Concord Voter Guide - 2011 Annual Town Election - LWV of Concord-Carlisle, Massachusetts

League of Women Voters^®
of Concord-Carlisle, Massachusetts

Concord Voter Guide - 2011 Annual Town Election

A cooperative effort of LWVCC and The Concord Journal

Introduction. Moderator. Board of Selectmen. School Committee. Housing Authority - Barker. Housing Authority - Newbold. Housing Authority - Winslow.

2011 Guide for Concord Voters

The League of Women Voters of Concord-Carlisle and The Concord Journal have again partnered to provide residents with a voters guide to prepare for the 2011 annual town election to be held Tuesday, March 29.
Each candidate was asked to provide biographical information, including professional background, local community and government experience, and any other information relevant to the office sought, including why the candidate is seeking the office for which he or she is running. Each candidate was also asked to identify the two most important issues for the office sought and how they plan to address those issues. LWVCC collected and compiled this information, for publication in the Concord Journal. The candidates' responses are presented below and are printed in the March 24, 2011 edition of The Concord Journal.

Candidate for Town Moderator

Eric E. Van Loon (running for re-election as Town Moderator, one-year term)
Background
Most Concordians appreciate that we live in a very special town. Yet, the remarkable quality of life in Concord did not just "happen." It is the result of generations of citizens participating actively to make our town government and institutions exemplary.
I am seeking reelection as Moderator in the hope of helping to continue Concord's admirable tradition of excellence in Town Meeting.
By way of personal background, my wife Laurie and I have lived in Concord 32 years: first in the Southfield neighborhood, then 28 years near Monument Square, and now in the Conantum area of West Concord. Both of our sons attended Concord public schools, K-12. My higher education degrees are from Harvard Law School, the London School of Economics, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Laurie, a former public school teacher, is a clinical social worker working with bilingual clients in Framingham.
My professional work has included being a successful courtroom attorney, a state official (Assistant Secretary of Environmental Affairs and Undersecretary of Economic Affairs), an educator (teaching environmental law at BU Law School and education law at Harvard Ed School), a nonprofit organization head (Union of Concerned Scientists Executive Director), and a 22-year mediator and arbitrator (helping build my company into the largest private dispute resolution firm in the US).
In Concord, I have been active in my church (chairing the First Parish governing board), the arts (Emerson Umbrella Think Tank), housing (Concord Housing Foundation Advisory Board), with Concord's sister town in Japan, and on charitable boards (the Greeley Foundation and the Jericho Road Project). I believe this broad experience helps me connect with Town Meeting participants of all ages, from all neighborhoods, and from all walks of life.
As a professional mediator for more than twenty years, I work daily with people arguing different points of view. I have learned how to be a careful listener, maintain scrupulous neutrality, manage discussion time, and bring issues to closure. I will seek to use these skills to run a fair and efficient Town Meeting, where people will be heard, fair procedures will be followed, and resolutions will be achieved.
I would greatly appreciate your consideration and your vote in the town election on March 29th.
Important Issues
I believe the two most important issues facing the Town Moderator are expanding citizen participation in Town Meeting, and maintaining civility and quality of discussion there.
Town Meeting is the epitome of town government. Citizens acting as a legislative body review and act on warrant proposals representing thousands of hours of work by dozens of town committees and individual citizen petitioners. Town Meeting decisions reflect our values, affect our pocketbooks, and determine our future quality of life. Yet only a minority of citizens attend, and many participate only for a single issue.
I believe the Moderator should work to make Town Meeting more user friendly for younger families with busy school and after-school schedules and babysitting challenges, for those with business travel requirements, and for seniors with limited stamina for multi-evening sessions. S/he should work to encourage voter participation to whatever degree works for each, given the other significant demands on their time.
I will work to encourage broader participation by seeking to make Town Meeting crisp and efficient. In addition to formulating a consent agenda, announcing specific times to debate high-interest articles, and honoring a 10 pm deadline for new matters, I believe we should consider whether technological innovation can also be used to expand meaningful citizen participation.
Maintaining civility at Town Meeting is also essential. Past Meetings have included intense discussion with high emotions, and some items on this year's agenda may arouse passion. For many years, Concord Town Meeting has remained civil, even when differences are intense and majority rule has resulted in some in the minority being disappointed. Hard feelings can be reduced by the Moderator`s guidance -- ensuring everyone is heard, and preventing personal attacks and inappropriate audience reaction.
Although many citizens are unaware that the Moderator appoints our town Finance Committee, I feel that making quality FinCom appointments is also a key Moderator responsibility. The FinCom reviews factual information about warrant articles and town finances, analyzes information, and makes recommendations on the financial impact of warrant articles. I will continue to maintain a balance of skills, expertise, geographic neighborhoods, age, gender, income, and fiscal outlook. And I will continue to appoint FinCom members who work well with others and do not have personal agendas.
Concord Town Meeting has a tradition of excellence. As Moderator, I will seek to continue that excellence, while remaining open to ideas for improvement. I would be honored to be given the opportunity to continue to serve.

