Selectmen Candidates Meet the Press at BCAT Forum

Selectmen candidates Daniel Grattan, Virginia Mooney and Michael Runyan, recorded a live debate over at BCAT Studios led by Moderator Sally Willard. The candidates gave opening statements, answered a series of questions by a panel of local press, and then had a talk amongst themselves concerning key issues.

John White, an editor with the Burlington Daily Times asked: Do you think town government is baised towards big business?

Candidate Runyan responded with a firm, “no,” adding, “in times of economic turmoil, we see more business coming in and I see it as a good thing.”

Candidate Mooney answered “no” as well, but was less firm about her answer, saying, “some development productions in town have been favorable towards some, but not others.” Mooney wanted to make sure there was no favoritism in town concerning development issues.

Candidate Grattan affirmed Mooney and Runyan's general sentiments, but added, “we do need to slow down big business to also make room for smaller companies.”

Joanna Tzouvelis, editor of the Burlington Union, asked: What is your vision of the Burlington Town Center?

Grattan answered by saying Burlington shouldn't increase the density of business in the center of town and make it more “pedestrian friendly.”

Runyan mentioned, “this is a Planning Board issue, but there needs to be better communication between the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board so everyone is on the same page.”

Mooney responded by saying, “I issued a petition that lost which would override the overlay in Burlington Town Center. I don't agree with the new buildings, they look terrible.”

John White then asked, What should be the major issues for the Selectmen over the next three years?

Runyan was strong in saying that economic initiatives and gathering state and federal fundings for town projects are most important.

Mooney agreed, but also thought taxes, health insurance for town employees, zoning by-laws, and the traffic around 128 caused by the on-going construction in the area, were also issues to be tackled.

Grattan stated that proper management of resources were on the top of his list, saying, “we need economic development, but we don't need to add money to the town budget.” Grattan, like Mooney, also wanted to work with town insurance providers so there are “no surprises” during the fiscal year.

Burlington Patch Editor Richard Hosford, asked: How do you feel about the elimination of the more expensive health care options that recently took place at the end of last year for town employees?

Mooney said that, “ it had to be done, the budget was sky high and it didn't take too much away, plus, also lowered costs.”

Grattan responded with, “I think they made the right decision. It saved the town 1.7 million in additional insurance costs […] It was hard, but they were facing layoffs.”

Runyan stated, “this is a problem across the country. Do I agree with it? I don't know. It was a split vote and I would have to assume the extra money was used to beef up the legal system.”

Tzouvelis finished the panel's Q and A section by asking: If budget wasn't an issue, where does Burlington need the most improvement?

All three candidates agreed that if money wasn't an issue, recreation centers for children and seniors would be the place they would spend extra funds first.

The candidates then asked each other some intriguing questions.

Runyan queried: Would you support improvement along the 3A corridor in terms of traffic?

Mooney said she would support the initiative to help expand lanes in hopes of freeing up traffic. Grattan agreed and mentioned that more traffic mitigation was needed in town, especially in the New Memorial School area and along Route 3.

Mooney asked her two fellow candidates: How would you vote on the Massachusetts State Turnpike Dave and Busters Project?

Grattan explained that the big issue with Dave and Busters is their liquor license and underage drinking which he saw as a potential problem in the future. Runyan said he, “can't get very excited about restaurants and retail,” believing they don't bring as much positive impact as other businesses in town.

Lastly, Grattan asked: How would you represent all residents concerning salary and medical benefits moving forward?

Runyan mentioned that this wasn't an issue directly for Selectmen, but rather comes down to town lawyers and other offices. Mooney agreed, and stated that Selectmen don't have a lot to do with overall salaries and medical benefits.

Keep an eye out for the full debate which will be airing on BCAT March 21-25. The first showing will be March 21st at 8 and 11pm. Tuesday through Friday it will air nightly at 10pm. And, on Saturday and Sunday, the debate will air at 7 and 11pm.

Don't forget to get out and vote! Polls will open for the Selectmen's Elections, Saturday, April 9th from 8am-8pm.