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Candidates’ Corner Editor’s Note: This is the fifth and final edition of this year’s version of Candidates’ Corner. The Norfolk Boomerang offers candidates for officein the town of Norfolk a chance to make a pitch to the voters each of several weeks leading up to the annual town election.
of up to 800 words. All candidates have been welcome to send submissions each week. Norfolk’s annual town election is scheduled to take place Tuesday, May 11. Candidates Appearing on Ballot Board of Selectmen [one three-year term] Jim Lehan (incumbent) Scott Bugbee Mark Flaherty ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Norfolk School Committee [one three-year term] Shawn Dooley [one one-year term] Thomas Doyle ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Planning Board [two three-year terms] David Roche (incumbent) Jeff Palumbo ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Board of Health [one three-year term] Thomas Burke ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Library Trustees [one three-year term] Kenneth Nelson (incumbent) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Recreation Commission [two three-year terms] Benjamin McCarty [No Second Candidate Appearing on Ballot] ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Board of Assessors [one three-year term] Kathy Mullineaux (current member) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Housing Authority [one five-year term] [No Candidate Appearing on Ballot] ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Town Moderator [one one-year term] Jonathan Smith Carolyn Van Tine ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Editor’s Note: Three candidates are vying for one available three-year term on the town’s Board of Selectmen, the top board in Norfolk town government. This week we received submissions from Scott Bugbee and Jim Lehan. The third candidate is Mark Flaherty.
Scott Bugbee: New Approach To Town Government Well, here we are at the final installment of the Candidates’ Corner. I have enjoyed working on these articles over the last month. I have said all I feel I needed to say. I encourage all the registered voters of Norfolk to come out and vote on Tuesday, May 11th. This is your opportunity to speak if you would like to see things changed at town hall. This week I have included excerpts from my Candidates’ Night speech. Good Evening My name is Scott Bugbee and I am running for a seat on the Board of Selectmen. I have lived in town with my wife, Liz, for over 16 years. We have two children that attend the King Philip schools. Tucker, age 16, is a sophomore at KP High and Emily, age 13, is an eighth-grader at KP Junior High. I am director of sales at Rogerscasey in Boston. I have also worked as an investment advisor for eight years helping individuals meet their financial goals. Some of you may know me from my involvement with Norfolk Soccer or King Philip Soccer Association, or perhaps the King Philip Marching Band. I have been very busy over the past 5 years coaching my daughter’s soccer team and helping out with the KP marching band. My duties as a soccer coach are ending and I feel that it is now time for me to give back and donate some of my time and compassion to serving the town in a greater capacity. My wife and I chose to be homeowners in Norfolk because of its quaint rural character. It’s a town with a lot of great people where appropriate commercial development can occur while preserving those qualities that we love. It is very important to me to maintain this balance. Over the next few years, there will be many major issues facing the town; the state financial crisis, the building of a new school, an appropriate use of the former town hall, and other unanticipated issues. I will look at these with an open mind while keeping the best interest of Norfolk and its citizenry a top priority. One of my personal goals as a selectman is to improve communication amongst the boards and with the citizens by introducing some new ideas. We need to continue to update our town’s website and put the agendas of all the boards on that site and eventually their minutes. The organizational chart of the Town Government should be displayed in town hall so that citizens understand the hierarchy and to whom they can ask questions. I’d like to see representatives from each board come to the selectmen’s meeting on occasion to describe to the public what each board does and how they work within the town so perhaps more citizens will be encouraged to get involved in town government. A quarterly open house at the Senior Center or one of the schools where citizens can meet, have coffee, and talk with their elected and appointed officials in a casual, less intimidating environment is another idea that could help make more citizens feel they have a say in our town’s direction. Then, as a member of the Board of Selectmen, I would meet with each board, the Advisory Committee, the treasurer, and town accountant to come up with a plan that would protect vital services as best we could, and, if necessary, make cuts that would have the minimum impact to the citizens. I will encourage this whole process be a TEAM EFFORT, with recommendations ultimately being decided by the citizens of Norfolk at Town Meeting. Being a member of the Board of Selectmen does not require prior town experience or a financial background. It requires well-rounded leadership abilities and the ability to work well with others to build compromise and consensus. Regardless of the qualifications, it is all in the approach. I’m not going to pretend to have all of the answers because I don’t. The important thing is, knowing where to findthem. As you can see, I am not a politician, but I have the qualities of a good selectman: integrity, compassion, business knowledge, and a desire to do what’s best for this town. As I said earlier, this is a challenging time for Norfolk. I feel that I am the best candidate to address these issues and represent you in Town Hall. Someone recently asked me, “What is your platform?” and I said, “I don’t have a specific platform. It’s all in the approach.” I will be open minded, pro-active, compassionate, welcoming, and I will encourage communication. It would be a real honor and a privilege to serve this community and my friends and neighbors as a Selectman. I ask you for your vote and after the election, your support. Thanks! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Jim Lehan: Experience and Commitment To Making Town Better To the Citizens of Norfolk: Some say that this is not a good time to be an incumbent. I know that it has become fashionable to talk about change and a fresh face and that the knowledge of the critical issues can be gained through cable TV and the local papers, but I would suggest to you that a deeper understanding can only be gained through involvement and that a proven track record has never been more important. We all know about the high-level issues: roads, schools, State Aid, and commercial development. Addressing them, however, can only be done through knowledge, experience, and, perhaps most importantly, relationships. The countless hours spent with other committees, budget subcommittees, negotiating contracts, meeting with neighboring towns on shared services would require a 30-hour cable show. The only way to appreciate the extent of the job is through experience. When I ran for selectman six years ago, I had served six years on the Norfolk and KP School Committees and chaired the HOD Building Committee. I spent a year behind the scenes meeting with sitting selectmen, advisory board members and department heads, all to prepare me for the board. Government moves at a very slow pace, something that I still find difficult to adjust to, as I am used to the corporate world which has only two speeds: fast and faster. Six years ago when I took office, we had no Affordable Housing plan in place — we do now and it still took two years to accomplish. Six years ago we were losing Advanced Life Support and we needed a plan — we now have ALS but again it took almost two years to get fully operational. Six years ago we lacked certain financial practices that we now have in place. These are the very same disciplines that helped manage our way through this financial crisis and keep Norfolk financially stable. We did not survive this crisis by sheer luck but through hard work, foresight, and sound financial discipline. Six years ago we lacked any meaningful shared-services agreements with our neighboring communities, despite our best efforts. However, in every crisis there resides an opportunity, and with every town suffering, we now have a shared-response agreement in place for Fire and are in negotiations for the Police. We have met with other communities to continue to explore ways to increase efficiency and reduce costs. One word of caution on this: regionalization or shared-services arrangements do not always save you money and if you are not experienced in this process with a strong understanding of the financials, you can make some devastating mistakes. Commercial development has been a longstanding priority, and we have made significantprogress. Walgreens and Shire Industrial Park are open and the foundation is in place for growth when the economy begins to regain some momentum. It is important to note that the Board of Selectmen does not issue a single building permit. Our efforts must be strategic and visionary and we must work collaboratively with our land-use boards to create an environment where commercial development is both financially viable and attainable. This has required considerable change. We have sponsored and Town Meeting has approved expedited permitting, which enable developers to have reasonable time expectations but does not compromise our rules. We established an Economic Development Committee that is actively encouraging commercial growth in Norfolk. None of this was in place six years ago. All of these activities take place off-camera and only come forward to the eyes of the public after months and sometimes years of work. Norfolk has undergone considerable change during the last six years, and unless you spent the 30 hours a week that many of us on boards have, most people are unaware of the time and effort that go into facilitating these changes. I hear from many that things move too slowly. I agree, but those comments come from a lack of understanding. If you want to change a bylaw to encourage growth you need to seek the approval of a number of boards and ultimately Town Meeting. Change is effectively implemented through a well-thought-out strategic plan validated by a thorough financial analysis that is reviewed by vested boards and ultimately the community at large. During my tenure on the School Committee and Board of Selectmen I have negotiated nine contracts. This year several contracts are on the table. Negotiations, too, require knowledge and experience, but most importantly they require trust and mutual respect that can only be earned over time. I would respectfully suggest that while we may not always agree on all issues, relationships with our governmental unions have never been better. There is a foundation of mutual respect and trust that has been earned over the years. It is this very relationship that allowed us to negotiate the wage freeze that our governmental unions agreed to last year. The next few years will continue to present us with significant challenges, and none more important than the financial stability of our community. I have been hands-on in the last five budget cycles and feel it is the number-one priority of the Board of Selectmen. The weeks and months of work that have gone into the budgeting process are also off-camera; only when done is it presented. Municipal finance is a world unto its own, and the institutional knowledge of the needs of the community, critical functions, and required services come only with experience. Each decision impacts the quality of life in our community and should not be left to chance or lack of knowledge. We have accomplished a lot but there is more to be done. I know that not every decision one makes is always popular, but every decision I have made is without bias; with knowledge