Candidate for Board of Selectmen

Jeffrey S. Wieand (running for re-election to Board of Selectmen, three-year term)
Background
Concord has been home for me and my family since we moved here in 1988, and it is the best home we could imagine. Originally from Delaware, I graduated from Middlebury College in 1972, then earned a PhD from the University of Chicago before graduating from Harvard Law School in 1985. When my wife, Janet, and I moved to Concord, we were immediately impressed by the Town's strong sense of community. Our two sons were fortunate to have at their door step not only an unmatched historic and literary heritage, but also access one of the finest school systems in the country and the run of the Town's parks and conservation land. They both attended the Concord Public Schools and graduated from CCHS.
My service on Town boards began with the Board of Appeals in 1992. After two terms on the Board of Appeals, I served on the Historic Districts Commission and the Public Works Commission. I was also a director of the Concord Open Land Foundation, a trustee of Concord Land Conservation Trust, and a director of the Concord Art Association. These activities gave me a varied understanding of Town affairs and, I think, prepared me well for service on the Board of Selectmen.
In 2008, I was elected to the Board of Selectmen. For me, being a Selectman has been a privilege and a very rewarding experience, in part because of an outstanding group of fellow Selectmen. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve Concord as a member of the Board of Selectmen for another three years.
Important Issues
The issue looming largest for the Town is the need for a new high school, at an estimated cost of between $75 and $85 million, not including a field house. Even with an effective state match of 31%, the Finance Director currently projects an approximately 5% increase in property taxes to pay for a new high school at the higher end of the estimated cost range and without the field house, a significant tax burden for many Concordians. Moreover, the project requires the cooperation of Carlisle. Carlisle officials have said the cost should be at the lower end of the range and not include a field house. Thus, we have a challenging situation made more urgent by a deteriorating building that will require us to make major investments if, instead of replacing it, we try to keep it going for another five to ten years.
The Chairs of the Concord and Carlisle Selectmen meet regularly with other Concord and Carlisle officials, including representatives of the School and CCHS Building committees. I am hopeful that, through good planning, fiscal prudence and private fundraising, we will agree on a project that both Towns can be proud of. I also hope that citizens and officials in both Towns will be mindful that, notwithstanding the near-term financial impacts of the high school project, we are planning for a school that will serve our Towns and our children for decades to come.
For the second "most important issue," wastewater treatment capacity, sources and costs of energy, and improvements to Route 2 all come readily mind. I choose, however, the rising cost of the Town's share of employee health insurance. As shown in the proposed budget for FY2012, the Town's share of group insurance costs (chiefly health insurance) for Town employees has increased 35% since 2007. At $4.8 million dollars (including the OPEB liability discussed below), these costs represent more than 7.3% of the entire 2012 budget for the Town and the Concord Public Schools (CPS). This is our fastest growing budget item and is expected to continue growing at a comparable rate in the future.
Current health insurance costs are only part of this picture. The Town also bears responsibility for "other post-employment benefits" (OPEB), principally health insurance for retired employees. This cost is currently accruing at about $2 million per year for the Town and CPS, plus $750,000 for the Concord Carlisle Regional School District (CCRSD). Recent changes in accounting standards require cities and towns to reflect this liability on their financial statements. As a modest beginning, the FY 2012 budgets propose to fund $150,000 of the Town's (including CPS) OPEB liability and $250,000 of CCRSD's OPEB liability.)
The Selectmen recently wrote to support proposed legislation that will provide greater flexibility in dealing with rising health care costs. Although Concord currently pays a lower share of employee health insurance costs than many Massachusetts municipalities, the continued rise in the cost of health insurance remains a significant financial issue for the Town.

