Chuck Woodard Announces His Candidacy for Selectman

I care deeply about the future of Sudbury, the effectiveness of our government, and its use to preserve and enhance our community.  I have a lifetime of professional financial experience together with a unique understanding of Sudbury’s budget issues as its three-time FinCom Chairman.  I am a fair, respected and independent leader who will apply the same rational and balanced approach that I’ve used on the FinCom in evaluating our financial challenges to bridge both sides of the political spectrum and address the Town’s broader issues.   

• Informed and engaged voters.  Informed voters make better decisions.   As FinCom Chairman, I spearheaded significant changes to the FinCom section of the Town Warrant presenting information in a more transparent, understandable format for evaluation.  I regularly write columns for the Crier discussing Town financial issues, most recently regarding Sudbury’s $80 million in OPEB liabilities.  I would make use of the Town Crier, Patch, Annual Forum and cable television to be transparent on what the Selectmen are doing and why.  Each BOS meeting should also allow for regular feedback from taxpayers.

• Long term capital needs.  Sudbury has buildings, vehicles and equipment as well as many miles of roadway that require upgrade and replacement.  We have a large OPEB liability for retiree healthcare that needs a rational funding plan to avoid adverse impacts on the operating budget, services, and our taxpayers.  The Selectmen must move expeditiously from the recently completed Capital Survey to a long term plan, including meaningful public input, to deal with our needs without stressing our taxpayers.

• Upward pressure on employees’ compensation costs (80% of the operating budget).  Excellent schools and town services are important to Sudbury and need to be preserved.  The rate of growth in compensation has abated over the past five years, but the pressure returns every three years with the renewal of labor contracts.  As FinCom Chairman, I helped change Town government’s mindset around labor contracts, pushing the view that reasonable future budget levels should be the basis for contract negotiations rather than allowing labor contracts to drive the budget.

In short, of the candidates running for the BOS I am the person most familiar with Sudbury’s fiscal challenges.  I am an independent and respected leader with the experience no other candidate brings to the table to help solve Sudbury’s issues.  Please help me do this for you by voting for me on June 25^th.

Chuck Woodard

32 Old Framingham Road