{"id":809,"date":"2012-04-04T07:18:23","date_gmt":"2012-04-04T11:18:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.westford.com\/lwv\/?page_id=809"},"modified":"2013-12-09T08:40:55","modified_gmt":"2013-12-09T12:40:55","slug":"2012-voters-guide-candidate-statements","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/lwv.westford.org\/?page_id=809","title":{"rendered":"2012 Voters’ Guide Candidate Statements"},"content":{"rendered":"

Board of Selectmen \u2013 James M. Sullivan<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

No response received.<\/span><\/p>\n

Board of Health – Joanne E. Martel<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

No response received.<\/span><\/p>\n

Housing Authority – John Scott Hazelton<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. How is your background related to the board \tposition that you are seeking? Please include your participation in any town or community-related activities.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n

    Professionally, I’m an economist that specializes in construction and housing markets.\u00a0 More importantly, I serve on Westford’s Affordable Housing Committee and am the WHA representative on the Community Preservation Committee.\u00a0 The AHC is responsible for promoting affordable housing in Westford and creating a long term plan to meet our housing goals – the Housing Authority is an important component of both.\u00a0 The CPC provides the funding for many affordable housing initiatives, and it is important to be aware of the full spectrum of goals and needs to prioritize funding most effectively.<\/span><\/p>\n

  2. What are the most important attributes and \tskills that you will bring to this position?<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n

    The most important attributes are a desire to see our\u00a0neighbors have quality housing, a willingness to listen to the needs of residents and balance those within budget constraints, and an attention to detail.\u00a0 Having served on the WHA board for several years, I am aware of the needs and issues that we face, the priorities that we have set and the budget process that we use to meet them.\u00a0 I have received the training that the state offers its housing commissioners to manage our housing efficiently and within state regulations.<\/p>\n

  3. What are the challenges<\/strong> or issues <\/strong><\/span>facing the Housing Authority and what are \tyour plans to address them?<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n

    Economic conditions are creating greater need for our units, while the funding to sustain them is under pressure.\u00a0 Meeting the challenge starts with implementing a careful budget and living within it.\u00a0 We have leveraged\u00a0volunteer resources in the community.\u00a0Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts have\u00a0assisted with caring for and improving the grounds around our housing.\u00a0 A myriad of local businesses, individuals and town agencies have recently made possible the renovation of the Community Room at our Tadmuck housing. We have taken advantage of state sponsored programs to install\u00a0low-flow toilets and improve the electrical safety of our units with GFIs.\u00a0 The state has recently made limited capital improvement money available, and due to the zealous application of our Executive Director, we have received our share early and in a lump sum\u00a0to replace the roofs of the Tadmuck buildings without affecting our own local capital budget.<\/span><\/p>\n


    \n<\/span><\/ol>\n

    Library Trustees – Marianne C. Fleckner<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. How is your background related to the board \tposition that you are seeking? Please include your participation in \tany town or community-related activities. <\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n

      Background Related to the Board of Library Trustees:\u00a0 I have been a Library Trustee since 2004, currently serving as Chairperson.\u00a0 I have participated in and actively supported J.V. Fletcher Library initiatives since moving to Westford 21 years ago.\u00a0 I have been a public servant, working for the Commonwealth and a Municipality in the Human Resources field for almost 30 years; I truly believe in providing the best service possible to the taxpayers of Westford and our surrounding communities.\u00a0 I hold a Bachelor\u2019s degree in Business Management with a concentration in French Literature.\u00a0 As we progress towards our goal of conducting a feasibility study to collect information and hear from the residents of Westford what they would like in their<\/span><\/em> <\/em>Library, my background in both management and capital development will hopefully serve useful in this endeavor.<\/p>\n

    2. What are the most important attributes and \tskills that you will bring to this position?<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n