Candidate for School Committee

Pamela M. Gannon (running for re-election to School Committee, three-year term)
Background
I am honored to be a candidate for the Concord School Committee and the Concord-Carlisle Regional School Committee. I am running for my second 3-year term and am currently chair of the Concord School Committee. I have served as the liaison to the Concord Finance Committee for three years, on the policy subcommittee for three years, and on the CASE and EDCO boards. I have participated in many other school committee efforts, especially in the areas of information and communication.
My background is in science + I received a B.S. in materials science from M.I.T. and a Ph.D. in cellular and molecular physiology from Tufts University at the medical school. After a postdoctoral fellowship at M.I.T., I left the laboratory for freelance science writing. I served on the Board of Directors of Concord Children's Center for seven years, three years as chair and three years as vice-chair and development chair. I was co-chair of the Concord Middle School Advisory Council and co-chair of the Holy Family Youth Steering Committee. Other relevant local experience includes serving on the Young Adult Committee of the Concord Free Public Library and as a representative on the Concord Carlisle Parents Initiative (CCPI).
My husband and I moved to Concord over twenty years ago, and our children have been through all levels of the school system - high school, middle school, and elementary school. We currently have students at Alcott School and Concord-Carlisle High School (CCHS). Their experiences give me a direct window into what is going on in classrooms and on school sites.
In the area of student learning, I believe it is important to foster an environment that encourages creativity and depth, while meeting state-mandated guidelines. I am a strong advocate for incorporating technology into the curriculum and using technology as an educational resource for students and parents. In addition, I believe it is critical for our school district to attract and retain outstanding educators and administrators.
A strong school system benefits the entire town. My goal is to preserve the high quality of our educational programs, while developing prudent and sustainable school budgets and maintaining our school buildings. I believe that it is essential for the school committee to collaborate and communicate with town boards and committees, especially the Finance Committee and the Board of Selectmen. I hope to improve our communication and outreach to the community.
Important Issues
In the coming years, the school committee and the school system will face significant challenges, especially with our facilities and our budgets. We must come to a town-wide agreement on the renovations and expansions that need to take place at Concord-Carlisle High School (CCHS). In addition, our budgets will remain tight and we need to allocate funds in a thoughtful and effective manner.
The CCHS facility has been a major focus of the school committee and will continue to be a prominent issue. The original structure was built over 50 years ago and the infrastructure, especially electrical, water, and heating systems, have reached the end of their anticipated lives. CCHS faces the loss of accreditation if facility concerns are not addressed. We need to provide space for special education purposes and many of the classroom spaces, especially the science labs, need to be replaced and updated. We are fortunate that the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) voted to partner with Concord and Carlisle for a significant renovation/addition project. At the 2010 town meetings, both Concord and Carlisle citizens overwhelmingly voted to appropriate funding to proceed with a feasibility study/schematic design for CCHS.
We have an important task underway + to design an appropriate high school building and to garner the support of our citizens for the project. I look forward to contributing to this effort, especially by maintaining open lines of communication with town leaders, parents, and members of the Concord and Carlisle communities. We have an opportunity to design an educational facility that reflects the values of our community + excellence, effectiveness, responsibility, and sustainability.
During these times of economic uncertainty, the school committee and school administration have made a concerted effort to develop budgets that meet the needs of our students and are respectful of the taxpayers. Every year, we plan for and receive additional cuts in state support for education. My goal is to develop responsible, sustainable school budgets while maintaining the high quality of our educational program. I believe it is important that school budgets are kept within the levy limit and that we work with the finance committee to develop appropriate guidelines.
I believe that the citizens of Concord are proud of the strong educational program and the excellent reputation of our schools. I urge citizens to be informed about the CCHS building project and other school issues. School committee meetings and CCHS building committee meetings are open to the public, and I encourage your attendance and participation.

