Prior to the Preliminary election in September The Daily News Tribune asked the 13 Councilor at large candidates four questions. Here are the questions, again, with the answers from the two candidates no longer in the race omitted.
1. In your opinion, what is the most pressing issue now facing the city and how would you address it as councilor?
PAUL BRASCO
Although there are many issues of great importance, the economy is at the heart of every issue we face as a City. These economic times are worse than ever with a grim outlook to the future. WE MUST have a fiscally conservative approach to future spending. Budget and government reform with performance reviews will enable us to take a hard look at how we can better manage and spend dollars wisely. Annual performance reviews will help identify needless programs or services to free up funding that could be allocated to other programs or quality of life services.
SALLY "SARAFINA" COLLURA
Infrastructure. With aging water and sewer system throughout the city, sidewalks that are crumbling and nearly impossible to navigate, upgrading the system, replacing sidewalks and trees, with less invasive species, should be a priority.
I proposed that we adopt a system through which, all water/sewer pipes are inspected for age when the street is being re-paved. This is being done currently on a limited basis.
A complete street-by-street list of all sidewalks that are in poor condition, either because of age or invasive trees needs to be compiled, and a scheduled plan for re-construction needs to be implemented.
DORIS DONOVAN
In regards to the most pressing issue facing the City, I think that there needs to be controls in place to not over-develop the City. We are fortunate to be abutted by the businesses on Rte. 128 which help our tax rate, but our infrastructure is old. A master plan has not been acted upon by the City Council nor has the Global Traffic Plan been put in place even though it has been on the docket since 10/16/06.
KENNETH B. DOUCETTE
There are many high priority issues facing Waltham including traffic, development, education, public safety, aging infrastructure, senior/veteran services, the sale of the Fernald Property, and city services from all departments. The one common element that allows us to work effectively on all of these issues is the city budget. The fiscal 2011 budget for the City of Waltham will probably surpass $200 million dollars. In addition, the Capital Improvement Budget which is used for long term projects will add several million dollars. In these tight fiscal times as City Councillors, we will have to work with the Mayor and Department Heads to lay out priorities for city expenditures. In the past, we have been able to cut millions of dollars from the budget without a major impact on city services. However in these difficult times, this same team effort will need to continue in order to allow us to make progress on the issues that affect the quality of life of all Waltham residents.
DIANE LEBLANC
Our most pressing issue, which affects most other issues and has an impact on us all, is the tough budget climate we are in.
We do not have a money tree on Waltham common. We need to take a good hard look at how we deliver services and we need to stop doing those things that don’t add value.
My platform includes "no property tax increase and no cuts to public safety" and I would work cooperatively with all City Councilors and our Mayor to ensure both.
DAVID MARCOU
The most pressing issue is the current fiscal crisis that has affected the amount of Local Aid that the State gives to Waltham. This has had a dramatic effect on our finances and as chairman of the Finance Committee I have helped lead Waltham through one of the toughest budget cycles ever. The City Council was able to restore $3.4 million of desperately needed funds to education and managed to preserve our tremendous public safety forces by cutting over funded accounts.
KATHLEEN MCMENIMEN
The most pressing issue now facing Waltham is the challenge of weathering the national economic downturn and it’s impact on Waltham’s operating and capital budgets for this fiscal year and the future. As councilor and long-time member of the Council’s Finance Committee, I intend to carefully monitor the revenue stream and expenditure outlay and will work toward sustaining and maintaining existing city services for FY 2010.
HOWARD ROCK
Proper management of the municipal budget is the key to maintaining a high quality of life in our city. Quality of life is one issue that affects all Waltham residents, and this term describes the factors that make our city a great place in which to live: convenient location, favorable tax rate, safe streets, economic opportunities and positive sense of community. Quality of life issues such as public education, well-maintained roads and infrastructure, keeping our crime rate low and delivering quality services to all citizens should be among the top priorities of the city council.