      The most important attributes and skills that I will bring to this position:\u00a0 I am hopeful that my willingness to listen to my fellow residents, to hear what is important to them in relation to our Library and have the ability to implement any changes will serve useful to the community.\u00a0 I am a true team player.\u00a0 As a volunteer with the Library Board and other Boards I sit on, I respect the time, care and commitment people put in to make their community the best it can be. I believe a Town\u2019s Library is the cornerstone of that and will work hard to have the best Library Westford deserves.\u00a0 I have strong organizational and management skills that lend to the proper management of the Library as a Trustee.\u00a0 Also, with these tough economic times, I am a fiscal conservative and feel confident that I choose decisions wisely.<\/span><\/p>\n

    3. Given the increased use of electronic \tresources, why are the Library Trustees considering expanding the \tlibrary?<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n

      Given the increased use of electronic resources, the Library Trustees are considering expanding the library because it serves many uses to our community.\u00a0 Our mission is to serve our customers as a progressive, responsive community resource.\u00a0 One way we do that is by investing in, and providing the newest in electronic devices and services – whether that be playaways, OneClickdigital, DVD\u2019s, downloadable audio books and eBooks or borrowing a Kindle or Nook.\u00a0 Another way is to provide a warm and welcoming setting for public meetings, study rooms and study space.\u00a0 It is a place where children can enjoy the many fun-filled programs such as storytelling; where library-sponsored special events for youth and adults are held; where people come to conduct research, use the public computers; where visitors can view historical documents in the newly renovated Mary Atwood Room.\u00a0 I would be honored to serve as your Library Trustee.<\/ol>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Library Trustees – Susan M. Flint<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. How is your background related to the board \tposition that you are seeking? Please include your participation in \tany town or community-related activities. <\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n

        I have been a JV Fletcher Library Trustee for the past four years. I have been actively involved in the town for many years. I was on the School Committee for 6 years; I was a library Trustee previously for two years and am currently a member of the Personnel Advisory Committee. I have lived in Westford for over 30 years. Professionally I work in the pharmaceutical industry. I have learned a great deal about the management of the library in the past few years and I hope to apply that knowledge during my next term as Library Trustee. Now is the time to make sure that strong advocates of our library participate in town government and advocate for the financial support of the JV Fletcher library. I hope to continue in that role for another term as a Library Trustee and I hope that you will vote for me.<\/p>\n

      2. What are the most important attributes and \tskills that you will bring to this position?<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n

        I am dedicated to the JV Fletcher Library and its wonderful staff. I always make sure that everyone in Westford is aware of what a great resource our library is and why it deserves the town\u2019s support. I have lived in Westford for many years and have been active in town government for much of that time. I have general managerial experience as well as budget responsibilities in my professional career and I bring all that knowledge to the oversight of the library. I feel that I am creative in solving problems and I always explore many options in trying to resolve issues. I am responsible for supervising many employees in my job and that is very helpful in discussing library issues also. I feel that my professional career brings valuable insight into my position as a Library Trustee.<\/span><\/p>\n

      3. Given the increased use of electronic \tresources, why are the Library Trustees considering expanding the \tlibrary?<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n

        Even though the digital age is upon us, libraries remain a vital resource that is necessary within every community. The Westford library has not been expanded in over twenty years. We are now able to receive funds from the state for a feasibility study on library expansion that is twice what the town has to spend.<\/p>\n

        The JV Fletcher Library remains a vital community center, whether to come in and use our computers, participate in a weekly children\u2019s program, our adult reading group, enjoy a cup of coffee while browsing through our periodicals or newspapers or having our wonderful librarian\u2019s help you research an issue, locate something or assist you in using your eReader or iPhone. We need more room in our library in every section\u2014the children\u2019s room, all of our stacks, quiet meeting space, computer space, meeting space and overall library space as well as additional parking space<\/span><\/p>\n

         <\/ol>\n

        Planning Board – Prasad A.Vasiraju<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

          \n
        1. How is your background related to the board \tposition that you are seeking? Please include your participation in \tany town or community-related activities. <\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n

          I have been on the Planning Board for the past one year. I have met with a lot of residents and have spoken to them about their concerns regarding some of the more prominent projects in town. This has been a very valuable experience and I appreciate the opportunity. I have been very careful to not make any arbitrary or capricious vote that could invite litigation. I have been a town resident for the past 10 years and have two young children attending public schools. I am fully invested in the future well being of the town and its planned growth.<\/span><\/p>\n

