A Letter from Mike Young - Candidate for ZBA

DEAR STURBRIDGE FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS:

I would like to thank the Sturbridge Republican Town Committee for honoring me with the nomination to be a candidate for the Zoning Board of Appeals in Sturbridge. I live and work in Sturbridge and I have been a small business owner in Sturbridge for over 20 years.

In my line of work, I meet with other small business owners on a daily basis not only in Sturbridge, but all over Massachusetts, New England and due to our internet presence the entire U.S. I would like to think I have a very good feel for what small business owners face on a day to day basis, especially during these very challenging economic times.

I have been dismayed in recent years at all the negative feedback I hear from business owners not just in Sturbridge but in all my travels around New England. I believe that Sturbridge has gained an anti-business reputation that hurts us in the larger economic picture. If I can offer just a bit of guidance that helps change things for the better, I would be proud to do so.

As a Sturbridge resident and a private citizen, I also think I have a pretty good idea of what the average Sturbridge resident likes to have available in our community. I believe that home owners and residential property owners should be able to do reasonable things with their property under the law. I believe that business owners and commercial property owners should be able to do reasonable things with their businesses and their property under the law.

I also believe that if a law, a bylaw or any sort of ordinance is hurting the economic viability of the Town of Sturbridge then the appropriate variances allowed under the law should and can be offered. If any particular section of any zoning law is repeatedly hurting the community at large, then the community should expect that the law be changed.

I have never held nor sought public office. I have served in the past on the local Chamber of Commerce for several years as a board member and First Vice Chairman. I have served in the past as a Hamilton Rod and Gun Club board member and its President for 4 years. I have been involved in many facets of youth sports as a coach and contributor and as religious education teacher at my church. Life is pretty good here, but it can be a lot better and most of us can get our needs met most of the time with fairness and common sense in all things.

My personal experience with all of the Sturbridge town employees and officials has always been positive and helpful. I have always received help when I asked for it politely and respectfully. I have never been given a hard time. Consequently I will not be seeking office to give anyone a hard time, but just to do the right thing.

I would appreciate your vote in the Sturbridge elections on April 12th.

Sincerely,

Michael W. Young
237 Cedar Street
Fiskdale, MA 01518

(h) 508-347-5180
(w) 508-347-1041

Please Vote Maryann Thorpe for ZBA

As previously referenced, this year’s political season has several contested races. Surely, this can only be viewed as a positive reflection of our local democracy. Choices are important and most valuable during an election.

Sometimes those choices are stark; at other times not so. The latter is the case in terms of the race for a two-year seat on the ZBA as two good people are seeking our support. One of them is Donald Fairbrother – a good and decent man, the other is Maryann Thorpe - a good and decent woman. Both of them are respectable individuals. Unfortunately, we are limited to choosing between them; to that end I am hoping you will consider supporting Maryann Thorpe.

Maryann is an outstanding individual; a devoted mother and wife who has always been active in the community, whether supporting school functions and fundraising efforts to community projects such as the REAS Foundation, of which she is the Chief Marketing Officer. Maryann is an intelligent individual of unquestionable integrity who would serve the residents of this community with distinction as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. She has a strong background in administration and labor relations, maintaining a wealth of experience in dealing with the many legal, moral, and ethical challenges presented within the Health Care Industry.

Maryann keenly understands the importance of adhering to strict legal and ethical principles while deliberating on issues and recognizes the role of the Town Charter, Massachusetts General Laws and our Zoning Bylaws as they relate to the responsibilities associated with the ZBA. She is an independent thinker not prone to taking a position because it is easy or popular, but rather, recognizes the importance of doing that which is right, that which is legal, moral, and ethical. Those qualities I believe, are vital to every aspect of our lives, and certainly are important when considering the responsibility of a quasi-judicial body such as the ZBA.

Each of us – while considering the placement of our support – will question the worthiness of those privileged to receive our vote. To extend such an honor to any individual surely warrants such. It is with pride that I confidently extend my support to Maryann and I ask you to consider honoring her with the privilege of your vote for the two-year seat on the ZBA. Please take a moment to visit Maryann’s website at: www.maryannthorpe.com to learn more about her.

