Q and A with Planning Board Candidate Mike Raisbeck

With the only contested race in this year's town election for a seat on the Planning Board, Patch asked candidates Mike Raisbeck and Richard McClure to share more about themselves and why they are running. Here are Mike Raisbeck's responses to our questions.

Name: Mike Raisbeck

How many years have you lived in town: I’ve lived on High St. in Chelmsford for 27 years. 

Experience/Qualifications: I hold a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern, a Master of Science in Engineering Management from UMass, and a law degree with honors from Suffolk University.

In my 40 years of professional life I have done primarily engineering and engineering management. At various points I’ve been a manager of hardware diagnostics, a systems engineer, a project manager, and a Vice President of Operations. For the last 4 years I’ve managed the Software Quality Assurance department at Conexant Systems in Waltham. 

I’ve also practiced law on a part time basis, including experience with land use and telecommunication law.  

I’ve also served two years as Planning Board alternate, which has prepared me well.

Other community involvement: I was a Precinct 1 Town Meeting Rep. for a term a few years ago and (running again this year.)   I served nine years on the board of the Murdoch Charter School, including one year as chairman. For the last two years I’ve been the Chelmsford Planning Board alternate.  I’m on the boards of 3 non-profits.  In the past I’ve also been on the board of the Chelmsford Historical Society.

1. Why should you be elected to the planning board? Planning board work is both technical and regulatory. I have solid background in both areas.  In addition, I have two years of on-the-job training as Planning Board Alternate.

2. What are the key issues facing the board today and how would you handle them? Development in Chelmsford is at a turning point. Primary development is nearly complete, and going forward we will be concentrating more on redevelopment. To do this effectively we need to review and enhance our regulations and by-laws.

3. What do you hope to accomplish on the Planning Board?

I hope to accomplish 3 things in the next few years:

1. Help steer a middle course between “no growth” and “rampant  growth."

2. Participate in the updating of our by-laws and regulations so as to favor smaller businesses that bring high value, high quality jobs to Chelmsford, and to favor acquisition of open spaces

3. Find ways to increase the efficiency of the town boards.