Moving Forward
- The primary duty of the Board of Selectmen, as the Executive Branch of our local government, continues to be to enforce the bylaws of our town in a fair, consistent, and even-handed manner providing all residents, committees, and entities that come before it due process and an opportunity to be heard regardless of the subject at hand.
- The successful completion of various projects underway must remain a priority, including the Town Hall and Center Office Building, Burgess Elementary School, the Master Plan, and the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
- Once completed, the Board of Selectmen should study the new Master Plan carefully with an eye towards sponsoring warrant articles for consideration at annual Town Meetings that reflect the wishes/needs of the residents.
- I support the need to revitalize our downtown area (Routes 131 and 20), by increasing beautification efforts and studying/implementing suggestions made by Central Mass Planning. Creative funding could be explored including the establishment of a voluntary fund earmarked for such efforts.
- I support the use of TIFs (Tax Incentive Financing) to help restore business to our vacant storefronts and in new areas of development.
- I support the town's return to the single tax rate to aid businesses and future economic development.
- I support the continued need to bring new activities and events to Sturbridge not only to benefit tourism, but as a service to residents. The current Board of Selectmen should be recognized positively in this regard. (Restoring "First Night Sturbridge" could be one such event.)
- I support the need to make new recreational fields for both youth and adults a reality in Sturbridge using a combination of general and CPA funds. Also, the easy accessibility of Sturbridge to major highways, the plethora of hotels and restaurants in town, and the presence of OSV as a tourist destination makes it an ideal location to host sporting events and tournaments.
- I support the desirability of increased communications with the Finance Committee to discuss the various ideas/suggestions that it puts forth each year in the Finance Committee Report.
- I support development in the Special Use District (SUD), also referred to as the Route 15 corridor, consistent with its current zoning. Such zoning includes, for example, commercial recreational facilities (i.e. miniature golf, movie theater, live theater, bowling alley, outdoor or indoor athletic facility, etc.), public recreational facilities, office parks, and light industry. Accessory uses of any PUBD expressly include, for example, restaurants, maintenance buildings, health clubs, and garages. I also believe it includes - although not expressly stated in the zoning bylaw - accessory use retail.
- I support the desirability of restoring a Resource Officer at Tantasqua Regional High School. We must continue to work with the Tantasqua Regional School Committee and the Sturbridge Police Department to find a way to fund such an officer.
- The Town of Sturbridge should keep a watchful eye on the impact that the Southbridge landfill may have on public health, safety, and welfare of Sturbridge residents. I fully disclose that I am a member of RATS - Residents for Alternative Trash Solutions.
Remember to vote on April 12th!
