward common goals.
"It's important that the people believe their government is working for them, and cares about their wants and needs," he says. "I'm a hardworker who is not afraid to take a stand to defend the integrity and character of our town, and I expect to be held accountable for my decisions."
Exploring more alternative energy sources, including solar panels for municipal buildings, is another approach that Dixon believes can savethe town money. He's also interested in pursing more "creative" ways to put more money back into Chelmsford's operating budget, including aproposal to put three billboards up in town.
"As long as it doesn't affect the integrity of the town, I'd support it," Dixon says.
Dixon is also an avid golfer, who has organized many golf tournaments as fundraisers, and is proud of the golf awards he's won with his son,including the 1994 State Father-Son Championship.
"I don't claim to have all the answers," Dixon says. "But I do know that I can be a driving force to get the answers."
Van Dyne: I can crunch numbersThe Lowell Sun03/28/2009
CHELMSFORD -- Donald Van Dyne says the crippled economy prompted his run for office.
The Finance Committee member says he's the only candidate with real experience balancing a municipal budget. Van Dyne hopes a familiaritywith town government will win him one of two open seats on the Board of Selectmen April 7.
"I'm uniquely qualified," he says. "I've already worked with all of the town's department heads, finance directors and the town manager on thebudget."
If elected, Van Dyne says his priorities will be promoting economic development, favoring redevelopment over new development and continu-ing to rebalance Chelmsford's Chapter 70 state education aid.
Van Dyne was the first resident in town to pull nomination papers for the board.
"Now more than ever, the town needs to tread carefully with it comes to finances," he says. "I'm about numbers and right now it's all aboutnumbers."
Van Dyne has a master's degree in urban financial management from the American University in Washington. Besides serving on the FinanceCommittee, he also served on the Capital Planning Committee, the Solid Waste and Recycling Committee, the Charter Review Committee,and was a Town Meeting representative for Precinct 6 for three years.
Van Dyne is the only candidate opposed to a repeal of the state's 40B affordable housing law. Instead of scrapping the law and starting overfrom scratch, Van Dyne believes the current law should be amended. Repealing the law, he says, could actually make things worse in Chelms-ford."The state could come back and cut local aid completely, which has been talked about before, or strip the town from having any say at all overaffordable housing projects," Van Dyne said.
Helping to build 40B projects in the past, including Glen Isle in Chelmsford, Van Dyne says sticking to a LIP process (Local Initiative Project),would guide developers, abutters and town officials to creating projects that work for Chelmsford. Van Dyne says his experience if propertymanagement also qualifies him as a leader willing and able to market the town's industrial and commercial strengths to attract business andbolster tax revenue.
Van Dyne supports asking the town's top paid employees to take pay cuts as a way to reduce town expenses and set an example for unions.
"We need to be able to meet with the unions and understand where they're coming from," Van Dyne says. "And they need to know where weare financially. For years it was like people thought there was a money tree hiding in a closet in Town Hall. There isn't and we need to establishtruths."
Scanlon eyes prioritizationThe Lowell Sun03/28/2009
CHELMSFORD -- When it comes to leadership, Sean Scanlon says he knows about making tough decisions under fire.
As a former commander supporting U.S. Air Force special operations, Scanlon says prioritizing and completing missions is his strong suit.
"I don't believe in leaving a job unfinished," Scanlon says, which is why he hopes to land Chelmsford's vote for one of two open seats on theBoard of Selectmen.
After graduating Chelmsford High School in 1998, Scanlon earned a bachelor's in history from UMass Amherst in 2002. He was commis-sioned in the Air Force the same year.
While in the Air Force, Scanlon was assigned to three different states and served overseas, both in Europe and Afghanistan, where he sup-ported strategic planning and delivered supplies to Afghan refugees. His service in the military gave him another perspective on hardshipsand making quick decisions on extreme deadlines.
When deployed to Cyprus, Scanlon was a commander of an intelligence unit that supported Air Force missions. It was his job to prioritizewhich mission was going to be a highest threat and then put a guy on it.
