Building Projects and Permanent Building Committee

I have made the oversight of town building projects and ensuring that their completion be expedited and accomplished within the approved budget a top priority in my campaign. The town of Seekonk currently has three building projects that are at some stage of development, namely the Banna Fire Station reconstruction, the new Seekonk Senior Center project and the new Seekonk Animal Shelter project. The current status of these three projects is as follows:

• The Banna reconstruction is facing a vote at Special Town Meeting scheduled for this Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Seekonk High School and a ballot vote on April 1. 
• The Seekonk Senior Center project, approved at the ballot last April and at the annual Town Meeting in June 2012, is still in the planning stage. 
• The Seekonk Animal Shelter is in the development stage and the proposed drawings of the facility will be out soon.

Each of these projects has an ad-hoc building committee that was appointed either by the Town Moderator or the Board of Selectman. I commend each and every member who has generously volunteered their time and service for these projects. I know firsthand how much time is spent away from your home and family when you choose to become involved in public service. 

Unfortunately, there have been some delays in these projects due to resignations and unanticipated events that have been discussed publicly. The citizens, however, have the right to know what the status of these projects is and, more specifically, what the final projected cost and the final projected completion dates will be for these buildings. 

Therefore, when I am elected to the Board of Selectmen on April 1, I will make it a required part of the Town Administrator's Report to update the Board and the citizens on the status of these three building projects at least twice a month.  Transparency and accountability of the citizen's money is of paramount importance to me and the only way to keep the citizens involved in their town is to keep them fully informed.

Also, I have proposed that we explore the enactment of a Permanent Building Committee By-Law for town building projects only. All school building projects would fall under the autonomy of the duly elected School Committee. I propose that this by-law be enacted prospectively so that it will affect future building projects only. It would have no effect on the current building committees and projects. 

A Permanent Building Committee can alleviate the problems of resignations or leaves from the committee, because replacement appointments, if necessary, would take place promptly. Also, if there were any issues or concerns in the future regarding a particular building, then there would be an active committee available to answer the questions.

For more information on my platform got to www.bradyforselectman.com.