THOMAS STANLEY
How we maintain and improve the quality of life for all our citizens while dealing with the realities of diminished resources. We have made huge investments in improving schools, making our streets safer, and expanding open space, to name a few. We need to maintain these priorities that affect not just the daily lives of our citizens, not just our property values, but also the perception of this city as a vital location. We must continue to be vigilant with responsible budgeting, maintaining our free cash base, and living within our means so that we can continue these important investments.
JOE VIZARD
Controlling the City’s growth is the most important issue facing Waltham. Traffic grows worse and worse every year for the citizens of Waltham. We need to take steps to curb continued development of large scale residential, retail and office developments in our city. At the same time, we need to take a serious look at our excising roadways and see what improvements can be made to lessen congestion in our city.
2. What would be the best-case scenario for the reuse of the land for the city and what would be the worst-case scenario?
PAUL BRASCO
Best-case scenario: To work in a cooperative fashion with the Fernald families and staff, residents of Waltham, state and local officials to minimize the impact of any type of development while protecting and preserving as much open and green space as possible. Incorporate in any plan a new state-of-the-art facility on a small parcel of land to be used for the care and comfort of those who live there now, paid for by the developer or the state.
Worst-case scenario: State sells the property and the use of 40B zoning laws by a developer to supersede local zoning without the residents of Waltham having a voice.
SARAFINA "SALLY" COLLURA
Best-case scenario: Gov. Deval Patrick indicated to Mayor Jeannette McCarthy that there needs to be an "economic component part" of the reuse plan. I can't imagine a more fitting use than to establish the Eunice Kennedy-Shriver Museum and Library.
Since Mrs. Shriver founded Special Olympics, which is recognized worldwide, a museum and library in her honor would attract people from throughout the region and could tell the story of Special Olympics. Nursing and medical students could use the facility to do research and visitors could learn about her life and contributions to those with special needs.
Worst-case scenario: Condos or apartments.
DORIS DONOVAN
I have been involved with the ongoing disposition of the Fernald Developmental Center's future through interaction with the relatives of the residents of Fernald in their quest to the State House to determine the future of the property of over 200 acres. The state now stated that the site is to be closed by spring 2010. I have been a part of the Fernald Reuse Committee recently overseeing the future of the site. Mayor Jeanette McCarthy and the reuse committee recently sought input from the public for their ideas for uses of the site and received all types of suggestions which are being evaluated. I also submitted my ideas, which included a cemetery and housing. I consider it a privilege to be a part of the process.
KENNETH B. DOUCETTE
The ultimate goal would be for Waltham to acquire the Fernald property from the state. The city could then create a campus with uses that have a minimum impact on the area roads and infrastructure such as sport fields, open space with a continuation of the Emerald Greenway, a city cemetery, community gardens, and housing for the current residents. Another important consideration would be a medical service. This would bring benefits for residents and fulfill the economic component requirement from the state.
The worst-case scenario would be for the state to sell it to a private developer who could then possibly overdevelop the property. This would create a major traffic impact on nearby neighborhoods and possible overburdening the area infrastructure.
DIANE LEBLANC
In an ideal world the plan would allow for the remaining residents of Fernald to live out their lives on the property in a facility able to meet their needs. It would satisfy the state's minimum economic requirement and it would have the least negative impact on residents in the area. The plan should include the 40 acres needed for a city cemetery and retention of areas devoted to recreation.
The worst plan would include a high density housing development that would increase traffic in the area and have a negative impact on the quality of life for current residents.
DAVID MARCOU JR.
The best-case scenario, and one that I have been advocating for a number of years, is to offer the state the $20 million or so that we have received and will receive from the Community Preservation Act to purchase the entire site. I would allow the residents to remain on the property and then use the rest of the property for open space, affordable housing and historic preservation. I see no need to allow any further development than what is already on-site.
KATHLEEN MCMENIMEN
The best-case scenario for Fernald is the suggested "postage-stamp" campus providing adequate services for the residents that call Fernald their home. The Fernald board of trustees, of which I am one, have formally adopted this idea and have urged the governor and various state agencies to work toward this goal. I, the Ward 3 Councilor, and the mayor have applied for Community Preservation Act funding through our Waltham Community Preservation Committee in the vicinity of several million dollars to purchase some, if not all of the 200-acre site when Division of Capital Asset Management declares the land surplus. The worst-case scenario is large-scale development bringing citywide negative impact.
