by Frank Schroth
Candidates for town wide offices being contested this election season appeared at a Candidate’s Forum sponsored by The Milton Council on Aging. The forum included candidates for Selectmen, Planning Board, Assessor, Town Clerk, and Library Trustee. Candidates had an opportunity to give an opening statement which was followed by questions from the audience. Here are some highlights from candidates for Selectmen.
The Selectmen were up first. Keohane referenced his experience in real estate as a reason he is qualified at this time when the town is facing a number of property development issues. He believes his experience in this area is “critical in moving the town forward.” He also stated that “break-ins are skyrocketing” and sought to address issue with Police Chief’s contract as well as morale at Town Hall.
The incumbent John Shields noted he had been a Selectman from 1991-1997 at which point he took some time off to be with his children who were young. He ran again in 2006 and won. He listed a number of other positions that round out his experience such as co-chair of MPACE (Milton Partnership for Arts & Cultural Education), which helps enable arts for children, and having served as co-chair of Sustainable Milton. He viewed the past six years as six years of accomplishment that included a union agreement on health insurance that enabled the town to realize a million in savings. He also is “proud of Stoughton” work. The town has signed a P&S with Pulte Homes to develop 30 acres of the Stoughton land.
The first question pertained to the issue of the Chief’s contract. The Chief has a contract through June of this year. Keohane feels that he should have a longer contract because of the critical role he plays in providing safety. He cited this as reason for why the chief deserved a longer contract than other department heads; “I am not an advocate on 1 year for everybody . . . public safety is the key here,” Keohane said. Currently all town departments heads as well as school superintendent have 1 year contracts. Keohane also questioned why the town spent $12,000 to investigate the chief and learn he “took two free boats,” gave a used vehicle to the Quincy police, and negotiated compensatory time with officers. Shields said the issue with the boats was not the acquisition cost but the cost of personnel to staff them when they went out in support of calls in towns such as Hingham and Weymouth. The vehicle was given to Quincy as a gesture of thanks for support they had provided the department. Keohane acknowledged that a slap on the wrist was warranted but that he was only doing what he had seen others do. He was “led by example.” Shields said he and the chief “were working well together” and said the “big problem is communication.”
Another question highlighted the difference in thought on the current P&S for the Stoughton Land. Keohane is critical of a P&S that he believes has holes “you could drive a Mack truck through.” Specifically, he mentions a provision that would allow Pulte to take back some of the 4 acres still in the trust if they are unable to build the 23 homes they desire on the 30 acres they purchased. He feels the Copeland bid would have been the better choice. He said the Attorney General might have accepted that but the town won’t know because is didn’t try. The Copeland bid was for $1.75 million vs $5 million from Pulte. Shields contends the AG would not have approved the Copeland bid. He also noted that the Selectmen were acting in their roles as trustees, “this is a separate trust” and needs to go before probate court.
Regarding a question related to what will become of remaining four acres, Shields said it would need to be put out for bid. The acre under consideration for animal shelter as well as other 3 acres once a decision is made to release that property. “Everything is RFP’d.”
The candidates appeared to agree on the need for affordable housing for local municapal workers and others who as they age should not be priced out of the town they have lived in. They also said affordable housing is not the same as low income housing, though it is sometimes perceived that way.
Notes on remarks made by candidates for other offices will be posted shortly.
Where do the candidates stand on Community Preservation Act – CPA – that selectman Thomas Hurley is proposing Milton join?
The Conservation Preservation Act – CPA – would add a 1.5% SURCHARGE TAX on our real estate tax bill.
In reality it is just a subversive end-around Propostion 2 1/2.
If it is passed at the Annual Town Meeting next month as proposed by Mr. Hurley it will go on the November ballot.
Just say NO to any end run around Proposition 2 1/2. Our real estate tax bill are high enough and the real estate market is still too unstable put a road block on potential sales and purchases of home in Milton.
Duxbury is so unhappy they joined the Community Preservation Act – CPA- they are voting in an upcoming election to begin to repeal it.
The recent headline that 55 town employees made over $100,000 last year was an eye opener. Each of these employees will receive a pension based on their salary, as well as health insurance even when retired.
The selectmen who vote for these salaries can make out even better themselves. John Shields will receive a state pension “credit” for serving as a selectman. Marion McEttrick’s interest in returning as our Town Clerk is understandable when one considers that for pension purposes she already has a dozen years on the job. That means after working for three years, she would be eligible to retire with a $40,000 annual pension and health benefits for the rest of her life. If she gets “credit” for sitting on the zoning board, her pension would raise to $65,000!
Public service should not result in private gain.
Mr Morrison –
Reader opinions are welcomed and encouraged; but I want to remind all that we request people use their real names when posting comments. Any system can be spoofed. You are not listed in the Milton voter records. Please respect the policy.
Mr Schroth: Was the forum taped by Milton Access TV? Thank you for your reporting.
It was taped by Milton Patch. They have put the Clerk’s segment online. You can find it here.
MyTownMatters and the MHS Debate team will be hosting a public forum on 4/14 at 1:00 at Fuller Village. It will provide voters a last look at the candidates and opportunity to hear what they have to say. We would look forward to seeing you there and if you have a question you would like asked please send it to frank@mytownmatters.com. The event will not be broadcast live but it will be taped and rebroadcast on MATV (Milton Access). Thanks
George Morrison correctly points out that a Marion McEttrick clerkship would cost the town substantially more in total compensation than if one of the other candidates is elected.
Our family will be voting for Mike Joyce not just because he will cost the town less in compensation, but because Milton is ready for a person with his energy and creativity. He will best deliver town services and keep the town’s costs low.
Who is George Morrison? Is he like Wolfram Frontispiece?