Dean is Busy with Candidate Forums

****** ONLY 8 Days left ******* VOTE BY MARCH 31 ******

It's not too late to have a yard sign! The race seems to be close, so we could definitely use your help. Please contact Charlie Parker at charles.f.parker@gmail.com right away if you can put up a sign. Do include your address, and we will deliver it to your house.

Postcard mailing: We are aware that on many of the postcards, Dean's photograph, unfortunately, contained scratches. It seems that the Post Office set their barcode machine too tightly, and the wheel scratched our postcards.

LVWCC Forum

Regarding Capital projects, Dean’s take was to pause our capital spending and clarify our debt position relative to what we can afford, with a focus on critical priorities, such as a new Public Safety Facility in West Concord, starting this year with initial scoping of needs and costs. Dean also stated that we need to be absolutely sure that we have a clear picture of the costs/benefits and rationale for each piece before we set off at a run. In contrast, Sam is a more ‘master plan’ and do-it-all-at-once oriented.

On affordable housing, Dean stated that funding the Housing Trust provides an excellent tool critical to pursuing this objective. Sam mentioned his support for the Town coming together and becoming more inclusive.

On the Residential Tax Exemption, Dean stated that the RTE is the only tool we have to provide relief for seniors and for young people trying to afford a home in Concord. While Sam supports the intent of RTE, he feels it’s a bad policy because it hurts groups such as families in more expensive homes who are suddenly confronted with the added expense of college tuition.

Watch the recording here

Business Partnership Forum:

Dean articulated the opportunity at MCI for a commercial development corridor along Route 2, but also pointed out challenges, including transportation and congestion. Sam discussed his vision of working with businesses to create new opportunities for development. Dean’s command of the details was persuasive.

Regarding financial issues, Dean emphasized a continued focus on avoiding the need for a Proposition 2.5 override. Sam agreed, but admitted he needed to get ‘up to speed’ on this aspect of the Select Board responsibilities.

Climate Action Forum

Dean expressed strong support for solar, while Sam stated that we have enough solar in Concord, our power supply is already non-emitting with respect to fossil fuels, and that we already have a lot of environmental regulation. Dean also discussed the need to improve integration between the legacy environments and our new heat pump systems, while Sam indicated that he’s not an energy expert and needs to get up to speed. 

****** ONLY 8 Days left ******* VOTE BY MARCH 31 ******

Vote March 31 or earlier. Details here.