Dedham Selectmen Candidates Debate Conflicts Of Interest, Taxes

DEDHAM, MA — The town hosted a debate Thursday night at Riverdale Elementary School, asking selectmen candidates to make their cases to the voters. With town elections coming up this Saturday, this was one of the last opportunities for candidates to make their cases to the voters.

Four candidates are competing for two open seats. William Ralph, Sarah MacDonald, Dimitria Sullivan and Carmen Dellalacono were asked questions by voters, curated by the Dedham Junior Women's Club. The questions covered a number of issues from potential conflicts of interests to taxes, and banning the use of plastic bags.

According to the Dedham Junior Women's Club, worries over potential conflicts of interests for two selectmen candidates led to a number of residents asking to submit debate questions on the subject. Sullivan's husband is the town's assistant building inspector, while Dellalacono is the town's wire inspector. The question asked all candidates to inform residents of any conflicts of interest, and if it would mean having to recuse themselves from any votes.

Dellalacono said the only votes he would have to recuse himself from are any votes regarding his contract as the town's wire inspector. According to Dellalacono, there are currently four state or municipal employees serving as elected officials in Dedham.

Sullivan told voters that before she ran, she checked with the state's ethics commission to make sure it was okay for her to run. She said she'll have to recuse herself from any votes that would personally benefit her or her family, but can vote on important issues such as selecting Dedham's next town manager.

MacDonald said she has no conflicts of interest, while Ralph joked that his only conflict of interest is as a taxpayer if he were to vote on lowering taxes.

"I’m excited to perform 100 percent of the job as selectmen and participate in all the decisions of the town," MacDonald said.

Several candidates brought up addressing environmental issues as being crucial to Dedham's future. Candidates were asked about a plastic bag ban, which Sullivan took a step further.

“Styrofoam should not be allowed anymore,” Sullivan said, in support of a ban on Styrofoam cups and food containers.

Ralph said he is also worried about plastics, arguing, “Some of the plastics we’re finding our not good for people to be using.”

MacDonald believes the the town needs to explore better solutions for recycling in public spaces and reduce Dedham's reliance on cars. She said Dedham should explore town-wide compost opportunities and invest in sidewalks and bike lanes.

Ralph said the most important issue the town faces is that its taxes are too high. He said property and commercial taxes are higher in Dedham than neighboring towns.

Dedham's property tax rate is $14.15 per $1,000 of assessed value, which is below the state median of $15.48. But nearby towns including Norwood, Needham, Wellesley, and Canton all have lower rates.

Dellalacono agreed that more accountability is needed with how the town uses its taxes. He said taxes are up, and the town needs to make sure every dollar is used the right way."

"Taxes will always be here, that we all know," Dellalacono said, "The trick is to manage the taxes."

MacDonald said a big part of making sure tax dollars are used properly is ensuring the public is informed. She said the town's biggest challenge is to communicate with residents and get them actively engaged in their government. She said the town needs a larger social media presence.

"Two-thirds of people get their news online," MacDonald argued.

Sullivan argued that looking at taxes has to start with looking at how the money actually helps residents.

“We have to look at how we are spending taxpayer’s money,” Sullivan said. "We have to answer tough questions...What does the community want? Are we happy with our services. Do seniors have housing choices."

Dedham's town election is Saturday, April 13.