Priorities

Putting our Town Back on Track

Over the past few years, dozens of businesses have closed down, mass resignations have flooded Town Hall, and millions of our tax dollars have been spent recklessly. Simply put, our town is not going in the right direction. It is time to get back on track and that change starts with the Select Board. We need to focus on finding real solutions to the issues our town faces. Instead of unproductive political bickering, I will listen to the residents, collaborate with my fellow board members, and appropriately address the issues at hand.

Water Quality

Many officials have failed to acknowledge that water quality is even an issue in town. Despite this, thousands of Billerica residents regularly turn on their faucets to foul-smelling, discolored water and this is absolutely unacceptable. Everyone should be able to rely on the town to provide clean, clear, safe, and good-tasting water. As a Select Board member, I will call for a thorough water-specific capital needs analysis so that we have a thorough plan to address the issue in a timely, fiscally-responsible manner.

Protecting Our Green and Open Space

Billerica has many waterways and greenspaces that must be preserved and protected. Currently, there are many town-owned properties that should be preserved but have not gone through to proper channels to be permanently protected. The Select Board needs to take a look at all of our town-owned lands, address our land use needs, and make a thorough plan on how to use, preserve, and protect every parcel owned by the town.

Transparency and Good Governance

Over the past year, there have been over 30 Select Board meetings that occurred secretly, behind closed doors. This is not okay. As a Select Board member, I will limit private executive sessions to only when absolutely necessary and will encourage open dialogue with anyone who wishes to engage with in the process.

Reduce the Residential Tax Burden

To lower the residential tax burden, we must further diversify our tax base. We must promote sensible economic development and focus on cutting costs when appropriate. We also must set a long-term goal to increase our excess levy capacity in order to obtain long term financial stability.

Supporting Education

As a product of Billerica Public Schools, our schools, students, teachers, and families can always count on my fullest support. Education is an investment in the future and is something that should always be prioritized. I support the independence of the school department and our separately elected school committee. However, in order to have a best-in-class education system, Select Board support is vital.

Supporting Our Seniors

As a Select Board member, I will fight to protect the Senior Tax Work-Off Program and the services offered by the Council on Aging. Our seniors are one of the largest growing demographics in Billerica and that is very important as many seniors live on fixed incomes and struggle with their bills and taxes. I will work to increase options for our seniors so that people can afford to stay in Billerica during retirement.

Honoring our Veterans

The thousands of veterans that call Billerica home have earned our respect and support. To help support these brave men and women, I will work to ensure the Town of Billerica Veterans Services Office is always properly staffed and funded and that the Town of Billerica does its part in recognizing our brave veterans. I will also work to ensure that Billerica maintains its Veteran Tax Work-Off Program, which many veterans are able to benefit from, in accordance with MGL Ch. 59 Sec. 5N.

Creating a Realistic Plan for Producing Homes

We must maintain our 10% affordability requirement to prevent 40B developments, which are highly unpopular as they bypass our local zoning laws. To do so, we must create a realistic plan for this issue that incorporates multiple housing options, to include lower-cost housing, veteran housing, and senior housing.