        2. What are the most important attributes and \tskills that you will bring to this position?<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n

          The most important attributes I bring to the planning board is my ability and willingness to consider all points of view and make a dispassionate vote based on the merits of the arguments and not my own personal bias or influence from one party or another. I am an engineer by profession and have Graduate degrees in Computer Science and Business. My educational background enables me to more easily understand the technical aspects of the position and offer a more informed vote.<\/p>\n

        3. The town’s Master Plan calls for using land \tuse regulations as one tool to guide development to areas designated \tfor growth and to protect open space and natural resources, while \ttreating landowners and developers fairly and protecting property \tvalues for all. What can the Planning Board do to achieve these \tcompeting and at times contradictory goals?<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n

          Open spaces and natural resources can be protected and preserved even within commercial and residential developments. The planning board can work with the developers to ensure this objective during site plan review and\/or special permits. I personally do not like spot zoning and advocate strict compliance with zoning bylaws. Rules, regulations and bylaws should be unambiguous and thorough to be fair and help with compliance.<\/span><\/p>\n

           <\/ol>\n

          Planning Board \u2013 Matthew E. Lewin<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

           <\/p>\n

            \n
          1. How is your background related to the board \tposition that you are seeking? Please include your participation in \tany town or community-related activities.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n

            I believe in public service.\u00a0\u00a0I see it as a moral obligation.\u00a0\u00a0I developed this belief over the past five years, as I attended many Planning Board meetings, served on Westford\u2019s\u00a0Finance Committee, and chaired the Unaccepted Roads Committee for its entire existence.\u00a0\u00a0I have had the pleasure to meet and work with many residents, public servants,\u00a0and professional staff who, like I, are dedicated to keeping Westford wonderful.<\/span><\/p>\n

            I am not a civil planner.\u00a0\u00a0I am not a builder.\u00a0\u00a0I am a guy who brings structure to organizations and products; I crave order and predictability.\u00a0\u00a0I believe residents, property owners,\u00a0developers, businesses and Westford, as a whole, will benefit from more predictable planning and land use.\u00a0\u00a0I think I can help make that happen.<\/p>\n

          2. What are the most important attributes and \tskills that you will bring to this position?<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n

            Experience has taught me that, while I am fairly good at a number of things, I am great at only one: considering many points of view.\u00a0\u00a0I believe this skill will serve me particularly\u00a0well on Planning Board.\u00a0\u00a0I will be able to balance the goals and rights of development applicants with those of residents and the Town.\u00a0\u00a0Similarly, working with other Board\u00a0members and Town Staff, I believe my ability to see multiple perspectives will lead to more fair and balanced bylaws, regulations and procedures.<\/span><\/p>\n

            When I\u2019m interested in something, I strive to learn everything about the subject.\u00a0\u00a0I have read Westford\u2019s bylaws and subdivision rules & regulations.\u00a0\u00a0The Master Plan sits by my\u00a0bed.\u00a0\u00a0I\u2019ve met with Angus Jennings and Chris Kluchman to better understand opportunities for improvement.\u00a0\u00a0As a member of Planning Board, I will regularly attend training\u00a0sessions and seminars, so as to best serve Westford.<\/p>\n

          3. The town’s Master Plan calls for using land \tuse regulations as one tool to guide development to areas designated \tfor growth and to protect open space and natural resources, while \ttreating landowners and developers fairly and protecting property \tvalues for all. What can the Planning Board do to achieve these \tcompeting and at times contradictory goals?<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n

            The greatest challenge to balanced, common sense development is lack of clarity and efficiency. The Planning Board can meet this challenge by making it a priority to simplify,\u00a0clarify, and update bylaws and regulations, as recommended in the Master Plan.\u00a0\u00a0In addition, the Planning Board can work with our state legislators and other towns to update\u00a0Massachusetts\u2019s antiquated land use laws.\u00a0\u00a0This will increase Westford\u2019s ability to work efficiently and collaboratively with developers and residents to satisfy our Town\u2019s\u00a0current and future needs, rather than being subject to state-level, one-size-fits-all statues that have remained fundamentally unchanged for 40 to 60 years.<\/ol>\n

