Letter: Glenn Kessler Is Committed to Swampscott

Just over three years ago, my good friend Glenn Kessler mentioned that he was considering a run for Selectman. Without hesitation, I told him that I would be more than happy to be his campaign manager. We were grateful when you gave Glenn your confidence to help lead the town away from those who would close down debate, from those who acted as if sitting on the Board of Selectmen meant looking down from on high. Glenn embraced your concerns: your demand for increased transparency in town government, your wish that our Selectmen consider and embrace public input regarding important issues affecting our town, and your plea that our elected leaders push for fiscal responsibility and attention to the town’s aging infrastructure. These concerns have never been lost on Glenn. And so reflecting on his first term in office, I urge with confidence that you vote to re-elect Glenn Kessler to another term on the Board of Selectmen.

Glenn Kessler has remained steadfast that transparency from our town’s officials is of utmost importance. He has agreed with those who have asked that certain financial accounts be opened for review, including, for example, accounts containing athletic and recreation user fees. He has openly and successfully opposed shutting down debate at Board of Selectmen meetings. For instance, at a recent Board of Selectmen meeting regarding whether to place a dog park at the Humphrey Street corner of Phillips Park, Glenn advocated for residents and interested groups at the meeting so that numerous parties could be heard, rather than adopting the limited discussion and narrow approach demanded by the others on the Board. It is this style of leadership – one that embraces our voice, the residents of Swampscott, rather than one that suggests we are not educated or informed enough to understand the issues – that separates Glenn Kessler apart. Glenn will continue to be that connection between people and government if given the opportunity to serve as Selectmen for another three years. He is the only Selectman who has routinely held office hours at Whole Foods Market for residents to voice their concerns about Swampscott.

In 2013, I was appointed Chairman to the Athletic Field Study Committee, a committee charged by the Board of Selectmen to research and report on the state of our overused and decrepit athletic fields and, in particular, how the town might be willing and able to afford a new, multi-sport, artificial turf field at Blocksidge Field, together with new, handicap compliant, grandstands and light towers. Glenn Kessler became the Selectmen liaison to that committee. For the next six months, I witnessed Glenn’s hard work and effort as a liaison. Glenn went above and beyond the normal liaison role and truly rolled up his sleeves to help with the findings and recommendations. From learning about the health risks (or lack thereof) of various materials used in artificial turf fields, to contacting numerous suppliers and contractors about such projects, Glenn’s efforts were commendable. Nonetheless, we did not agree on everything. He and I had health debates and stern exchanges from time to time. But in each instance we respected each other’s opinions and ultimately respected each other as people who care deeply about our town. Indeed, Glenn would often disagree with committee members about the extent to which the private sector be involved with the project or the amount of financial information necessary before funding the proposed renovations. In this way, Glenn doesn’t always make friends, but he certainly should be respected for his thoughtful positions and leadership.

Glenn continues to emphasize the need to improve our town’s aging infrastructure. 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 of the hundreds of residents in town who applied for FEMA disaster assistance in 2012, Glenn prioritized the updating of our woefully inadequate storm drainage in town over other projects, including the proposed renovations at Blocksidge Field. Campaign literature from his successful run for Selectmen in 2012 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, high real estate taxes, and our inadequate storm drainage be priorities. And further stated, “I’m ready and willing to hear your thoughts,” just as he has for three years.

Glenn Kessler is the type of Selectman our town needs. He is thorough, he is committed, he is simultaneously humble and confident, and he is eager to work for us for another three years. I believe he has proven to us his effectiveness as a Selectman and I urge you to vote for him Glenn Kessler on Tuesday, April 28, 2015.

Christian J. Urbano
Elmwood Road