"Knowing the decisions you make affect more than just yourself, the guy you never met in the field taking fire, those are the decisions thatweigh on you after," Scanlon says. "It's very important to make decisions that best serve everyone involved."
That's the reason that prompted his run for the Board of Selectmen.
"If you think something should be done, it's not always right to look around for someone else to do it," he says.Scanlon, who continues to serve as a captain in the Air National Guard, said when people often think of the military, they think of discipline.But one thing that often gets overlooked, he ads, is the experience of working with a broad range of people from different backgrounds andskill sets.
"We can all relate to having that one annoying co-worker at the office," he laughs. "But at the end of the day, you have to work with that personto reach a broader goal. So you focus on the things you do have in common. And when you work at that it's funny, because most of the timeyou learn that you have more in common with that person that you thought."
If elected, Scanlon says his focus will looking for more other means to saving money besides hacking further into public safety and education.One approach he's brought up in debates has been to look at advertising on school buses as a way of eliminating school bus fees.
"I will push for policy not because it's expedient, or the hot-button issue of the day, but because it's in the best interest of Chelmsford todayand tomorrow."
***********************************************************************************************************Chelmsford Independent Q & A Click on the Candidate to read what they had to say ...
Q & A with Jim Murray Q & A with Steve Roberts Q &A with-Sean-Scanlon
Q & A with George Dixon Q & A with Donald Van Dyne Q & A with Matthew Hanson
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QUESTION: By default you will win your election bid. By default you will win your election bid. But why should I actually vote for you and not just leave the ballot blank?But why should I actually vote for you and not just leave the ballot blank?
Dear Chelmsford Voters,
Leaving the a ballot blank is like leaving things the way they are. It means you are satisfied with the performance of theSchool Administration and the School Committee. Leaving it blank is telling everyone that the millions of dollars that arespent in our school district are being spent correctly and no improvements are needed. As I have mentioned on many occa-sions during the campaign the definition of insanity is "keep doing things the same way and expect different results". Thereneeds to be some common sense thinking brought back into our school district and a sense that what the taxpayers havegiven us is a gift so we should spend it wisely and effectively. We must always live within ourmeans.
A different approach needs to be examined for our school administration to move productivelyinto the future. Bringing some business minded ideas and structure to the school district will fosternew energy which will attract new found involvement by parents and taxpayer alike. A clear 3 - 5year plan is critical for the success of any organization, so this will be a critical requirement in myfirst 3 months as a committee member. Adding a sense of responsibility to the administration isalso critical to the development of a positive relationship between the taxpayers, parents, schooladministration, school committee, and other parts of town government. The impression is theschools have distanced themselves from the town, parents, and the taxpayers. This has to end,there are so many human assets in this town that need to be utilized and I'm sure that can hap-pen, it will be our job on the SC to just ask for that help.
I hope on election day you cast a vote for fresh, new common sense approach to doing business and by casting a vote for Nick DeSilvio I promise you that your voice will always be heard. Blank ballot = leaving things the way they are, A vote cast for Nick DeSilvio = new common sense thinking.
Thank you for the opportunity.
Respectfully,
Nick DeSilvio
Hello Roy,
Thank you for the question and the opportunity to respond to you.
I would respectfully ask that you cast your vote for me based on my performance during my first 3 years as a Planning Board member. During my first 3 years I have not been afraid to ask the tough questionsand be an active member of the Planning Board. I have served as the clerk, the Planning Board representative toNorthern Middlesex Council of Governments [NMCOG], the chair of the billboard sub committee,and I am one of two Planning Board members to serve on the Master Plan committee. In addition, I worked with NMCOG to complete a Drum Hill Master Plan study. These responsibilities show theefforts that I have put forward as a 1st year Planning Board member.
