Nelson Reaching Out To All Town Residents In Selectman Campaign

Since announcing his campaign for selectman back in December, Lynnfield Town Assessor Dave Nelson has been knocking on doors and calling residents to get the word out and to talk about town issues.

So far, Nelson reports that he has not encountered much voter anger out there - more of a concern that the town is able to stay fiscally responsible.

"I think people are pretty happy with what they see," said Nelson in a recent interview with Lynnfield Patch, adding that "there's been a lot of good people who have done a lot of good work in this town."

With only about 7% of the town's properties categorized as commercial, Nelson noted that it's the residents who bear the large majority of the tax burden - although this will change at least somewhat with the completion of the Market Street at Lynnfield project - especially with some signs of an economic recovery also beginning to emerge.

Still, Nelson warns against having a false sense of security at this stage. "I think we really need to keep watch on the economy and our budget," said Nelson, adding that town should not let its guard down "just because things may pick up a little bit."

Nelson also maintains that he wants to focus broadly on the issues that affect Lynnfield, with an eye on serving all of the town's residents, regardless of their age. "I think a strong, firm role of a selectman is to look at all the generations in town and help them," said Nelson.

One idea he mentioned during a recent interview with Lynnfield Patch was exploring ways that town seniors or others with mobility issues could vote online in town elections. "I think it would be a good avenue to explore... The more people vote, the better," said Nelson.

The candidate also indicated that he strongly supports the town's cable access TV program and hopes that residents can utilize it more in the future. He has similar hopes for making the town's website more user-friendly and informative.

Looking further down the road, Lynnfield will eventually have to address some space needs, said Nelson. For example, he cited the development of a long-term plan by library officials that could resolve space issues in that facility, and also noted that "town hall is getting a little congested" as well.

Speaking of town hall, Nelson points to his own time spent as assessor,  noting that he has already been interacting well with the various town departments all along. As assessor, Nelson's role is to set property valuations - not actual tax rates. Earlier this winter, the town began its cyclical review process with Patriot Properties - a process that Nelson says will update the town's property database and result in a more equitable tax burden.

Along with his role as assessor, Nelson is also on the Summer Street School Council and regularly attends school committee and selectmen's meetings. He has also served on the town finance committee.

"I have learned so much about what goes on with the schools, what goes on with the town, and it's an opportunity that any resident has," said Nelson.

Overall, Nelson said that he is running to help Lynnfield "continue to be the right place that so many before all of us have made it." He also praised his fellow candidates for town office this year, saying that all of them "should be commended for stepping up to the plate and helping make this town a better place."