HOWARD ROCK
I would preserve most of the acreage for open space and passive recreation, setting aside areas for walking and bike paths, cross-country skiing and youth activities. Portions could be set aside for cemetery use. These uses would result in positive benefits for future generations of Waltham citizens. A study committee is preparing a recommendation for any acreage the city purchases. Worst-case scenarios would be inaction by state government or a university or nonprofit organization taking control and keeping this valuable land off the city's tax rolls in perpetuity. Waltham needs to be proactive to capitalize on this rare opportunity.
TOM STANLEY
The worst case would be for Waltham to be unprepared and have state bureaucrats making decisions for us. That is why I secured passage for the legislation establishing the Fernald Reuse Committee to provide that Waltham makes these decisions with the broadest public participation. After many meetings and public testimony, it is clear that the property may support mixed public uses including open space, a new municipal cemetery and limited development. We need to hold the state's feet to the fire to work cooperatively with us to insure that our community's vision is implemented at the lowest cost to the city.
JOE VIZARD
The best-case scenario would be uses such as open space, recreation, city cemetery, community farming and community gardens. Existing buildings could be used to provide services to people with developmental disabilities; a nursing home could be constructed, which is in line with the future use of the site, and other excising buildings could be used for housing, with minimal impact on the surrounding community. Also, enticing a hospital to locate on the site. Waltham still needs a hospital.
The worst-case scenario is a build out of the entire parcel, resulting in 3,000 new residential units, according to a study by the Waltham Planning Department. Also a large office park or a large development similar to what is going to be built at the former Polaroid site would be a disaster for our city.
3. What is your view on encouraging new development in Waltham?
JOE VIZARD
The only area where growth should be promoted is in our downtown. It is the only area of our city with true smart-growth potential. This is because it is close to both the commuter rail and bus service to Boston. I would be in favor of projects that would breathe life into our downtown and promote a more dynamic town center that makes people want to spend a Saturday or Sunday in Waltham. I would not promote continued development of Waltham's neighborhoods. The days of sideways condos (ones that sit sideways to the street) are not so far in the past that we can forget about them. We also need to watch out for continued over development on the edges of our city. Some of this large scale retail development threatens attempts to revitalize our downtown and exacerbates our traffic woes.
THOMAS STANLEY
Waltham is a city with a long tradition of a vital commercial tax base. However, we all grasp the importance of controlling development because there is a cost to the city of providing additional services, especially in residential developments, that must be balanced against the tax base benefits. We need to encourage responsible commercial development and continue to encourage current owners of businesses, particularly downtown, to maintain, improve and redevelop their properties. Without this approach, residential property taxes will rise to unsustainable levels.
HOWARD ROCK
The council must show leadership in walking the fine line between protecting the integrity of our neighborhoods and encouraging much needed economic development. We should be firm with developers and consider the impact on the entire city. The council cannot take a one-size-fits-all approach to important issues. Special permit requests must be scrutinized on a case-by-case basis. I support smart growth and transit-oriented development which reinvigorate property near downtown commuter stations. Buildings should be scaled to fit existing neighborhoods. The result can be a vibrant mixed-use district with diverse housing options, small retail stores and passive recreational spaces.
GENE O'BRIEN
As a former planner at the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission and the Cape Cod Commission, I realize the importance of controlled growth. It must be part of a master plan that will include a consistent process for zone changes and special permits. All petitioners should be treated equally and the development should benefit the neighborhood. Our infrastructure must be considered when these developments are considered.
KATHLEEN MCMENIMEN
Zoning regulations - its enforcement and proper land use is of major importance to Waltham's citizens. Zoning was created to allow for planned growth in development to benefit all the citizenry and not just the developers. The economic future and quality of life for our residents depends on a balance of growth with our existing city services. Our infrastructure is aging. I am supportive of new development when it occurs in the proper zoning context. I have worked diligently toward this goal and will continue if re-elected.