I have worked very hard to be an active member of Chelmsford’s Planning Board and look forward in continuing to serve as a Planning Board member. Your vote would recognized the effortsthat I have put forward as a member of the Planning Board. Therefore, I respectfully ask that onApril 7th, 2009, you cast your vote for S. George Zaharoolis candidate for Planning Board.
Sincerely,S. George Zaharoolis
Nick DeSilvio
S. GeorgeS. GeorgeZaharoolisZaharoolis
CLICK HERE for Nickʼs appearance at
the League of Women VotersDebate
CLICK HERE for Nickʼs appearance
on Town Talk withDennis Ready
Thanks so much for this venue, Roy and Tom.
First, I would like to introduce myself to those of you who may not know me. My Name is Colleen Stansfield and I live in the West-lands neighborhood with my wonderful husband, Eric and our three beautiful kids, Jack 9, Bobby (also known as Robert) 7, andmy sweet little Erin who just turned 4. My husband was born and raised here in Chelmsford and my children are attending thesame schools he did as a child. It may seem odd but this is so very important to me because my father was an Air Force Pilot andwe moved about every 3 years or so. I loved my childhood and had lots of opportunity to live and travel all across the nation.However, Chelmsford is the very first place that I truly feel a community connection. I look forward to my children having a truesense of roots and community. Something I have missed until recently and my husband has enjoyed his entire life.
I am running for a seat on the Planning Board. I do currently sit on the Planning Board as an ap-pointed member. Prior to my appointment to the Planning Board, I sat as the appointed Alternateafter Mr. Jim Lane successfully won a full seat on the board. I have truly enjoyed this experi-ence and have learned so much from my fellow Board members. I have been very active in manyaspects of town government and try to give back to this community as much as possible. My en-tire family is here in Chelmsford ( except my NYC sister). I have a vested interest in the develop-ment and redevelopment of our community now and looking into the future. I also look forwardto participating in the Master Plan process. This Plan is a very important document for the town.It gives us guidance and vision for the future in every aspect of the character of Chelmsford.
I am also up for re-election as a Town Meeting Representative in Precinct 6. As a TMR, I haveattended all of the Town Meetings except one, which was due to an illness in my family. I havebeen to State House with the Initiative for Local Aid every time they have had a rally to lobby forour fair share of the Chapter 70 funding in support of our schools. I, also, in conjunction with theBoard of Selectmen and School Committee created a petition signed by over 150 Town MeetingReps. asking for our legislators support to get Chelmsford's fair share of the Chapter 70 funding.
I have served on the Stipend Review Committee and am a current member of the Arts and Technology Education Committee whichgives grants to teachers, PTO's and other school affiliates to help enhance the current curriculum of the Chelmsford School sys-tem.
I frequently attend BoS meetings and try very hard to keep abreast of all current issues regarding our Schools, Public Safety andother services that affect the quality of life here in Chelmsford.
I respectfully ask for your consideration in casting one of your three votes for me to serve you as a member of the Planning Board.
I would also ask for all Precinct 6 voters to consider casting one of your six votes for Colleen Stansfield to continue serving you asyour Precinct 6 Town Meeting Representative.
As always, please feel free to contact me anytime if any of you have a concern or question.
Thanks so much for listening and another thanks to Roy and Tom for creating this forum.
Respectfully,
Colleen Stansfield5 Field St.978-256-3588
Town Meeting Representative Candidateshttp://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/x599206471/Town-Meeting-Representative-Candidates
Precinct 1: Samuel ChaseFor the past 11 years, I have represented Precinct 1 voters and Chelmsford citizens at large in Town Meeting. During thatterm, I have tried to act thoughtfully and responsibly to achieve the proper balance between the long-term interests of theTown and the Chelmsford taxpayer's ability to pay for services. As a town, we must continue to provide essential services and address capital needs within the current environment oflower state aid and limited revenues. During my term, I have worked hard at becoming informed by attending board meet-ings and doing the research necessary to understand the financial issues facing the town. I have attempted to be respon-sive to constituents, and have always supported practical, cost-effective programs that will meet the needs of current andfuture residents. Serving the community's best long-term interests has always been a priority with me, and I if re-elected, I will continue to practice that philosophy.I ask that Precinct 1 voters support me in my continuing efforts to provide conscientious, quality representation.
