Last night candidates for town wide seats including Selectmen, Library Trustee, Town Clerk, Assessor, and Planning Board appeared before a panel of local news people to answer questions about themselves, the issues, and the reasons they are running for office.
Three of the four candidates running for the 3 open seats for member of the Library Board of Trustees were present: Incumbent Barbara mason, Sheryl Fleitman, and Herb Voigt. Another incumbent, Brendan McLaughlin, is out-of-town and did not attend. Voigt cited his longstanding support for Milton organizations including the Milton Library Foundation as testament to his level of committment. Incumbent Mason expressed her desire to continue serving and referenced her work with the customer satisfaction subcommittee. Ms. Fleitman said it would be an honor to serve and she would bring a “fresh voice” to the board.
The candidates fielded questions that included but were not limited to the role technology would play gong forward, how the librarians job has changed and what impact that might have on staffing requirements and sourcing, and ideas for better customer service. On the last point Voigt noted that morale had seemed to improve markedly over last year. Fleitman said service was excellent and that the knowledge librarians exhibited was key to that. Mason added that “there is always room for improvement.”
Coverage of the candidate’s for Selectman can be found here.
All four candidates for Town Clerk were present: Mike Joyce, Susan Galvin, and David Conlin.The first question, asked by Schroth, was whether they agreed with the recent redistricting and moving of polling places. David Conlin supported it citing the cost savings the town realized as a result. Galvin agreed with that. Joyce understood the need to redistrict but disagreed with the moving of the precincts and stated that he if elected he would move them back. McEttrick was more concerned with the process than the decision. “There was little discussion” she noted. McEttrick continued by saying there needed to be “an open, collaborative process.”
The candidates identified personal qualities and characteristics they felt uniquely qualified them. Joyce mentioned his comfort with and knowledge of technologies. McEttrick cited her experience as a selectman familiar with the workings and relationships in town hall as well as her independence. Galvin pointed to her current position within the clerk’s office and experience she has already gained running a number of elections. Mr. Conlin was at a bit of a disadvantage as he had only just learned about the event a couple of hours earlier and apologized for being unprepared, However, he stated that the public “should feel like they are coming into a home.” This sentiment was echoed by all candidates at some point during their remarks. All advocated for an open welcoming office that was accessible and made better use of technology.
In closing remarks McEttrick reiterated that should would be an independent Town Clerk, experienced with the operations of Town Hall, who would seek to make the office more open and accessible, and work collaboratively. She also feels that her training as an attorney qualifies her to handle the complex responsibilities of the job.
Joyce said he would be “friendly, responsible, and accessible.” He said the office “functions as a gateway to the town” and that he would work to “streamline” application processes. He reiterated his intent if elected to return the Precinct 2 and 3 polling places to their original locations (i.e. return P3 to Glover and P2 to St Mary’s).
Galvin said that her current position in the office would enable her to “lead from day 1.” She acknowledged that she would “following some big shoes.”
Conlin had not had time to prepare closing remarks but said, “”I love Milton and want to serve. . . [in office that] is first point of contact for people. . . and wish to serve for many years to come.”
After the Selectmen, it was the Assessors who drew sharpest distinctions between their campaigns. Both candidates, William Bennett and Jim Henderson, were present. Bennett stressed his experience as a real estate appraiser; Henderson emphasized his qualifications as an accountant. Henderson seeks to assist property owners particularly seniors with the qualifications for and procedures required regarding abatements. He wants to streamline procedures and make more information more readily available online. Bennett questioned whether the town had the funds to accomplish this and noted that many forms are state forms. Henderson voiced his excitement about the opportunity to “work for my town” and bring “openness, transparency, and advocacy” to the office. Bennett stressed he was the better qualified because of his extensive experience as a real estate appraiser and that he would work to bring the best information to the residents.
Cheryl Tougias, a candidate for a seat on the Planning Board, was the sole candidate to appear for that office. Michael Kelly, her opponent, was out-of-town honoring a previous committment. Tougias was afforded opportunity to speak and answer questions. She endorsed the concept of a master plan noting that it was a legal requirement for the town to have one. On the topic of the town farm, Tougias said “it was a beautiful piece of property’ and that she had worked with Weston Associates on their bid to develop the property. The bid went to Pulte Homes which intends to build ~23 homes using the cluster by-law. Tougias endorsed the approach, citing its capability to preserve open space. When asked about the Hendries development, Tougias said she had been following the development for the past year and had spoken at meetings specifically with regard to the massing of the building. Tougias believes that the five-story structure proposed to face Central Avenue is too close to the street and too large.
The full candidates forum will be rebroadcast on MATV. You can find their programming guide here.