DAVID MARCOU JR.
I have always been for quality redevelopment in Waltham. We have seen a number of old buildings be replaced with first-class office space. This allows for additional tax revenues which reduces the residential tax burden.
DIANE LEBLANC
I support development. I do not support overdevelopment. Development is critical to a healthy Waltham but so is open space, and once we develop it, it is gone for good. Each project needs to be considered on its own merits. In general I believe we should have a more positive approach to working with developers who want to do the right thing. I believe that we need to be more supportive of small businesses and encourage all city officials to take a closer look at the recommendations made in the Bentley University Report: "Moody Street Research Project."
KENNETH B. DOUCETTE
We need to ensure a responsible and balanced approach to development. The city has many aging residential and business properties. It is advantageous to rehabilitate the older buildings. It improves neighborhoods, increases property values, and by upgrading to the current building and fire codes, it improves the safety of the buildings. With a long history of business and industry it brings many challenges to our neighborhoods when considering responsible development. Projects such as the One Moody Street proposal with seven story buildings are too large for our downtown and would have too much of a negative impact on the abutting neighborhoods. An example of positive redevelopment would be the new True Value on Lexington Street. The city will also usually receive an increase in property taxes from rehabilitated properties such as this.
DORIS DONOVAN
In regard to encouraging new development in Waltham I think a degree of caution is required. One has to take into consideration the impact of additional traffic congestion, not only from Waltham residents but the flow in and off our nearby highways. We are fortunate to have a very vibrant city with two major colleges and a very busy, but active, downtown, so each new proposal has to be weighed carefully as to the overall affect on the city.
SARAFINA "SALLY" COLLURA
I've always been a proponent of "smart growth." We currently have new development with One Moody Street and the site of the former Polaroid Corporation on Main Street currently before the council. In addition, the site of the former Raytheon Corporation on Seyon Street will soon become the home of a new BJ's Wholesale Club with other retailers sure to follow, giving Waltham residents more shopping choices. I believe we need to consider each development for its own merits and ask, 'is it good for the community now and in the future?"'
PAUL BRASCO
Development is a key to the future of our local economy. We must have a balanced smart-growth approach to future development while we ensure the quality of life issues in our neighborhoods. Waltham has an aging residential and commercial building population and through a more user friendly building permitting process, residential and commercial development would be encouraged to address the age of many of our buildings. Building permits are a great source of revenue for our city and in these tough economic times every penny helps. Through the special permitting process we can use mitigation to address traffic inadequacies with regard to our roadways.
4. Citing massive cuts in state local aid and rising fixed costs, Mayor Jeannette McCarthy made cuts to high-level positions in some city departments in this year's budget. As examples, she eliminated the position of assistant building superintendent, cut the position of wire inspector to 19 hours, and funded the position of transportation director until next month. In your opinion, were these cuts necessary and how do you believe they will affect city services in the long run?
JOE VIZARD
I support the Mayor’s attempts to reduce city spending. Many of the positions were in transition. The incumbent was allowed to stay on in order to both provide for an orderly transition and keep a position unfilled for a time allowing the city to save money.
When in comes to decisions about the management of executive departments I feel the city council must give the mayor the maximum amount of flexibility and latitude. At the same time the organization of city government is under the purview of the City Council. I would support a plan to reduce the number of departments in hopes that combining these departments would promote efficiency. We need to maximize our use of economies of scale dealing with management and administrative positions.
THOMAS STANLEY
I am proud to be part of a group of elected officials who have worked hard to keep our city on a sound financial footing, even through difficult times.
I do not believe these cuts were necessary. I worry about their impact on departments which will now have no leadership or reduced capacity to do important jobs, particularly in inspectional services, and especially when I read about people dying in illegal apartments due to faulty wiring.
However, these are choices that the mayor gets to make and we on the council have no legal authority to restore these cuts.