If re-elected, I will continue to remain accessible via telephone (256-5617) or e-mail ([email protected]).Address: 5 Rivermeadow DriveResident since 1979Married, two adult childrenCommunity: Town Meeting Representative, Finance Committee Member, Board of Selectmen, Board of Assessors
ColleenColleenStansfieldStansfield
Precinct 1: Frances McDougal I am a candidate for reelection as Town Meeting Representative in Precinct !. My family and I have been residents of thistown since 1971. I have been privileged to have had the opportunity to participate in town activities over these past 38years.For many years I worked in the school system as a substitute teacher. Some of the positions I have held are as the Chair-man of the Fourth of July Parade Committee, member of the Mobile Home Rent Control Board, and currently as a mem-ber of the Sign Advisory Committee, and by the way, I am opposed to having billboards in our town.I am a charter member of Town Meeting having served since the inception of elected members. I hold a Bachelor's of Sci-ence in Education degree from Framingham State and am a retired teacher from the City of Lowell school system. I aman active member of this town who values fiscal responsibility, the promise of a sound education for our children, and Ihope to continue as an elected Town Rep.I ask for one of your six votes and hope to see you at the polls.
Frances T. McDougal, Pct. 1 Rep, #3 on your ballotAddress: 11 Dawn [email protected] 978-256-0350
Precinct 3: Judy StraefferMy name is Judy Straeffer and I am running for my third term as a Town Meeting Representative in Precinct 3.I have lived in Chelmsford for almost 12 years with my husband, Greg, and our children, Gwen, 16, and Zach, 14.Chelmsford has been a great place to live and raise our family.I am a strong supporter of our schools, where our children have had wonderful educational opportunities in a nurturingand challenging environment.I am also a strong supporter of public services and public safety — things that too many of us have taken for granted be-fore times have gotten tough in these last few years. All aspects of our town deserve to be supported and respected forthe importance of the services they provide — whether it be to educate our children, protect our citizens, or take care ofour roads.I am running because I am committed to making the best choices for our town; decisions that will help preserve the stabil-ity of the town of Chelmsford for the future.I ask all residents in Precinct 3 to allow me to continue my service to the town by giving me one of your votes.Judy Straeffer5 Barry Drive [email protected]
Precinct 5: Thomas E. GazdaI am a 25-year-resident of Chelmsford having moved here in 1983. Professionally I am a product development and manu-facturing consultant and a part time entrepreneur. Since moving to Chelmsford, I have always maintained cognizance oftown government operations and more recently have been able to undertake more active participation in town govern-ment.Currently I am a representative in Precinct 5 filling an existing term and am seeking reelection.I am an active runner and cyclist and am currently serving as vice chairman of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Com-mittee (BPAC).My goals are to represent the interests of residents of Precinct 5 and all town residents, help answer their questions andassist them in understanding town government operations, the town budget and the laws that must be followed in makingdecisions in these areas. Particular areas of interest to me include transportation (traffic, roads, alternate methods) andsafety, open space preservation, and intelligent development/redevelopment of commercial property to keep Chelmsfordan attractive town in which to live, work, raise a family and operate a business. I encourage residents of Precinct 5 to contact me with matters of concern and welcome comments and suggestions. Like-wise, I welcome questions, concerns and input from all residents concerning bicycle and pedestrian use and safety issuesin town and will bring those to the BPAC committee. I can be reached at [email protected]. I would greatly ap-preciate your vote on April 7.