Candidate for Housing Authority - Anita Barker

Anita B. Barker (running for Housing Authority, five-year term)
Background
Though I've only lived in Concord for 2-1/2 years, I spent almost 40 years in Williamstown at the other end of the state. While there I was elected a Selectman for three terms and also served five years each on the Planning Board and the Finance Committee and was chairman of all three committees while serving.
Williamstown and Concord have many similarities: both are well run communities with strong town governments, many dedicated residents and fine Town Managers. Though Concord is twice the size of Williamstown, I find that both towns face many of the same problems, including a chronic lack of affordable housing. I would bring to Concord my experience in dealing with local and state entities and a fresh outlook in dealing with these problems.
In Williamstown I was appointed by the Selectmen to the town's Affordable Housing Committee. I worked closely with the Williamstown Housing Authority to find and provide affordable housing for the town. After several frustrated attempts (too much NIMBY), we were finally able to discover an excellent property: a Catholic church and parish house that was being desanctified by the Diocese. After protracted dealings with the Diocese and the gathering of vast amounts of material (surveys and appraisals, building and zoning permits, approval of the neighborhood) and a great deal of volunteer help (two lawyers, an architect and a developer, among others) and monetary contributions from various sources (including CPA funds from the town) we were able to develop six units of attractive affordable housing in a convenient family neighborhood, on town water and sewer and a bus line.
Earlier in my political career I was also instrumental in moving a house from a demolotion site to a small town lot where it now accommodates two affordable apartments for Williamstown residents. That experience provided a grand spectacle for the town!
These experiences have enabled me to understand the need and development of affordable housing in Massachusetts. Both Concord and Williamstown need to reach 10% affordable housing to qualify for certain state exemptions but, more importantly, both towns need to provide decent, attractive housing for those residents who cannot afford to compete in the high cost real estate markets that exist. We need places for our teachers and firemen and police and for all other worthy Concordians who want to live in town, and we need the population diversity affordable housing can provide. I want to help in this process.
Important Issues
Certainly the most important current issue for the Concord Housing Authority is providing the necessary housing for its deserving residents. After learning about the available housing and future possibilities, I believe my experience with state regulations and local development will be valuable to Concord.
The occupancy of existing and future housing will be an ongoing challenge.
My background in affordable housing, dedication to the cause, my energy, interest and available time will be necessary to face these challenges, and I look forward to being given the chance to serve Concord in this way.

