40B, Part I - The Question

A supporter of mine recently sent me this email...

"Brent, I have to put you on the spot. What is your position on the two new 40B projects announced for the Ballymeade area?

This kind of an issue you didn't need. It is a well known fact that your father-in-law has built some 40B projects. It will be assumed, therefore, that if elected to be a Selectman you would be prone to view such projects more favorably than other candidates.

You can't simply take the position that you will abstain on any 40B issues. Most (but not necessarily all) 40B developers are viewed as unscrupulous (and rightfully so, in my opinion). The people in Town will want someone in charge who will proactively take a position against 40B developments to prevent their spread (unlike our current Selectman who remained stoically silent during the Little Pond 40B debate.)

I would offer, in addition, that it is not sufficient to try to put the blame on the state senators and representatives who passed the 40B legislation. While it is true that they are responsible (and I personally hold them accountable for passing a bad law) you cannot argue that developers are simply doing what the law allows ("If I don't do it someone else will.") The people just won't buy that argument no matter how truthful. The developer is the one who brings the 40B project home and he becomes the "messenger" who people will want to shoot.

40B's may be prominent on the radar screen for the next several months and more. In my opinion this does not bode well for your candidacy unless you can find a position that voters will accept and will believe. Mr. S."


My response was...

"Mr. S., Believe it or not, I like being put on the spot; there's no challenge to an easy question.

Yours is a good question - well thought out - and it deserves a good answer. May I post this question on my web page? I won't use your name, but I think a lot of folks will want to hear my response."


Mr. S replied...

"Brent, By all means, yes, you may use it on your web page. I hope you can find a way to satisfactorily address the issue."

So, now that we have the background, let's explore the issue in the next series of posts...