Precinct 5: Elaine MacDonaldI am running for Town Meeting Representative in Precinct 5. Even though I pay attention to the newspapers, watch meet-ings on the cable access station, read the town’s website and have been known to go to meetings and ask a question ortwo at the microphone, I still don’t always feel I understand enough about what is happening in our town. I have the im-pression that a lot of other people feel the same way.Some folks might think of me as just another “soccer mom” to four children. Yes, depending on the season, you could alsocall me a “scout mom” or a “swim mom” or “wrestling mom.” I do think one of Chelmsford’s great strengths is how person-ally involved parents are with their children.I am also a person that believes in transparent and participative government. I think that our community at large needs toknow more and to have more input into the process. I will continue to pay attention to what people are thinking about, to
keep asking questions until I get answers, and to keep people informed about what I learn. My promise is to form opinions on issues only after I have done the necessary research on the issue. I am keeping a blogabout running and hopefully participating as a Town Meeting representative(http://chelmsfordprecinct5tmremm.blogspot.com/). I hope I can have one of your votes for Town Meeting representative in Precinct 5 on Election Day. Elaine MacDonald15 Reid Roadhttp://chelmsfordprecinct5tmremm.blogspot.com/ [email protected]
Precinct 5: Wendy Crandall MaurielloMy name is Wendy Crandall Mauriello and I am a candidate for Town Meeting Representative for Precinct 5.My husband John and I live with our son Anthony in the town of Chelmsford. I also attended Chelmsford High School. I amrunning for Town Meeting Representative for Precinct 5 because I believe I possess the experience and education neces-sary to meet the ongoing challenges that face our community.As a Town Meeting representative, I will commit myself to ensuring the town’s continued financial strength. With careful fi-nancial planning, we need to continue to maintain our stabilization fund in order to meeting the uncertainty of our stateand national economy. We also must be mindful of our bond rating, which greatly impacts our cost of borrowing money forthe many important projects in town, including our current sewer and school project.As a Town Meeting representative, I will to be mindful of our seniors. We need to continue to add to the number of housingunits for our seniors. We also need to be mindful of the needs that our seniors which is why I will support our senior centerwhich does so much to assist those in our community.As a Town Meeting representative, I will support ongoing improvements to our town’s facilities, infrastructure and openspace. Each year, the Community Preservation Act provides the town with state matched funds that can assist us in insur-ing our long-term goal of acquiring additional open space. We can also use these funds to support improvements to ourtwo original town halls so that they are properly maintained and remain town assets for years to come. We can also usethese funds to support additional housing for seniors.As a Town Meeting representative, I will be an advocate for our school system. We need to continue to be strong advo-cates for more funds for our schools through increases to Chapter 70 funding. It is incumbent on all elected official, includ-ing town meeting representative, to advocate for more aid from the state. Public safety and public education need toremain our top priorities as we continue to navigate through this unprecedented time of budget challenges.Now more than ever we need to continue this effort to insure that Chelmsford remains one of the finest towns in the com-monwealth of Massachusetts. I respectfully ask for one of your six votes on Election Day for Town Meeting Representativefor Precinct 5. Thank you.
Precinct 5: Glenn ThorenIf you live in South Chelmsford and vote at the Byam School I would like to take a moment to tell you where I stand on theissues and why I am running for reelection. You have up to six votes that you can place for Town Meeting Representative inPrecinct 5, so when you see the ballot “start at the bottom” of the list. Because of the luck of the draw that’s where myname is.On the issues, we need to stop or severely limit the building of “40B” housing projects that drop dozens or hundreds ofunits of apartments or clustered houses into Chelmsford. I began my commitment to serving Chelmsford over 20 yearsago when one of the first projects came to town. Huge, high-density buildings have no place in communities like Chelms-ford since they burden our schools and infrastructure and create a city-like appearance in our suburban environment. The40B law should be eliminated.We need to be fiscally frugal looking for new ways to generate revenue or cut costs. Taxes are a fact of life and the town isworking hard to cut costs on all fronts. I support that effort. Services are being maintained to a minimal level. We need tolower costs by considering methods to collect trash using new technology like auto-loading barrels on trucks.We need to find a way to fund and reopen our South Chelmsford Fire Station. Some houses in our part of town are at riskshould a fire start. Some “stimulus funding” from the federal government should be considered to reopen the station.We need a new Center Fire Station, and we need it now. The condition of the station is a disgrace and highly dangerous. Ifyou haven’t seen it, go take a look. We need to move the DPW away from the precious water resources on RichardsonRoad. These are priority issues even in a tough economy.I support energy conservation in all areas, our homes, and town buildings. Grant money and stimulus money is available.We should convert to hybrid vehicles and seriously consider generating energy with solar panels and possibly wind tur-bines. The cost of gasoline will go up again. Currently I do not agree with “billboarding” the town. It is a creative idea, andthat’s the type of thinking we need. Let’s keep looking for more funding resources like grants and bringing in new businessto fill the empty buildings. All new ideas are welcome. Some just don’t fit the town.Conserving open space like the Redwing Farm and the large Lewis property in South Chelmsford are exactly the kinds ofprojects I support and will continue to do so.We need to revitalize the Old Town Hall and the North Town Hall. These are historical landmarks that still have years ofservice ahead of them and a wealth of history behind.
