In last week’s Reporter, a letter to the editor entitled, “In Support of Spellios” was written that had inaccuracies that must be corrected. The author stated that from conversations he had with several members of the former Athletic Field Study Committee (AFSC), it was his “understanding” that Glenn consistently proclaimed his support for its efforts and for the specific proposal that was to be brought before town meeting, but “[a]t the last minute, when asked for his support, he indicated that he would be unable to do so.” The author goes on to suggest that this proves Glenn Kessler is a dishonest, double-talking elected official that is afraid to make tough choices in the face of opposition.
I write to set the record straight for Glenn Kessler, and to emphasize that Glenn has always been honest with his position on the proposed Blocksidge Field Renovations, has always listened to the proponents and opponents of the project, and has been straight from the start regarding his concerns over infrastructure priorities vis-à-vis the town’s finite resources, not only to the AFSC, but also to everyone he has spoken to about the project. Moreover, Glenn has always been willing to learn from others regarding the benefits of the proposed renovations, so much so that since he gained sufficient financial information from certain town officials that the project is reasonably affordable, he has agreed to support project.
During Glenn Kessler’s successful run for selectman in 2012, he was a strong advocate for those living around the Paradise Road flood area as well as other such areas in town. When he learned that hundreds of residents in town applied for FEMA disaster assistance, Glenn prioritized the updating of our woefully inadequate storm drainage over other projects, including the proposed renovations at Blocksidge Field. Literature from his campaign read, “Let me be clear: I am not against the field renovations,” but he emphasized that other infrastructure problems such as school repairs, road paving, and our inadequate storm drainage were priorities. And he further stated, “I’m ready and willing to hear your thoughts,” just as he has since then.
After the 2012 Town Meeting voted against the field renovations, the Board of Selectmen created the AFSC. In August 2012, I was elected Chairman of the AFSC and Glenn Kessler became its selectmen liaison. As Chairman, I attended all of the meetings and Glenn attended the vast majority of those meetings. From the start, each member of the AFSC knew where Glenn stood. They each knew he voted against the field renovations at Town Meeting and they each knew why. Not just because he stated it in his campaign literature, but because he also spoke at day two of Town Meeting, where he announced concisely that he supported the idea of the renovations but believed at that time that other infrastructure repairs were a priority.
For six months, I witnessed Glenn’s hard work and effort as a liaison. Glenn even went above and beyond the normal liaison role to help with research. From learning about the alleged health risks of certain materials used in turf fields (materials that have been expressly banned in this May’s warrant article), to contacting numerous suppliers and contractors about such projects, Glenn’s efforts were commendable. Nonetheless, Glenn and the AFSC, including me, did not always agree. Glenn would often disagree with us about the extent to which the private sector should fund the project, or the amount of financial information necessary before funding the project. In this way, Glenn should be respected for his thoughtful positions and leadership.
Glenn has elaborated on his position many times. Glenn wanted to get the cost to the town lowered from the $1.85 million that was previously proposed. Glenn informed us on many occasions that he wanted to see a more comprehensive five-year capital plan before supporting the project, a sentiment raised by other, respected and knowledgeable residents in town. There was no “last minute” flip-flopping that stunned the AFSC. There was disappointment that Glenn stood by his position, but no one in the room should have been surprised. In April 2013, when asked point blank whether he would support the field renovations, Glenn stated he was unprepared to do so because his financial questions were still unanswered, even though he grasped the many benefits of the project. To be sure, Glenn aptly demonstrated his ability to “make difficult decisions, even in the face of opposition” as the author said of Glenn’s opponent, even when we disagreed with him.
Since last fall the AllBlue Foundation (the nonprofit group that succeeded the AFSC) has sought financial information that might alleviate concerns over the affordability of the Blocksidge Field Renovations. Due to delays outside of the control of AllBlue Foundation or town officials, in February we were finally given sufficient information regarding infrastructure priorities, the large amount of certified free cash the town has, the ability to use other capital accounts, the ability to fund some of the cost through the use of bonds, and the amount of debt service rolling off the town’s books, among other financial data, that the AllBlue Foundation and our Town Administrator are satisfied that Swampscott can reasonably afford the Blocksidge Field Renovations. Based on this financial information, we believe the town can also address road paving, continue to address storm drainage near Paradise Road, and have sufficient funds in reserves. As a result, Glenn Kessler now believes he has enough financial information for purposes of the field renovations and has agreed to support the bonding version of the warrant article for this year’s annual Town Meeting, even as he continues to advocate publicly for an even more comprehensive capital improvement plan than the one currently in place.
The issues that greatly concern Swampscott residents are complex. They require careful attention to finances, to the concerns of all of our residents, to priorities with infrastructure, and measured consideration. We probably all agree with that. Thankfully Glenn Kessler does not cave into pressure to support a project unless and until he is satisfied that he has sufficient information to make an informed and educated decision. That is not flip-flopping. That is mature, reasoned, and thorough decision making. That is Glenn Kessler. That is why he has my vote on April 28th. That is why I ask you to vote for Glenn Kessler as well.
Christian J. Urbano
Former Chairman, Athletic Field Study Committee
Advisory Member, Friends of Swampscott Athletic Fields, d/b/a AllBlue Foundation
