Q&A With Donnelle S. O'Neal: Running for Brookline Selectmen

On May 2, Brookline voters are headed to the polls to vote to fill seats on public boards including the Library's Trustees, the School Committee and the Board of Selectmen. Patch sent questions to the three candidates running for the two open seats at the Board of Selectmen table in an effort to help readers get to know the candidates. Here's what Donnelle S. O'Neal had to say:

PATCH: What, to you, is the biggest issue facing Brookline today?
O'NEAL: There are so many big issues facing the town; from our schools being filled to capacity, to our town's "racial climate" being broadcast in the national media to bad 40b developments.
What are some ways to solve that problem(s)?
The duties of a Selectman are: "Selectmen issue warrants for Town Meetings and make recommendations on the warrant articles. Selectmen appoint department heads and members of most official boards and commissions. Selectmen also hold public hearings on important town issues and periodic conferences with agencies under their jurisdiction and with Community groups," according to the Brookline town webpage.

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Why are you running for selectman?
My life is invested in Brookline. It's my home: past, present and future.
What do you think the most difficult part of the job will be?
I don't know.
What's something you think the current board can do differently?
Increasing the Department of Public Works OB. I know from experience that our DPW would feel more appreciated if the selectmen didn't contract out so many jobs. Keeping more money in the town in regards to landscaping year-round, trash pick up from businesses and even streets and sidewalk repairs.
What do you think you bring to the role of Selectmen that no one else does?
I bring a uniqueness that isn't present now on the Board of Selectmen. Brookline has been my home for almost 40 years. I have two boys and we are invested in town. I'm the only candidate that has been on both sides of management for the Town. I'm 3.3 percent of the 25 percent minority population in town. This town has been divided for quite some time now, and a "town divided can't and won't stand." I know I will - and can - unify the town as a whole if elected to the board.

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Also: Check out what Heather Hamilton and what Selectman Ben Franco had to say about the biggest issues facing Brookline.

Check out what you need to know before Brookline's May 2 elections.