Jim Lane Runs for Selectman Seat

Candidates Pat Wojtas, Jerry Loew and Jim Lane will square off on Nov. 2 for a seat on the Board of Selectmen. The seat is vacant from Sean Scanlon's resignation earlier this summer due to work-related commitments. To read about Pat Wojtas, check out this article. To read about Jerry Loew, check out this article.

Jim Lane is looking to be a leader in Chelmsford. Currently the chairman of the Master Plan Committee and a member of the Planning Board, Lane has contemplated running for selectman for a while. When Selectman Sean Scanlon resigned earlier this summer, Lane saw an opportunity to make a difference in the town he loves.

Chelmsford Patch asked the candidate a few questions:

Q: What kind of experience do you have that will be helpful if elected to the board?

A: I work in facilities management, so my expertise is in capital planning and business planning. All of the employees are union workers so I have a lot of experience in negotiating and collective bargaining. On the Master Plan Committee, we've been working for 19 months to put together a long-term strategic plan for the town. ... We've analyzed every aspect of the town you could possibly think of to put this together. Not even my opponent brings that to the table.

Q: What are the biggest issues facing Chelmsford right now?

A: Budget and state aid. We need to continue to think outside the box for streams of revenue without going to the taxpayer. We need to be creative and stretch the dollar without sacrificing services. We need to look at our zoning bylaws and rewrite them for sensible redevelopment.

Q: If elected to the board, what would your top priorities be?

A: I'd like to put together a steering committee consisting of the chairman of each board or their designee to meet quarterly to see what every other town board is doing. Of course, it would be open to the public and it would be good for communication. Right now it's isolated, selectmen will meet with the School Committee, or selectmen will meet with public safety. The Board of Selectmen also needs to study its policies annually, and each one should have a purpose that's suitable for the town. Also, there should be an orientation for new selectmen - or new members of any board - to have a formal sit down and go over what the new member can expect.

Q: What do you want voters to know about you?

A: I'm hard-working. I speak from the heart and always (make decisions with) the best interest of the town, and I will continue to do so if elected selectman.

Q: Where's the best place in town to grab a bite?

A:  For sit-down restaurants, I like Feng Shui and Cafe Madrid. For quick food, I like Zesty's Pizza.

Jim Lane will hold his campaign party on Sept. 26 at Chelmsford Country Club from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. For more information, click here.