Pat Wojtas Seeks 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 Jim Lane, check out this article. To read about Jerry Loew, check out this article.

Pat Wojtas is determined to make a difference in the town she loves.  Wojtas was elected to the Board of Selectmen in 2007 and served one term. She lost her bid for re-election this spring. With a background in technology consulting, Wotjas spends her time helping local businesses and town departments with their high-tech needs. During her time on the board, Wojtas was an appointed representative to the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments, where she currently serves as vice chairwoman, the Lowell Regional Transit Authority, the Merrimack Valley Regional Housing Consortium, and the Municipal Coalition for Affordable Housing.

Chelmsford Patch asked the candidate a few questions:

Q: What are the biggest issues in town right now?

A: Definitely budget items. There are other big issues that will likely be resolved soon, but money is always a concern. I'd like to give tax relief to residents. We have opportunities with the Billboard Bylaw that was passed, so we have a few locations we can go forward with and get revenue from that. We have an ambulance contract up for renewal so I'd like to look at that. Anything to generate revenue.

Q: Why do you want to be a selectman again?

A: I'm interested in and care about the town. I will research issues and make a decision based on the best interest of the town. I want to provide my knowledge and expertise to the board.

Q: A lot of people are concerned about the rate at which Chelmsford is developing. What's your take on that?

A: We need to maintain the character of the town; we can't have a billboard in Chelmsford Center. But there is a logical growth process we can follow. There are vacant offices in town and there are things we can do to attract businesses there. The Community Development Department is doing a great job of that. It increases the tax base and gives relief to residents.

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

A: There are so many places. Brick House Pizza, The Java Room, Fish Bones, Moonstones.

Pat Wojtas will hold a campaign party on Oct. 1 at also known as Chelmsford Center for the Arts, from 6 to 11 p.m. For more information, click here.