For Your Consideration: Dan Pogorzelski

Editor's Note: Every morning this week, Grafton.Patch.com will feature a profile and video introduction from each of the 5 candidates for 2 open seats for selectman. The candidates were each asked to answer questions submitted by our staff and the public and to include a video telling why they should receive your vote.

Candidate profiles are running in the order they were received. Today's candidate is Dan Pogorzelski.

Name:  Dan Pogorzelski

Age: 56

Address: 9 Pleasant St., Grafton

Occupation: Heavy Equipment Operator

Relevant experience: Former Selectman

How voters can reach you: 

     Website:  http://www.danpogo2011.webs.com/

     Cell phone:  (508) 958-4878

     Email:  DanPogo2011@yahoo.com

Why did you decide to run for selectman? 

While on a past term on the Board of Selectmen, people know me for watching the dollar. With the current economic situation, we need experienced people to guide us through these financially challenging times. I firmly believe in fiscal responsibility in controlling costs and keeping Grafton affordable for our seniors. I will be an approachable representative for all Graftonites and I will work with the Board of Selectmen to keep Grafton friendly to our local businesses.

What is the most pressing issue facing Grafton?

Certainly finances are a serious issue. It’s important to have fiscal awareness and responsibility in budgeting, while trying to avoid disruption of services to constituents. I’m in favor of combined services with other towns to lower costs, similar to what we do with regards to purchasing of fuels (for town vehicles), road supplies (asphalt, salt), etc.

What will make you a good selectman?

My previous experience on the Board of Selectmen, along with my years of serving on several boards in town, I know very well the issues facing us.  I’ve lived in Grafton for 50 years and wish to use my knowledge to further the goals and needs of the town. Professionally, I’ve been in the construction industry for 37 years and have managed and kept projects within budget ranging from five thousand dollars to fifteen million dollars.

The town’s infrastructure (roads, buildings, dams and vehicles) is crumbling. What is the best way to fix it? Should the town borrow $15M in one shot, introduce new taxes or take another approach?

With the current financial climate, bringing a fifteen million borrowing on the town would be poor timing and place a burden on many of the citizens of Grafton. We need to identify and prioritize the worst roadways and work with highway funds to best remedy the areas of most need.

Fiscal times are tough. How can Grafton keep taxes and budgets under control as state revenues, property values and personal incomes shrink?

As stated previously, the possibility of sharing services with other towns is a viable option to lower operating costs. Defining need versus want when it comes to town projects can also provide some valuable control over spending. I believe in encouraging town departments to identify and pursue grants for additional funding.