And finally let’s consider the schools. My lovely wife Evelyn and I have three sons that went through the school system.They are now all professionals in engineering and computer science working for local well known companies. We alsohave two grandchildren who will be entering the Chelmsford Schools in only a couple years. Our school system is worthsupporting and improving. It is one of cornerstones that make Chelmsford a great town.I am committed to serving Precinct 5 as I have for 20 years in good times and tough times as your town meeting repre-sentative. It has been an honor to serve you. With your help I will continue to do so. I promise to continue to speak up onthe issues and take your thoughts and hopes to town meeting. I have advanced technical degrees and business experi-ence, but that doesn’t go very far without common sense and a strong voice bringing your concerns to town meetingYou can still call me or e-mail me a [email protected]. We have much to love and protect in Chelmsford and muchwork to do together to preserve our quality of life.I kindly ask for one of your votes for Glenn Thoren, the last name on the ballot, on Tuesday April 7, for Precinct 5 TownMeeting Representative. I won’t let you down.
Precinct 5: Pat WojtasI am running for Town Meeting Representative in Precinct 5. I grew up in Chelmsford, watching it change from primarily afarming community to the suburban center in which we now live. Recently, I have become active in municipal government,having served a term on the Board of Library Trustees before being elected to the Board of Selectmen two years ago.
I have always wanted the best for the Town and its residents, and will continue to work towards that goal. Chelmsford isknown for its excellent educational system, as well as other services provided to the community, including a public librarythat is the envy of the region. I will work towards maintaining our superior standing in all areas, despite the limits nowbeing placed on our financial resources and staffing levels.
I am committed to evaluating all sides of issues, and listening to proponents and opponents, before making any decisions. Please remember to vote on Election Day, Tuesday, April 7. I respectfully ask for one of your votes for Town Meeting Rep-resentative.
Precinct 7: Geoff LucenteWhen my family and I moved here, we were looking for an excellent school system, a home in a close knit neighborhood,and a town with a great history and sense of community. We knew from family members already living here that we wouldfind just that. I love Chelmsford because it is a town where regular citizens can get directly involved, contribute, and helpshape the place they call home. This is why I've chosen to run for Town Meeting Representative.I am an IT consultant engineer, my wife, Katie, is a teacher at McCarthy Middle School, and our daughter attends ByamElementary School.I believe that through my experience, the varied perspectives of family members, and willingness to serve my community, Ican effectively represent the residents our precinct. My goal is to listen and learn about the issues that impact our commu-nity, and to join the other representatives of our precinct in delivering your voice to Town Meeting.As a property owner on 15 Footpath Road, who wants to make sure that our budget is used to efficiently provide the bestservices and schools for my neighbors in Precinct 7, and all of Chelmsford, I would work hard for your interests. Pleasecontact me anytime at [email protected] would be honored to represent you and your family, and I respectfully ask for one of your six votes for Town MeetingRepresentative in Precinct 7 on April 7.Geoff Lucente, #4 on the ballot.