Candidate for Housing Authority - Stephen Newbold

Stephen R. Newbold (running for Housing Authority, five-year term)
Background
My name is Stephen Newbold and I am announcing my candidacy to serve on the Concord Housing Authority.
Asking questions and solving problems for others has been my role throughout my career as an architect and project manager and I hope to bring those skills to the Housing Authority. Born and raised in Concord, I have seen many changes here since my youth. I entered the concord public schools during the last major school construction building phase in 1965 to 1977 and was exposed to construction first hand at Ripley, Peabody and the CCHS. My family also was actively involved in the planning, renovation and operation of the 51 Walden performing arts center. Community involvement and the arts were a daily activity through my time in Concord. I continued this focus on design and technology attending Ithaca College and later Pratt Institute. My career started in theatre production then continued in architecture, working in Boston, NYC, and London. I moved back to Concord when it was time to raise my family. My sons are probably repeating the Concord experience I did 45 years ago.
Being a registered architect with 30 years' experience in project planning, design and construction has taught me a lot and I share that knowledge when I can. I have volunteered my experience to multiple facility development and management efforts over the years including Concord Public Schools, 51 Walden/ FOPAC, Concord Children's Center, the Grace Church Brooklyn Heights, and the New York City Parks Department. Key for all these organizations was a financially sustainable plan for development combined with clear understanding of their long benefits and operational concerns. In my work, I find passion, pragmatism, communication and collaboration are vital to insure the goals and outcomes are met.
The housing authority is not a high profile organization but it does need all the aforementioned qualities as it faces constant challenges- increasing demand, limits on resources and the never ending tasks of a "home owner". The goal is to properly use the state and federal subsidies to provide decent housing for those Concord residents in need. The authority depends on its board to advocate for the town to the state and federal funding agencies, to collaborate with other community organizations seeking to expand the available housing in the community and be stewards of the existing housing in its' care. The five year term for board members helps maintain continuity in leadership and consistency in support for the these tasks.
Why get involved?
I have skills to share, want help those who came before and those who will come after, maintain a balance and diversity within our town, foster and grow my community and to serve my home town.
(Honest... and I checked there is not even a Boy Scout badge for serving on the Concord Housing Authority. Did I mention I try to bring a little humor to all my endeavors too?)
Important Issues
The two greatest challenges for the Concord Housing Authority in the near term, in my mind, are keeping the housing affordable and the age of the housing being used. Problems not that different then what has faced many long time home owners in the town.
The financial challenges abound-inflation in labor, utilities, materials and ongoing service costs. Combine this with potential reductions in state and federal funding and this threatens the costs to the residents. Solutions involve a prudent approach to budgeting and a long term outlook. On the expense side, planning the upkeep and capital expenditures issues you may face is important. On the funding side, it is important to look for opportunities for additional resources and grants to handle special needs- renovation, development, regulatory mandated changes etc. Simple networking and collaboration with other town organizations can also bring needed solutions. I feel my experience in planning, budgeting, facilities management, project management and problem solving will serve the Authority well.
The second challenge is more mundane in nature and has to do with "sustainability". Much focus is often given to the development of new affordable housing and to reducing the waiting list as a political objective. Anyone who has contemplated expanding their home knows of the pride the change could bring. But it should not be at the expense of the maintaining the rest of your home. A holistic approach to both endeavors is required.
We must maintain the housing we have established. Losing it and then having to replace it is far more onerous then maintaining it properly in the first place. Few newspaper articles get written about minor roof leaks and plumbing issues. But both can destroy a home. The housing authority is a property management and "maintenance" organization. This requires a balance of people skills and technical skills to foster a sense of support with the residents in the housing and an eye to solving daily problems when they start before they cause disruption to the residents. The rehabilitation of the Peter Buckley building is an example of the challenges facing the organization- an older building, limited funding, and presently an idle asset. As a professional with years of experience in renovations and contract administration skills, I can assist the authority with these issues and hopefully expand their ability to address these issues, speeding the restoration of the building and restoring the building to use.
The authority also has to have skills in understanding when maintenance is no longer cost effective and replacement is the prudent choice to sustain the quality of housing needed. Change is always necessary in our lives and perseverance is key. I work daily with my clients to face just these challenges and I can hopefully bring insight to bear for the benefit Housing Authority, the housing authority tenants and the residents of Concord.

