Now is the Time to Continue Funding Acton’s Competitive Advantage

Town Meeting starts tonight and everyone should attend to ensure that we protect our past community investments and continue Acton as #16 or better on CNN's best places to live. for the Acton Patch article.

First, we should remember that Acton is NOT our "Father's Acton." In 1990 we had a population of 17.8K with 15% over 55 and 16% non-white. Now in 2010, we have a population of 20.3K (13% increase) with 24% over 55 and 23% non-white. Many can't drive safely. Given the aging population the healthcare needs are much greater. Many need other of our world class community services.

Second, we must remember what makes any business great. 

"If you don't have a competitive advantage, don't compete."  Jack Welch. 

If you ask Warren Buffet what he looks for in a business before he buys or invests in it, he routinely says, “A business with a durable competitive advantage that even a moron could run… because sooner or later a moron will end up running it.”

What are Acton's competitive advantages: superior schools; great real estate values; growing commercial base; extraordinarily talented population and world class community services and churches. Do we give those up when times are tough? What happens to a high tech company when it cuts R&D?

"Innovation is the distinction between a leader and a follower."  Steve Jobs.

Opponents say a bigger senior center would be "nice".  I say imperative.  Tewksbury went from 8K sq ft to 28K sq ft a few years ago. Participation went through the roof.  Multiple parallel events were possible. Much larger events could be held. As one of our Pastor's said to me, "its not more of the same... so much more is possible... and it keeps our seniors from moving to Florida and North Carolina for a richer community."  Same with the shuttle. Expanded service means those seniors, people with disabilities and people learning to drive and speak English can get to the services that make them healthy and productive.

Nursing, I've written on separately. But I spoke with Amanda Twiss, CEO of OCS Healthcare, the agency that recognized Acton Nursing as a HomeCare Elite Top Agency. She told me that Acton is so lucky to have an award winning agency that serves everyone regardless of ability to pay. With Acton's growing senior population, having the usual homecare agency that only takes Medicare eligible patients or provides limited services, means many seniors end up at the doorsteps of Police, Fire, Churches and Non-Profits who aren't equipped to deal with them. This is why we got a social worker in 2008 that has been such a success. Preserving Acton Nursing's tradition of excellence since 1923 is again imperative for health but also the most cost effective solution.

Are tax dollars the full answer? No. Improved business practices, fund raising through charitable contributions, state and federal grants and volunteer work by our amazingly talented population are all key. But take away the planned tax dolar growth and the structure falls. Each building block is key. 

I recognize that some economists believe that it would be better to have private industry, non-profits and churches carry the whole load. But I've never spoken to a leader of any of those organizations who agreed. And what other successful country utilizes such a model?  None. The coalition between all those groups and government is key.  I know our most affluent citizens pay a lot in federal and state taxes and hate to see their large homes drive their tax bills even higher.  But they and all the rest of us are benefiting from the continuing value growth of one of the best places to live in America and everyone needs to pay their share.

As Jack Welch, Warren Buffett and Steve Jobs have told us, MAINTAIN ACTON'S COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE.  It's critical to keep Acton a great place to live and to preserve both our private and our public investments.  SEE YOU AT TOWN MEETING.