of the facts and an understanding of the issues and concerns; and an institutional understanding that comes only with experience. I have no personal agenda; the Town is my only agenda. I truly love this town. It has been my home for almost 25 years. Ultimately this is all about people — helping people. I love the Little League Parade, the Memorial Day service, the two-hour trip to the recycling center. This town is full of caring and giving people, whether it is NCL, Norfolk Together, or the Lions, all volunteers giving of their time to give back to others. You have had and will continue to have my full commitment to serve all citizens from our students to our seniors. I ask for your vote on May 11th. Respectfully, Jim Lehan ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Editor's Note: Two candidates are running for town moderator. We received a candidate's statement this week from CiCi Van Tine. The other candidate is Jonathan Smith.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I would like to take the opportunity of my last open letter to once again address why I am asking for you to vote for me for moderator. My experience as a litigator (as an Assistant District Attorney for 5 years and as a trial attorney presently focused on Family and Probate Litigation) and as a trained mediator make me uniquely qualified to ensure that Town Meeting proceeds fairly and efficiently. I am committed to public service. I am presently on the Advisory Board, as well as a member of the Norfolk Community League. I am running for Moderator because it is one of the most important jobs in town, and because it would be an honor to serve. The job is so important because without an effective town moderator, Town Meeting can and will founder. We will lose all the ground gained by Dan Winslow and end up with a meeting that drags on for days and days in which the majority of the town refuses to participate. This cannot happen. Norfolk needs more of the citizens at town meeting, not less. At Candidates’ Night I brought up the fact that I would love to explore the use of technology to allow invalid and non-ambulatory residents an ability to participate in Town Meeting. Of course able-bodied men and women should attend in person, but those citizens who physically cannot make it to Town Meeting due to illness or other condition should not be excluded from the process. I do not think it is fair that someone who has lived here their entire life should be excluded just because they are confined to a hospital bed. If the technology becomes available we should use it. Finally, as for appointments: I will appoint people to committees with varied interests, opinions and experience. The key to success is to get the very best person available to serve. That person must share a belief in a common goal: a better Norfolk. That being said, the only two qualities I want to see in any appointee are:
Well, I just wanted to touch one last time on a few issues. Thanks so much for taking the time to read my letter and once again, I respectfully ask for your vote. Best regards,
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ In the Candidate's Corner
Editor's Note: Below are letters supporting a particular candidate in the election scheduled for Tuesday, May 11.
Smith Will Make Sure All Sides Are Heard at Town Meeting We are writing in support of Jonathan Smith for Moderator and ask that you consider him when you vote on May 11th. As long time town meeting goers, we both have had a lot of experience with town meeting and town government; sometimes we agree and sometimes we disagree. We’ve found that most often the best solution is somewhere in the middle, and that’s a pretty common thing in Town government. The important thing is to make sure all the sides have their say and everyone is heard. Our experience with Jonathan since we became active in town government has shown us a man who values the vital give-and-take of small town government. He is a man who values the input of people across the political spectrum, of all backgrounds and experiences, who have something to offer our town. In difficult times like these, it’s all-hands on deck, and Jonathan’s long experience in Norfolk working with all sides of an issue, and all viewpoints, will be critical to ensure that a full and fair debate finds the best solutions to our problems. Again, sometimes we disagree, but on Jonathan Smith we agree -- please consider Jonathan Smith when you vote for Moderator on May 11th.” Jay Talerman Rob Garrity [Editor’s Note: Rob Garrity is a Norfolk selectman. Jay Talerman ran against Garrity in 2008.]
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Why I’m Voting for Dr. Peter Smulowitz For State Senate On May 11th
On May 11 we can wipe the slate clean and vote for Dr. Peter Smulowitz, a thoughtful and hard-working independent citizen, to represent us in the state Senate. A newcomer to politics, Smulowitz offers fresh perspectives on our problems. He stands apart from the partisan bickering and corruption that’s destroyed voter confidence in politicians. He knows we’re frustrated with the business-as-usual approach of dial-it-in lawmakers. Peter is committed to tough ethics reform measures and will fight to make our voices heard. Advocating for a government that is open, honest and smart with our money, Dr. Smulowitz is not only intelligent, he’s willing to show up and put himself on the line for us. I believe in a government that understands that if you cut taxes you have to pare down government programs as well; you can’t have both. But this takes good judgment and honest intentions. This Democratic candidate for State Senate fits the bill. Dr. Smulowitz has worked tirelessly to reach out and address our concerns. I’m confident that he’s the candidate for us. He will always put our needs ahead of partisan politics, just as he’s worked for his patients in the emergency room, 100%!! I hope you’ll join me in voting for Dr. Peter Smulowitz for State Senate on May 11th! Our votes count! Thank you, Pamela Russell Vice Chairman, Norfolk Democratic Town Committee |
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