             <\/p>\n

            School Committee – Margaret A. Murray<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

              \n
            1. How is your background related to the board \tposition that you are seeking? Please include your participation in \tany town or community-related activities. <\/strong><\/span>
              \nEducation:<\/strong><\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n
                \n
              • B.S. BA Business Administration Northeastern University<\/li>\n
              • A.L.M, Harvard University Extension<\/li>\n
              • M.P.A , Suffolk University<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Completed all coursework for an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at UMass Lowell and currently working on my dissertation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                Public Service:<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

                  \n
                • 1995-96 Research, PR & implementation committees, Day School Code of Conduct<\/span><\/li>\n
                • 1996-98 NetDay Steering committee, volunteer coordinator, site-prep worker<\/span><\/li>\n
                • 1998-99 Westford Academy Accreditation Subcommittee<\/span><\/li>\n
                • 1998-02 Research and PR committee for school-related ballot initiatives and
                  \nWAE (Westford Alliance for Education)<\/li>\n
                • Westford School Committee, \t\tChair (2003\/05) (communication task force, various negotiation and \t\tother subcommittees)<\/li>\n
                • 2000-02 Vice Chair\/Secretary, Land Use Priorities Committee<\/li>\n
                • 2002-04 Vice Chair, Commission for Efficient Town Government<\/li>\n
                • 2004 \t Rebuild Abbot Playground (landscaper, stone wall builder, bricklayer)<\/li>\n
                • 2006-2012 <\/span>Westford School Committee (Unit A negotiation (2008-2009), policy sub committee, budget task force, representative to eagle scout energy project committee)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n

                   <\/p>\n

                • What are the most important attributes and \tskills that you will bring to this position?<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n

                  Like all the members on the committee, I have a strong commitment to education and understand the importance of quality schools in the lives of families, our community and our future. As a long-term volunteer, my participation has been guided by a commitment to public service, data-driven-decision making, and transparent processes to ensure voters have the information they need. I also try to maintain a perspective that is mindful of concerns of all citizens. In addition to those attributes, my doctoral program at UMass Lowell in educational leadership, and my former work as a technical professional in a neighboring district, has broadened my understanding of school operations and curriculum.<\/span><\/p>\n

                • What do you think are the top issues facing \tWestford schools and how should the School Committee address them?<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n

                  The top issues facing Westford schools are finance-related. The immediate issue is the lack of a contract with our teachers. The longer-term issue is the challenge of sustaining our infrastructure within the current and projected fiscal constraints. While all the cost\/performance metrics indicate a tremendous return on Westford\u2019s education tax dollars (low per pupil cost\/high student performance), sustaining leveled service exceeds Proposition 2 \u00bd. Limits. In previous years, these limitations were offset by increasing state aid and other revenue sources (exercise tax and municipal revenue growth), however, those revenues have decreased or remained flat while fixed costs have accelerated. All town departments are struggling with these financial issues. We will continue to work with the Finance Committee and the Budget Task Force to find a longer-term and sustainable solution. To address this imbalance, we will need creative solutions that may stretch the model that we have known for many generations.<\/span><\/ol>\n

                   <\/p>\n

                  School Committee – Angela Harkness<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

                    \n
                  1. How is your background related to the board \tposition that you are seeking? Please include your participation in \tany town or community-related activities.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n

                    I have been a Westford resident for 24 years. During that time I served on the 1991 Town Master Plan Committee and Master Plan Implementation Committee, Roudenbush Community Center Committee, Route 110 Master Plan Committee, East Boston Camps Master Plan Committee, Friends of East Boston Camps, Permanent School Building Committee and, for the last three years, the Westford School Committee. I have three children who have attended the Westford Public Schools since kindergarten and I have volunteered in classrooms and libraries, on various teacher and principal selection committees, as an Inventor\u2019s Fair judge, on the WPS Vision Committee and on the Middle School Advisory Study Group. I have a law degree and own a small business here in Westford. All of these experiences give me a broad range of knowledge which has been helpful in making the decisions necessary to maintain our commitment to excellence in education in Westford.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  2. What are the most important attributes and \tskills that you will bring to this position?<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n

