Opinion: Getting the Job Done for Seekonk

I am seeking reelection to the Seekonk Board of Selectmen. You elected me twice to represent your interests, and that's a serious responsibility I never take lightly. My record is a story of getting the job done because I deliver and consistently bring additional state revenue and economic opportunity to Seekonk.

Much has been written by my opponents stating that the Board of Selectmen lacks transparency, respect and meaningful dialogue. It lacks those qualities because there are members who are desperately trying to maintain business as usual. In short, they don't want to serve with a watchdog that demands accountable and affordable town government.   

Why do I take credit for the additional revenue and opportunities? I led the way in securing over $1.7 million in additional transportation money and Chapter 70 local aid. I also led the charge to secure 12 new liquor licenses to bring more revenue and jobs for Seekonk.

Fellow Selectmen and my political opponents publically said I was wasting my time. They said I could not get another $100,000 for the 152 Road project or $214,000 for engineering costs on the upcoming 114A project. They said I could not get $50,000 for the safety complex traffic light. They said it was a waste of time to work with school and state officials to expedite a $1.3 million reimbursement of local aid owed to Seekonk schools for over eight years. They said I could not secure 12 new liquor licenses.  Each time, the naysayers were wrong. I work tirelessly every day to fight for the dollars Seekonk deserves, and I never take "no" for an answer when our town's needs are at stake.

Not only did my opponents say I was wasting time chasing state money and licenses, they have also coordinated an effort to divide our Board of Selectmen and then blame me for the division. When you publically hold government officials and employees accountable for their votes and actions, you take the risk of being attacked.

At times, I have been part of heated arguments with town officials and employees when I believed they were acting in their own self-interest, without proper authority, or against the best interests of our town. For that reason, critics claim I am mean and disrespectful, and that is not true.  I am passionate about what's best for Seekonk, and at times I do get upset when I believe we can do better. 

If reelected, our work will continue. I will first focus on securing $500,000 to maintain and remodel the Seekonk Commons senior housing. The conditions at the Commons are unacceptable. Second, I will work to expand our public safety buildings. I am working with officials to design a South End Fire Station at the state-owned salt shed on 114A. Third, I will work to create a redevelopment plan for our industrial areas to create more economic activity in Seekonk. I will also propose a plan to persuade businesses to move to Seekonk. Redeveloping our industrial parks and persuading businesses to come to Seekonk will not only provide jobs, but it will increase tax revenue.

If you elect my opponents, they will fall in line with business as usual. They will not lobby state government for the funding we deserve. They will be "laid back" and say how things can't be done for Seekonk.

My agenda for the next three years is very bold and demanding, but my record has proven that I can get the job done for you. With your vote on April 1, I will continue to get the job done for Seekonk the next three years.