Election 2018: Fasulo Calls For Smart Growth In Run For Selectman

WILMINGTON, MA -- Wilmington voters head to the polls on April 28 for municipal elections. Patch reached out to candidates running in contested races for their thoughts on the issues facing Wilmington. This is the first in a series profiling the candidates running for selectman.

Rob Fasulo is 41 and grew up in Wilmington, and he has seen the changes that have happened in town over the past four decades: changes that haven't always been good, in his view, when you consider the rapid rate of development and building in town. So Fasulo is running for selectmen with a defined platform for responsible growth in Wilmington. He will face Jonathan Eaton and Joseph R. Mastrangelo for one open seat in the April 28 election.

Fasulo and his wife Melissa have three children: a 10-year-old daughter, a six-year-old son and a one-year-old son. He holds a degree in criminal justice and has worked in law enforcement for 20 years.

We asked Fasulo and all candidates in contested races in the April 28 town elections a series of questions on the issues facing Wilmington. Here's what he had to say:

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Rapid expansion and over development causing taxes to rise and our towns infrastructure to be strained.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have grown up in Wilmington, I attended Wilmington Schools. I have no financial interest with builders, lawyers or real estate firms. I will work for the people, not the lobbyists.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platfor

I have grown up in Wilmington, I attended Wilmington Schools. I have no financial interest with builders, lawyers or real estate firms. I will work for the people, not the lobbyists.

If you gain this position, what accomplishment would define your term in office as a success?

I will work tirelessly to get the town to purchase the old Sciarappa Farm, I would like the land to be turned into a municipal farm or community garden.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career.

I have only one regret in life, my regret was going to college instead of joining the military.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should trust me because I have nothing to gain from becoming a selectman. I do not make my living in any manner associated with the decisions of the BOS. I am a father and a life long resident that sees an injustice being done to the residents and I want to change it. I have no loyalties to special interests in town.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy:

The people are not there to support the Government, The Government is there to support the people.

What questions should be asked of current government employees accountable to your board?

What role should the community play in the operation of a town?

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)?

Wilmington benefits from conservative fiscal policies and a focus on financial sustainability. The school Dollars should be spent as if your spending at home. Just because its taxpayer money does not mean its high time to squander the money. Spend less and lets see if we can actually make taxes go down.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

In past and present employment I have had the ability to deal with a wide range of personalities. I have never had a complaint from a citizen in any of my roles while enforcing the laws of the Commonwealth. As a selectman I will need to work with residents, all of whom have different views and mindsets. My life experience has given me the practical ability to work with everybody.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Life's too short to hold a grudge. (Det. Tom Miller)

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am a common sense conservative and call things the way I see them. You will not find one person who will say they don't know where I stand on an issue nor will you find anyone who will say I am not a person of high character. I will be true to the people of Wilmington and I will be there to be your voice. I will not look at the residents as a revenue source and I will not be using this position to further my career. Decisions of the BOS have no bearing on my financial well being so in short I have absolutely nothing to gain by being elected. I would hope that these facts appeal to you and that you will consider voting for me in the upcoming election.

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Are you running for office in Wilmington on April 28? Contact Dave Copeland at dave.copeland@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Wilmington Patch.

Photo by Rob Fasulo.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).