Candidate for Housing Authority - K.C. Winslow

K.C. Winslow (running for Housing Authority, five-year term)
Background
My husband and I are both originally from the Town of Lynnfield on the North Shore. I attended Boston University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1982. Since moving to Concord in 1996, we have been fortunate to raise our three sons and become active members of our community. As my Mother did before me, in 2004, I began practicing Real Estate. In addition to knowing every inch of this town, being a Realtor gives me unique insight into the housing challenges of our community. I have witnessed first hand the difficult downsizing decisions that many Seniors Citizen's experience when faced with increasing property taxes on a fixed income. Just as prevalent are the young families (many of which grew up in Concord) that only dream of the opportunity to settle here. It is a noble and important mission to provide our seniors, families, veterans and disabled individuals' viable options to stay in our town.
The most valuable attributes that I will bring to the table at the Concord Housing Authority is my caring nature, my interpersonal relationships, my strong business sense and my practical experience as a realtor. In my business, creative problem solving is an everyday occurrence. I have direct experience with rental leases, property management, zoning requirements, maintenance solutions and the many challenges that are inevitable with renovation projects. This professional experience uniquely qualifies me to help manage our existing public housing stock. Currently, there are no Realtors seated on the Board.
My town committee experience will also prove valuable to the Housing Authority. I am currently a member of the Cemetery Committee and have recently been appointed to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council as Concord's Representative. MAPC is a regional planning agency with a mission to promote smart growth and regional collaboration. As MAPC Representative, I will have access to shared resources including cost saving solutions that have been successful in similar communities and potential funding sources to benefit our public housing initiatives.
I am pleased to step forward to run for Concord Housing Authority because I strongly believe in the mission of providing public housing opportunities for seniors, veterans, disabled citizens and families of low to moderate income. I am convinced that my background and life's experiences have groomed me for this position and I would be honored to serve our town in this capacity.
Important Issues
Being elected to a five year term, a Concord Housing Authority member witnesses a great many changes and challenges over the span of their tenure. I believe that the most important issues for the Concord Housing Authority in the coming term will be rising costs and funding cuts. Unfortunately, the two generally go hand in hand and will most likely be accompanied by an increase in demand resulting in longer waiting lists.
The cost of fuel and the subsequent increased cost of nearly all goods and services has impacting every aspect of society including individuals, families, municipalities, state and federal governments. Keeping rising costs at bay, implementing cost saving measures and improving efficiency will be an ever-challenging and constant goal for the Concord Housing Authority.
As Concord's MAPC Representative, I have access to success formulas and the benefits of sharing resources regionally to utilize economies of scale thereby reducing operating costs while at the same time identifying new potential funding sources. As a Concord Representative, I would also strive to work with our Legislators to repeal or reform the Pacheco law. The Pacheco law places a strict low bid requirement on government agencies when bidding out contracts. We would be much better served with a "best value" standard that takes into account cost and quality rather than cost alone. This same principle can be applied when selecting products to be used when renovating our facilities. Although more costly on the outset, by utilizing energy efficient systems and products we can save operating costs in the long term while benefiting our citizens and the environment.
Implementing cost saving measures to offset budgetary cutbacks is already happening at the Concord Housing Authority and will inevitably continue in the future. Just as important as increasing efficiency will be finding alternative funding sources and keeping our funding portfolio diverse including Federal, State, Town, public grants, corporate, and even private fundraising and volunteer/citizen initiatives.
It will be imperative in the upcoming term to respond to the increasing cost of doing business and diminishing revenues by regional collaboration, utilizing more efficient products and increasing local autonomy to make decisions in our town's best interest.
I commend the Concord Housing Authority for its hard work and dedication to providing our community with viable public housing rental options. They have done a fantastic job of managing our town's public housing and breaking ground on the preservation and modernization of the historic Peter Bulkeley Terrace. This exciting project increases Concord's handicapped accessible housing stock and provides more attractive options for prospective income eligible senior tenants. I hope to join the Board in its efforts to complete the project in a timely manner and help to achieve the long term goals of the Concord Housing Authority. Please consider supporting my candidacy by voting for me on Tuesday, March 29th.

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