A Clear Choice for Town Clerk

This year voters are fortunate to have the opportunity to make a choice in terms of several of our elective offices. Democracy is about choices and the freedom to make those choices. Democracy however, is also about responsibility, as the freedom to make decisions and choices is of little value if executed irresponsibly.

All too often, we, as members of a democratic society demonstrate a proclivity to base our votes upon who we like, or as the case may be, who we don’t like. So too, there are those who will vote strictly along party lines, choosing a candidate based upon the D or R that follows their name. Basing decisions upon such is in my view, akin to voting for an individual based upon their race, religion, socio-economic status, or nationality. One could surely argue that decisions grounded in any of these factors fails miserably to meet the responsibility threshold.

One particular contest worth examining this year is that of the Town Clerk’s race; clearly, a challenge that speaks to the need for a reasoned approach. This is the first time in years that voters will be afforded an opportunity to chose between one candidate or another, as this position has gone uncontested for at least the last 4 terms. This is a very healthy demonstration of democracy in that it provides an occasion for both incumbent and challenger to present an argument worthy of our consideration.

Important in our consideration of a candidate’s argument however, is an understanding on our part of the responsibilities inherent in the Town Clerk’s position. This, in and of itself requires a comprehensive review of over 70 Chapters and 450 (plus) Sections of Massachusetts General Laws. Additionally, one would have to garner an appreciation of the Massachusetts State Ethics Laws and Guidelines, along with all aspects of the Open Meeting Laws. Then too, there are the non-required value-added services provided by our current Town Clerk, which include her services as a Justice of Peace, Notary Public, and Commissioner to Qualify. These services are regularly used by residents of our community who have come to depend upon their availability and accessibility at Town Hall.

Having served as an appointed official on the Planning Board for 5 years and now as an elected official for nearly a year, I am all too familiar with the challenge in understanding the enormity of laws, regulations, guidelines, and standards associated with local governance. Despite 6 years of routine study associated with the complexities of open government, I am still amazed at how much I have yet to learn. Most who know me, understand well the priority I place upon the acquisition of knowledge, along with the practice of informed, deliberate, and intelligent public service. As well, I would hope that informed individuals know well the premium I place upon competent execution of government responsibilities.

To that end, when reviewing the two candidates presented for the Town Clerk’s position, Lorraine Murawski is clearly the most qualified and most responsible choice. Her years of experience navigating the myriad of legal guidelines associated with town government are second to none. So too, has been her pursuit of continuing education and knowledge acquisition associated with her position, as well as all associated governmental responsibilities.

The learning curve for such a role is extremely steep and not one that should be taken lightly. A qualified candidate for such a position should at the very least (in my humble opinion), have several years of experience working within the confines of local governance – be it committee or board membership or as an employee who deals regularly with the laws, guidelines, and parameters of Massachusetts General Laws, the Open Meeting Laws, State Ethics Laws, and other associated standards. To embark upon an undertaking that demands so much in terms of experience and knowledge without some level of prior active participation in confronting the complexities of open, ethical government, presents too great a hurdle in terms of maintaining a level of continuity in such an important position.

This continuity and experience (or lack thereof) is for me the fundamental determinant in directing my support in terms of the Town Clerk’s race. In understanding the responsibilities associated with this position, as well as the base knowledge required to effectively execute its role, I cannot responsibly support a candidate lacking what I view as the pre-requisite minimum skill set. To do so would be in direct opposition to my belief in supporting the most qualified candidate.

I do not vote based upon party affiliation (I am a Republican, Lorraine is a Democrat), nor do I vote based upon race, ethnicity, religion, or socio-economic status; I vote based upon qualifications wherein such are relative, as well as integrity and ethics. Both candidates I believe, provide the later – integrity, and ethics; one provides the former – qualifications, and that is where the difference between these candidates is undeniably simply too distant for me to ignore.

Thus, I will without hesitation vote for Lorraine Murawski for Town Clerk; she is for me, the clear choice. I respectfully ask you to consider her as well. 


Learn more about Lorraine at www.lorrainemurawski.com. 

