Selectman Charles Sisitsky Cites Leadership, Experience as Reasons for Re-Election

Editor's Note: As per the Framingham Patch election guide, each candidate for town-wide office was allowed to submit a political announcement on their candidacy. The town election is Tuesday, April. 9.

Below is the announcement for Charles J. Sisitsky, Chair of the Framingham Board of Selectmen, who is running for re-election.

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I am excited to announce my candidacy for reelection to the Board of Selectmen. Throughout my five terms on the Board, I have served with many dedicated people with a variety of interests and ideas. I worked cooperatively with all of them to build consensus and to work for the best interests of the Town, and I am proud of our accomplishments.

Across the country there are stories of cities and towns struggling- some even declaring bankruptcy - as they tried to deal with challenging financial times. Here in Framingham, due in part to strong financial planning policies of the Board of Selectmen, cautious budgeting and the concerted efforts from a solid team of experienced, dedicated municipal professionals and volunteers, we have weathered the recent financial crisis. We have succeeded in maintaining excellent and reliable municipal services and have been able to increase the school budget and work toward rebuilding our highly regarded district.

I am especially proud and supportive of our school system and dedicated to maintaining its excellent reputation. As a parent of four Framingham public school graduates and a long-time PTO volunteer, I know what having excellent schools, teachers, and educational services mean to our children, our property values and image as a Town. It’s no wonder that Money Magazine recently named Framingham one of the 100 most desirable places to live in the country!

Our sound financial policies have enabled us to maintain a very favorable bond rating. This translates into low borrowing costs for our significant infrastructure improvements and more funds for other needs. As a result, this year, the Board of Selectmen was able to successfully develop a financial plan to reduce the tax levy from 2.5 percent to 1.5 percent, thus saving taxpayers substantial sums of money. This is the first time since Proposition 2 ½ was instituted in 1980 that Framingham has ever done this.

My nearly40 years experience as a professional, public-sector executive helps the Board of Selectmen make good decisions and deliver the best, most reliable and efficient services.

Our vision has led to a long-term agreement to keep TJX in Framingham for many years to come.

We have brought in the Planning Board as a partner to create a more business friendly reputation for the Town. The Board’s creation of an inter-departmental task force for code enforcement has already seen success in our neighborhoods.

My work with the Traffic and Roadway Safety Committee has resulted in a town-wide traffic calming policy that will enable neighborhoods throughout town to control unsafe traffic conditions.

These successes require hard work, leadership, experience and dedication. I bring these qualities to the table day-after-day, year-after-year.

Serving as your Selectman has been a privilege and an honor that I take very seriously and with your support, I will continue to work on your behalf for the best interests of Framingham.

I respectfully ask for your vote in the upcoming election.

Charles J. Sisitsky