                    In the course of my service on various Boards and Committees I have learned that the most important asset anyone can have is an open mind. I believe that I have an ability to listen to others and to facilitate discussion about issues in a way that maximizes the potential of every idea put forward or point raised. Also, my broad service record gives me the ability to see \u201cthe big picture\u201d in a way that allows for a common sense approach to issues. Finally, I am completely dedicated (as are the other members of the School Committee on which I presently serve) to insuring that we continue to strive to always improve and elevate the quality of education we are providing to the schoolchildren here in Westford.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  3. What do you think are the top issues facing \tWestford schools and how should the School Committee address them?<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n

                    The top issues facing Westford schools today are the financial constraints under which we are functioning and the necessity for us to constantly improve in order to prevent our children from falling behind. These issues are intertwined and we must address the former in order to succeed at the latter. The School Committee must work diligently with the Selectmen, Finance Committee and other Departments, Boards and Committees to come up with a solution to our financial problems. In addition, we must clearly explain our needs to the public and the consequences of not funding those needs. Only by doing these things will we be able to continue to create and maintain the high level of programming that will allow Westford to keep its position as one of the best education systems in the Commonwealth.<\/ol>\n

                     <\/p>\n

                    School Committee – Terence J. Ryan<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    1. How is your background related to the board \tposition that you are seeking? Please include your participation in \tany town or community-related activities. <\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n

                      I have always involved myself in the community in which I have lived. A former resident of the City of Lowell, I served as President of my neighborhood association and have worked on several local elections. Volunteerism and community involvement is part of who I am.<\/p>\n

                      Since moving to Westford eight years ago, my community involvement has focused on activities related to my children, including coaching their sports teams. I have increasingly learned about the needs and priorities in the town. My children are currently in fourth, second and first grade and have already benefitted greatly from the school system, one of the many reasons we chose Westford as our home. As a school committee member, I want to support the system that continues to meet each child\u2019s individual needs, so that all children who travel through our schools are able to succeed.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    2. What are the most important attributes and \tskills that you will bring to this position? <\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n

                      As a career Engineer, my skills lie in technology, data, processes, planning and management. Having lived in both an urban and suburban community, I understand the needs of different communities, how communities support those needs on their own, and how we also need to rely upon state and federal support to meet our communities needs. And no matter where we are educating children, we are all working to support the same future generation.<\/p>\n

                      Beyond my job as an Engineer for a high-tech company, I have always been a community-focused person and team player who makes decisions based on fairness and concern for the betterment of all individuals involved.<\/span><\/p>\n

                      I have a strong work ethic and am attentive to details. I understand that our individual work as School Committee members must address the needs of students and also fall within the needs of our larger community.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    3. What do you think are the top issues facing \tWestford schools and how should the School Committee address them?<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n

                      There doesn\u2019t seem to be any more immediate and prominent concern right now than resolving the teacher\u2019s contract within the financial constraints of the town. During the next several years, our community will need to continue to carefully review town-wide and individual school priorities, so that we can meet the goals of the schools, while at the same time, being economically responsible. Over the long-term, I feel our job is to make certain that Westford continues to provide education that prepares children so they can successfully compete in the world, and contribute individually to improving our society. As the group of individuals responsible for setting the policies for the schools, I feel strongly that communication and transparency between policy-makers and educators is critical, given that we are all working towards the same goal of providing the best education possible for Westford school children<\/span><\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                      Board of Selectmen \u2013 James M. Sullivan No response received. Board of Health – Joanne E. Martel No response received. Housing Authority – John Scott Hazelton How is your background … Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":925,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-809","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lwv.westford.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/809","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lwv.westford.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lwv.westford.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lwv.westford.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lwv.westford.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=809"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/lwv.westford.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/809\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":939,"href":"https:\/\/lwv.westford.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/809\/revisions\/939"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lwv.westford.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/925"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lwv.westford.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=809"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}