Dear Friends,
Three years ago, I was humbled by your election of me to the Board of Selectmen. I am writing you to ask again for your support as I seek a second term.
We are faced with some difficult challenges and choices during the years to come. I believe that my work as your selectman over the past three years and my commitment to continue to work to ensure that Arlington is fiscally sound, environmentally friendly, committed to educating our children and protecting our residents, qualifies me for a second term.
Our focus now will be on weathering the economic crisis while keeping Arlington strong and vibrant. We have a strong foundation. Moving forward:
- We need to ensure that Arlington continues to be fiscally responsible and viable. In 2008, Arlington’s bond rating was raised to an AAA rating, the best bond rating achievable, resulting from the Town’s sound fiscal operation.
- The Town is in the process of preparing its second five year plan, and this will require that the Town and School Departments work cooperatively to continue to provide essential services to our residents while cutting our budgets by 10%.
- We need to continue the work to rebuild the Thompson and Stratton Elementary Schools and our remaining aging fire stations.
- We need to continue to work with our small businesses during this economic downturn. We need to attract new viable businesses to our Town that will benefit our residents and increase our tax revenues.
- We need to continue our focus on energy conservation and maintenance of open space in Arlington. The Town has committed to a plan to conserve energy by, among other things, reducing energy use in Town buildings by 10% or more. Despite budget constraints, we have maintained our parks and recreational facilities. The decision to remove the snow from the bike path has enabled our residents to have year round access to this unique recreational amenity.
I am committed to continuing this work on behalf of our Town. I thank you for your past support. I ask that you help me in my efforts to return to the Board of Selectmen and vote for me on April 4th.