A Message From James Ehrhard

I am happy to report that the great weather this weekend allowed me to make significant progress towards my goal of going to 1000 houses before election day. I have now gone to over 500 houses (including businesses) so far, specifically 511. You can see a small manifestation of this door-to-door campaign all over town. Those yard signs on the main roads and small back roads did not just appear at those sites, in practically every case I personally spoke with the landowner.

A couple of very positive trends have appeared during my door-to-door activities. First, I have nearly 100% name recognition among likely voters in town. Second, every likely voter seems to know my positions on issues when they greet me at their door. They know I am, and have been, talking about property taxes and focused development for quite some time now. Many agree with me, some of course do not. But they all agree something needs to be done to find other revenue streams and they all seem to agree that I have a passion for finding a solution.

A happy surprise to me is how much more fun going door-to-door (to-door-to-door-to-door....) is than I thought it would be. I have met some of the most interesting people doing this and have had some conversations I will never forget. I am very thankful for the opportunity this election is giving me. The police even appear, at this point, to be ignoring my black sedan making random u-turns and start-and-stops in the middle of the road looking for an address - let's hope THAT trend continues.

I know that 511 is not 1000. But progress is being made.

Regards,

James

A letter in support of Mary Dowling for Selectman by Carol Childress

Please accept this letter of endorsement for Mary B. Dowling for Sturbridge Selectperson. In the March 9th SEN announcing Mrs. Dowling’s candidacy, a couple paragraphs stand out: ‘Even on probably the most general, yet poignant, debate in Sturbridge – that of growth versus anti-growth – Dowling said the issues should not be viewed in such a black and white way. “We should not be divided on one versus the other,” she said. “I like to say that I’m pro-Sturbridge, recognizing the needs of the business community and residents.” “In order to maintain the quality of services we’ve come to expect in our town, we need some sustainable growth,” Dowling said. “As services become more and more expensive we need some way to offset the cost of those services.”’

I concur with Mrs. Dowling’s statements above. The result of spending eight years doing conservation-related land acquisitions in south-central Massachusetts taught me that one of the most affordable, winning approaches to problem-solving complex transactions was by aiming toward a win/win situation for all concerned parties, by finding a way to meld development with conservation. Thus, I believe balance can be achieved if everyone focuses on what’s best for all residents in the town of Sturbridge. An open, objective mind that considers all options and all residents is what the town sorely needs right now. Please vote for Mary B. Dowling for Board of Selectmen.

Sincerely,


Carol Childress
Sturbridge resident

Maryann Thorpe announces candidacy for the Zoning Board of Appeals

Maryann Thorpe has announced her candidacy for the 2 year position on the Sturbridge Zoning Board of Appeals. Below is an excerpted page from Maryann's web page, which can be found at: www.maryannthorpe.com.

My husband Michael and I moved to Sturbridge 14 years ago. I fell in love with Sturbridge while visiting a friend and was moved by the heartwarming sense of community I found here. Michael and I knew that our children would enjoy a superior quality of life here and decided to make Sturbridge our home.

I have two wonderful daughters; Samantha who is presently studying for Part 2 of the CPA exam and Emma - an 8th grade student at Tantasqua Jr High who loves softball and Showchoir.

I am the Office Manager at Radius Management Services Inc., headquartered in Framingham, MA; I work directly with the President, Vice President, and CFO. Radius Management Services has over 2,000 employees.

Prior to assuming responsibility for managing the Corporate Office, I served as the Marketing Director for the Radius Worcester facility. I have been with Radius for over 9 years. In addition, I have served on the RSVP Board of Directors for the Worcester Senior Center and the Domestic Violence Task force at Umass Memorial campus.

The Massachusetts Citizen Planner Training Collaborative (CPTC) defines the role of the Zoning Board of Appeals as one that "...adjudicates (passes judgement on) requests placed before them. The ZBA is a quasi-judicial body that operates under the authority of Chapter 40A of the General Laws of the Commonwealth for the purpose of promoting the health, safety,convenience and general welfare of the town/city that it serves." I believe that my background in both labor and management, along with my experience in understanding the complexities of the Health Care Industry provide a solid basis for recognizing the importance of informed, objective, and balanced decision making.

