"Police officers put the badge on every morning, not knowing for sure if they'll come home at night to take it off."
~Tom Cotton

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Cape Cod Times questions

Aaron Gouveia at the Cape Cod Times asked each of the candidates for selectman a few questions. Here are the questions, and answers...

Age: 37
Years on Cape: 21
Education: Falmouth High School, associates degree in Computer Information Systems from Cape Cod Community College
Experience: Town Meeting representative and Precinct 9 captain; President of the East Falmouth Village Association; President of the Old Barnstable/John Parker Neighborhood Association; Vice President and Webmaster of the Friends of Falmouth Farms; former member of the Falmouth Conservation Commission
Occupation: Network engineer
Own or rent property in town: own

1. What must be done to complete the Falmouth High School renovation project without further delays and cost increases?

Order an independent audit. This would pinpoint how the money was spent to date, how much would be needed to complete the project, and even identify lost money or where money could be saved. Moreover, having a third party looking over things keeps everyone involved honest.

2. Should affordable housing be built in town, and if so where?

It has to be; there's a social need and state requirements. Ideally, it should be built in or near village centers to discourage sprawl; last year I suggested using the unused parking lot off Depot Avenue. However, there may be occasions when we have to build it elsewhere.

3. How will you respond to taxpayer concerns about increased taxes due to overrides and debt exclusions, such as the high school, the department of public works and the fire department?

Taxpayers should vote their conscience; they have the last word. I have the same concerns, which is why I'm running for selectman. When faced with budget problems, most of us will tighten our belts first, but government often does this only as a last resort.

4. What is your top issue?

Better government; we need to raise the bar. We need to have a passion for excellence, to be dissatisfied with mediocrity, and not make or accept excuses; to act on the issues and opportunities we face by setting aggressive goals, but to hold ourselves accountable in the process.

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