Precinct 7: Maura ShieldMy name is Maura Shield and I am a candidate for re-election as a Town Meeting Representative.In 1995, my husband Kevin and I moved to Chelmsford. We were attracted to Chelmsford’s location near major highways,the excellent school system and the fact that the town was mostly built out. We have two children who attend Parker Mid-dle School. I have been very involved in their education serving on the board of the PTO’s at both Byam School andParker Middle School.I am a Certified Public Accountant employed in Administration and Finance at UMass Lowell. I believe that my accountingbackground and work with the PTO’s help me in my role as a Town Meeting Representative. However, it is my ability to lis-ten to what people are saying and my desire to help make our town a great place to live that make me a better TownMeeting Representative.I respectfully ask for your vote on April 7, 2009.
Maura Shield11 Winslow Road [email protected]
ENDORSEMENTSENDORSEMENTSCHELMSFORD INDEPENDENT:CHELMSFORD INDEPENDENT:Dixon and Scanlon for Board of SelectmenDixon and Scanlon for Board of Selectmen
CCHELMSFORD - When residents go to the polls on Tuesday they will add two new members to the Board of Selectmenwho will serve for the next three years.
Their choices could not be more diverse — from a 20-year-old college student, to men who have lived in town only a few yearsto a native son whose family has been here four generations.But no matter where they’re from, the new members must be committed to Chelmsford and helping to keep the town runningwith less resources.
The best choices for the job are George Dixon and Sean Scanlon.
Dixon has proven his commitment to the town through his years of service as a Town Meeting representative and as a memberof the Sewer Commission, 350th Anniversary Parade Committee and the Superintendent Search Committee.You will always know where Dixon stands on an issue because he is not afraid to speak his mind and is unapologetically blunt.
More importantly, he is not going to check to see which way the political wind is blowing or make decisions based on emotionsrather than fact.
And although some people have suggested his friendships with local and state officials mean little, it is those kinds of relation-ships that are going to help Chelmsford as it continues to struggle without a single voice on Beacon Hill.Dixon knows politics is about speaking face-to-face and gaining people’s trust in order to broker deals that benefit all residents.
Scanlon grew up in Chelmsford and returned when it was time to start his own family.He brings his experience as a military officer and as an analyst for the Air Force at Hanscom.
But more importantly, when he returned he knew it would be as an active participant in the town’s government.It may have been a principle drilled into him during his time in the Air Force, but Scanlon really does believe service before self issomething to strive for.
Scanlon says this is not the first step for a political career but rather a real desire to give back to the community that gave to himwhen he was younger.
Both Dixon and Scanlon bring exactly the kind of experiences and sense of serving the community that the Board of Selectmen needs.
LOWELL SUN:LOWELL SUN:Van Dyne, Scanlon for Chelmsford selectmenVan Dyne, Scanlon for Chelmsford selectmen
While some communities are struggling to encourage people to run for elected office, Chelmsford is fortunate to havesix candidates competing for two open seats on its Board of Selectmen.
The departure of two longtime selectmen -- Philip Eliopoulos and William Dalton -- sparked considerable interest in thesoon-to-be-vacated seats. So did the state's crippled economy.
As a member of the Chelmsford Finance Committee and having earned a master's degree in urban financial manage-ment, Donald Van Dyne understands municipal budgeting. He has also been involved in town government for years,also serving on the Capital Planning Committee, the Solid Waste and Recycling Committee, the Charter Review Com-mittee, and as a Town Meeting representative for Precinct 6.
Van Dyne supports asking the town's top-paid employees to take pay cuts to help reduce expenses and set an example.He also understands that it's important that the town have housing available that teachers, firefighters, police officersand other young Chelmsford professionals can afford to purchase.
When it comes time to make difficult decisions, Sean Scanlon will be ready. A former commander supporting U.S. AirForce special operations, Scanlon believes in never leaving a job unfinished. He knows how to prioritize and how towork with people with various backgrounds and skill sets.
