One Concern Looms Large: Taxation !!

     Another town election is upon us and we are blessed to have a few contested races.  In far too many communities, local elections have become uncontested rubber stamps for the status quo.  Not so in Westford.  The more notable contest is the three way select board race to fill one seat left vacant by the resignation of John Cunningham.   There is also a three way race for two seats on the select board in a regularly scheduled election contest.  Finally, there is a notable down ballot race, that we wish to bring to your attention.

         However, before discuss the candidates, it is crucial to set the context for this election.  If you have been reading IZON this year, you know that Westford is facing significant issues about revenue and spending.  While our local revenues are healthy, we are somehow facing what town manager Chris Las refers to as a “structural deficit.”   Our spending is outstripping what we take in for revenue.  This will become very apparent next year. The schools have claimed a 465K shortfall in the next fiscal year.  All our one time funds left over from COVID and from consolidation of the school enterprise accounts have been exhausted.   A push for an override can definitely be expected.

          What further compounds our situation is that our local aid is flat and will remain so indefinitely. We will also be facing significant capital expenses that could be added to our excluded debt.   This  added burden would be the result of a roof replacement at Westford Academy, and a demand to either renovate or rebuild the Robinson School, a significant project. When combined with the 30M plus library renovation, these two new projects could add close to a thousand dollars to your tax bill, on top of any override that might pass.

           The main question for the candidates, is will they be willing to consider some innovations to relieve an impending tax crunch or will they simple vote to pass the burden on to you ?    Consider the following races:

The Three Way Race For the One Year Seat On The Selectboard:

     Three candidate are vying for this one year seat. They are former Select Board member Scott Hazleton, Elizabeth Sawyer and David Pina. Here is IZON’s assessment:

Scott Hazelton: He has a long record of service as a selectboard member. However, if controlling spending and blocking tax hikes is your thing, Scott is not your man. He voted for the 6.8M override in FY2024.  He also supported ditching Columbus Day for Indigenous People’s day.  Very recently, while he was on the stump, he attacked the new “Pay As You Throw” program claiming it was ill-conceived. However, no one can recall him making that case at town meeting.

 Elizabeth Sawyer:  She has a long and dedicated history of service on the Waste and Recycling committee, a hard thankless job. She is a very hard working conscientious person, who is sensitive to the burdens that new taxes will impose. She understands the economic demographics of the town.  The only hesitancy is that many of her supporters will be leading the override charge next year. The question: is she open to considering alternative ideas for funding town services  or will she succumb to pressure and simply pass the burden on ?

 Dave Pina:   Lifelong resident and complete newcomer to politics.  He is married and has two kids. Dave is age 50, a critical age in the political demographics of Massachusetts. Many in his age group are putting Massachusetts in their rear view mirrors.  Pina would like to remain in town. He  wants to see the schools retain their excellence but is very aware, particularly living in Nab, of the impact a devastating round of taxation could have on him and his neighbors.

 There are no endorsements in this race, you have the facts, you are on your own.

 The Three Way Race for Two Seats On the Selectboard:

 Two incumbents Thomas Clay and Chris Barrett are being challenged by Meghan O’Connell.  Both Clay and Barrett supported the 2024, 6.8M override and can be counted on to push the next one.   Meghan O’Connell is a candidate who has been arguing for more fiscal responsibility for years.  O’Connell is arguably the most courageous candidate this town has seen in years.  She is repeatedly and viciously attacked by the more caustic elements of Westford’s social media crowd.  Yet, she remains stalwart in her opinions and respectful in her manner.  These are signs of a strong leader.  IZON Is Endorsing Meghan O’Connell in this race.

Last But Not Least:

         Arnold Price is on the ballot running for a seat on the Housing Authority.  Arnold has long service as a health inspector for Westford.  He ran Price’s Bakery in Lowell for many years.  He is honest, trustworthy and understands the plight of the common person.  IZON is Endorsing Arnold Price in this race.

DEAR FRIENDS YOU HAVE A CHOICE IN THIS YEAR’S TOWN ELECTIONS

FOR GOD’S SAKE EXERCISE IT !

ELECT DAY IS MAY 5^th

Check With The Town Clerk For Early Voting