Heitin to run for third term

Press Release

Committee to Elect William A. Heitin
Selectman

William A. Heitin

After serving two terms on the Board of Selectmen, I have declared my candidacy for re-election to the Board for another term.  During my first two terms, I have proactively brought other Town Boards and Committees together to address some of the major issues facing Sharon.  I have worked cooperatively to maintain Sharon’s commitment to providing quality public education, enhanced long-term fiscal planning and increased inter-board communication.  I continue to work with my fellow Selectmen in embracing efforts to reduce the Town’s disproportionate
reliance on residential property tax revenue, preserve our water and maintain
open space for the Town as a whole.

My accomplishments along with my fellow Board members include the following:

1)  Stabilizing the Town’s tax rate by seeing the lowest increases across the state during the worst economic times since the 1930’s.  This was accomplished through cost containment and new commercial growth in the Town,

2)  The redevelopment of the Wilbur School which now provides over $350,000 in annual recurring net revenue to the Town,

3)  The permitting of Sharon Commons which has recently announced a ground breaking in June of this year.  This development will bring more than $2.5 million in annual recurring net revenue to the Town.

4)  As an alternative to traditional housing, successfully negotiated the development of an Assisted Living Facility to be build adjacent to Sharon Commons.  This development will net the town $300,000 in new tax revenue.

5)  Acquired 57 acres on Lake Massapoag known as Horizons for Youth to ensure the Town’s control of this land and negotiate with Camp Everwood for use of the site

6)  Worked with the Capital Outlay Committee on a debt buy down program reducing the Town’s annual borrowing levels to an historic low benefiting the operating budget and tax rate

7)  Finalization of the Avalon Bay development assisting the Town in addressing 40b developments

8)  Continue to negotiate over the past two plus years for the purchase of substantially all of Rattlesnake Hill with a goal of having no tax impact for the residents of Sharon,

9)  The establishment of the Town’s first Energy Conservation Committee and Economic Development Committee,

10)  Worked on ensuring passage and construction of the Sharon Community Center and Sharon’s first Adult Center,

11)  Continue to work on finalizing a redevelopment plan for Post Office Square,

12)  Successfully obtained funding for the demolition of the Sacred Heart building and continue to work with the Sacred Heart Redevelopment Committee on the potential uses.

13)  Successfully worked to bring tax relief to Sharon Seniors and Veterans through a number of tax deferral, work off and abatement programs which are continually reviewed to be in line with what peer communities offer.

Prior to joining the Board of Selectmen, I was a member of the Town of Sharon  Finance Committee. 

I am currently a Partner and the Chief Investment Officer of Windrose Advisors, a
boutique private investment firm.  Before founding Windrose Advisors, I was a Managing Director working at the MIT Investment Management Company.  I started my career at the public accounting firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. 

I hold a BS in accounting and an MBA in accounting and finance.  I am a Certified Public Accountant in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  I graduated from Sharon High School

I was born and raised in Sharon.  Growing up, I was involved with a variety of Town activities, including recreation department activities, Boy Scouts and a member of the High School varsity track team since ninth grade.  I worked as the Waterfront Supervisor and Swimming Instructor at Lake Massapoag. I was also active, for more than 15 years, on the Town’s 4^th of July Celebration Committee.

I live in Sharon with my wife Suzanne, also a life long resident and our two daughters Marni and Julia.

“I am running again to ensure that the Board of Selectmen initiatives currently
underway are completed in the best interest of the Town.”   

“I have continued to live up to my commitment to make Sharon the same, if not a better place, for our children as it was for Suzanne and I growing up in Sharon.  I look for your continued support at the election being held on May 21, 2013.”