Scanlon has already suggested a couple of creative methods to raise revenue, such as considering advertisingon school buses as a way to eliminate school-bus fees. He will strive to avoid reductions to public safety and education and instead look for innovative ways to reduce costs and increase revenue.
The Sun endorses Donald Van Dyne and Sean Scanlon for the Chelmsford Board of Selectmen.
Scandal, intrigue, mystery packages, phone calls and e-mails Where is Bernstein and Woodward when you need them?
LOWELL SUN POLITICAL COLUMN4/5/09
By Chelmsford Reporter
Rita Savard
ELECTION DRAMA is in full swing in Chelmsford, with some moments playing out like scenes from All the President'sMen and others like a skit on Saturday Night Live. From anonymous phone calls and notes on a scandal, to a marchingbagpipe band, Town Election 2009 has been anything but dull.
It started with two longtime incumbents retiring their seats -- Bill Dalton, 15 years, Philip Eliopoulos, 13 years. The an-nouncement opened up the flood gates to a new and eclectic group of candidates ranging from a college student to alongshoreman who did a stint on a reality TV show.
The race kicked into high gear when an anti-40B mailing swept through Chelmsford from the Slow Growth Initiative. Theletter blasted town officials for "rubber stamping" affordable-housing projects and prompted two candidates, Jim Murrayand Steven Roberts, to throw their hats in the ring.
By the middle of February, there was a lineup of six men vying for two seats. And the competition got heated.
An anonymous caller from George Dixon's campaign said there were efforts brewing to "swiftboat" challenger Donald VanDyne. For those of you drawing a blank, remember the Swift Boat veterans who campaigned against U.S. presidentialcandidate John Kerry in 2004? Well, according to the secret caller, a mission was under way to sink Van Dyne's ship.
Soon after, another anti-40B mailing canvassed Chelmsford from the Arlington-based Coalition to Repeal 40Baccusing Van Dyne of participating in a land-flip scheme as mentioned in a report issued by the state Inspector General.The group also came out endorsing Dixon and Murray for the board.While Van Dyne was mentioned in the state report, it did not accuse him of land flipping, and a frustrated Van Dyne demanded a public apology and a retraction via mail. In the meantime, a package from another anonymous source ar-rives at The Sun, highlighting information linking Dixon, not Van Dyne, to the development company that the IG was actually investigating.
Dixon, who admits working for the company, denied ever having any involvement with a 40B project. Van Dyne is pushing forward on a lawsuit against the Coalition to Repeal 40B. Eliopoulos and Dalton had their last televised meeting on March 30, and the editor of the Chelmsford Independent hand-delivered a red, white and blue cake written with the words, "Thanks for Everything."
And Murray, who's been compared to Santa Claus and made it to the final stages of the Real Gilligan's Island TV show,went marching through Chelmsford Center during the past two Saturdays with a kilt-clad band of bagpipers.
It all comes to a climax on Tuesday, when voters head to the polls.
With entertainment this good, who needs reality TV?
If you ever injected truth into politics you’d have no politics.- WILL ROGERS
--- Forwarded message ----------From: Jennifer Almeida <[email protected]>Subject: Re: IN-TOWN REPORT To: Roy Earley <[email protected]>
Hi Roy -
I recently put together a "Recycling 101" brochure to try to clarify areas of confusion related to recycling in Chelmsford.It's too big for me to put on the town's website in its present form (2.5 MB) although it is up onwww.chelmsfordrecycles.org.
I don't know if this is something you'd be interested in or willing to do, but is there any chance you could attach it to one of your "In-Town Reports"?
Thanks, Jennifer Almeida
Recycling 101:A Guide to Curbside Recycling
in ChelmsfordCLICK HERE TO LEARN EVERYTHING YOUNEED TO KNOW BUT WE’RE AFRAID TO ASK
“Thereʼs no trick to being a humorist when you have the whole government working for you.” - WILL ROGERS
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