HOWARD ROCK
In tough economic times, it’s important to be fiscally conservative. Waltham needs a skilled workforce to deliver quality services to residents. As I have canvassed the city, residents have indicated that traffic is one of their main concerns. Areas of concern include proper signals, enhancing traffic safety and improving the flow of traffic in our city. Among the job duties of the Traffic director is making recommendations to the city council on these important issues. With several major transportation projects ongoing, I feel the Traffic director position should have been funded for the entire fiscal year.
GENE O’BRIEN
I am sorry to see anyone have their hours shortened of eliminated. However , I think this could have been avoided if the city received Federal stimulus funds (like many other cities and towns) or if we received appropriate state aid. The citizens of Waltham put thousands of dollars into the lottery system and to this day the formula has not been fixed. The people of our community are getting short-changed in this scenario and unfortunately it has finally caught up with our budget which will hit $200,000,000 by next year.
KATHLEEN MCMENIMEN
As member and former chair of the Finance Committee, I’ve experienced the effect that the national and local economy has on Waltham’s budgets during good and bad economic times. The choice for reduction in spending is in the office of Mayor, with councilors choosing to agree or disagree. Councilors also have the ability to cut the budget. The impact on services through changes in the municipal workforce is difficult. Another option to workforce reduction is increasing taxes. I have worked steadfastly to find alternative financing to help prevent workforce reduction as well as prevent tax increases to our property owners.
DAVID MARCOU JR.
These cuts were not necessary as I have stated numerous times during the budget debate. Allowing employees to be managed by part-time department heads is an extremely unorthodox method of management. The strains put on some of these departments has already started to show in not being able to supply high quality city services and will only worsen in the not-so-distant future.
DIANE LEBLANC
I do not have all the facts with regard to these decisions and therefore find it difficult to comment specifically. That said, if the money is not there, decisions need to be made. Reorganizations, layoffs, hiring freezes and reductions in force are not unique to Waltham. They occur regularly in the private sector and at all levels of government.
I do believe we need to take a look at existing personnel practices and put in place legitimate mechanisms that ensure employees are hired based on merit, regularly evaluated, appropriately compensated and rewarded for exceptional work and where warranted, disciplined and removed.
KENNETH B. DOUCETTE
I believe the cuts to the two assessors, Traffic engineer, Wires director, Personnel director, and assistant Building superintendent should have been avoided. All of these positions require major daily and longterm decisions that are made in regard to public safety, finances, and administration in a city the size of Waltham. It is vital to have a proper management structure to oversee the operations of the various departments. To reduce or totally eliminate management positions such as these could create situations that could actually cost the city more than the cuts. All of these positions must adhere to strict state and federal guidelines and also require annual training to keep current with these guidelines.
DORIS DONOVAN
With the massive cuts in state and local aid, and rising fixed costs, Mayor McCarthy had to make some cuts in some city departments. The Mayor acts with the data provided to her by the various departments and City Council. In her position as Mayor of Waltham she has to act upon the situations as she sees are in the best interest of the residents and taxpayers, even though it can be an unpleasant segment of her position.
SARAFINA "SALLY" COLLURA
With a deeply slumping economy and the worst recession in more than half a century, along with cuts in aid, it’s understandable why Mayor McCarthy felt it necessary to make the cuts.
The affects of certain cuts may be seen sooner than others. The Building department perhaps first. Inspections and service may be lacking sooner than other departments.
As for the Wires inspector and the director of Transportation, the affects may take longer before they are felt. The Transportation department recently re-painted many of the city’s crosswalks but many more need to be done. It’s these types of services that sometimes go unnoticed.
PAUL BRASCO
The economy has caused us to take a hard look at the operation of city government and how efficiently we provide services to the taxpayers. I do believe that government has to work with less and still maintain adequate services. Through attrition we could have addressed employment issues and cost savings measures. Having part-time department heads is like having a part-time captain on a ship. If the captain only navigates the ship part of the way, eventually the ship will sail off course. A long-range plan with goals and objectives set forth for each department would generate more of a cost savings.