In addition, the Mass. CPTC states that "Being an effective ZBA member requires a willingness to get involved in your community, to become informed, and to use common sense, fairness and objectivity towards all matters before you. You must try to balance the public good with private rights and interests."

Giving service to my community is something I love and enjoy. I serve as the Chief Marketing Officer for the REAS Foundation - a Sturbridge based non-profit organization providing energy assistance to qualifying Sturbridge seniors. I am also a member of the Tantasqua Music Association and I am currently privileged to serve as a member of the Sturbridge Master Plan Steering Committee.

The Master Plan Steering Committee has been an inspirational experience and one that has made me acutely more aware of the need for a balanced approach to ensuring and maintaining the highest quality of life for Sturbridge residents. My family and I are very fortunate to call Sturbridge home and I welcome the opportunity to do more for our community. I do hope that you will consider supporting me and allowing me the honor of serving YOU on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Revisionist History, Incomplete Accounting, & Hypocrisy

In reading yesterday's Southbridge Evening News (right sidebar), I feel compelled to respond to the story concerning the departure of the Sturbridge Building Inspector. Specifically, I am writing to address comments made by two members of the Board as well as our acting Administrator; comments that in my view were inappropriate and incomplete.

Selectman Scott Garieri stated that Mr. Wight was “not terribly interested in enforcing zoning code – specifically temporary sign bylaws”. He went on to say that “he wasn’t cut out for that” and that “[Mr.] Wight would enforce the sign regulations, but owners would later defy regulations after hearing from him”. Selectman Garieri fails to disclose the benefits his business derived as a result of the former Building Inspector’s approach to temporary sign enforcement; he himself has been in violation of the zoning bylaws throughout his elective tenure. As a selectman, he has maintained temporary signs (void of appropriate permits) as well as banners (flags) specific to his business with regularity. This is disturbing in light of our Charter designated responsibility to “cause the laws and orders for the government of the town to be enforced”.

Selectman Mary Blanchard was reported to have “expected more out of Wight” and was quoted as saying that she “wanted him [Mr. Wight] to do all…that it encompassed. Oddly, during Mr. Wight’s tenure he was publicly questioned by Mrs. Blanchard on multiple occasions about specific temporary sign violations wherein she omitted those violations specifically referenced above, as well as those of an adjacent business owner with ties to a Board member. This arbitrary and capricious approach to bylaw enforcement was - in and of itself - cause for consternation by the former Building Inspector.

Additionally, it was reported that our acting Town Administrator referenced the fact that Mr. Wight “bristled at being told to spend additional time writing more tickets for sign violations”. He added that Mr. Wight felt that the “Building Inspector’s time was more valuable but that [temporary signs were] a big issue in this town”. No doubt these comments accurately reflect part of the issue; they fail however to recognize the inconsistent and inequitable approach town leadership has presented in terms of bylaw enforcement.

Leadership is about character, personal accountability and recognition of one’s responsibility to do the right thing. Perhaps these “leaders” might have better served our community by publicly recognizing the inconsistencies by which the Board of Selectmen approached its responsibility to “cause the laws and orders for the government of the town to be enforced”. Perhaps recognition of the arbitrary and capricious manner by which we on the Board approached zoning enforcement would have been a more appropriate response by these “leaders”. Instead, they chose to highlight the failures of the Building Inspector while omitting the failures of those who share the ultimate responsibility for accountability.

To be sure, I’ve not been one to champion zealous enforcement of the temporary sign bylaw. Considering the disastrous economy, I’ve aired on the side of allowing small businesses more leverage in their battle to maintain economic viability. In so doing, I have clearly failed my obligations under the Charter and am equally culpable for enforcement failures. That said however, I have never been, nor shall I ever be one to support the arbitrary, capricious, and preferential approach supported by some of our “leaders”. As well, I’ve not been one to take a hypocritical posture in terms of the departure of our Building Inspector.

To be clear, I do not defend any town employee’s selective approach to fulfilling their assigned responsibilities and my purpose here is not to offer a defense of same. I cannot in good conscience however, remain silent while elected and appointed “leaders” engage in revisionist history, incomplete accounting, and hypocrisy as it relates to our responsibilities on behalf of the residents and employees of this community.