Kennedy Seeking Selectman Seat

Finance Committee member Charles Kennedy is one of three candidates seeking two seats on the Board of Selectmen at the April elections.

Kennedy, a town resident for 11 years, said he first got involved in local life through the schools.

"Before 2009, I was the treasurer for WEST [the Wrentham Elementary Schools Trust]," he said."My kids were entering the school system, and I was told this was something that was coming up and needed volunteers."

After that, he said, he learned much about how things in local government work.

"I got a call from the town moderator, and he told me that someone had recommended me to the Finance Committee," he said.

Kennedy said he was driven by a desire to improve Wrentham.

"I'd rather do something actively positive for the town than complain," he said.

The budget, he said, is the major issue facing the town.

"At this point, the town is facing serious revenue constraints when it comes to funding basic services, like police, fire and schools" he said. "We need a plan to address this."

Kennedy said bringing in the right kind of business could help the town immensely.

"Recently, at the town meeting, people voted to rezone the area around the outlets," he said. "People have said that it may be a good spot for a hotel — I've heard people complain that there isn't a high-end hotel in the area."

He said the town could proactively seek such businesses, as opposed to waiting for business to come to them.

Kennedy said he had received good feedback on his run so far.

"It's been a very positive reception," he said.