On the Issues…
The Town’s Fiscal Situation
As your selectman, my first goal will be to find a solution to our budget crisis. At last estimation, the town’s level-service budget exceeds revenue by $3.8 million dollars; that includes the school department, which is estimating a $2.8 million level-service deficit. Read about Dan’s plan for our budget crisis >>
Massachusetts Avenue Corridor Plan:
I support the Mass Ave Corridor process and the plan that is being developed. The plan is still being updated and revised. There is a healthy, collaborative process with the town, the state, and residents. This dialog will help us write a plan that moves Arlington forward.
I believe that some of the early controversy about the plan could have been avoided with better communication. One of my goals as selectman will be to involve the community early and bring greater transparency to proposals such as the corridor plan. By working together, we can do the best for Arlington.
Thompson and Stratton Schools
A decade ago, the voters of the town approved a debt-exclusion tax override to rebuild the seven elementary schools. I intend to fulfill that promise to the two remaining schools.
The passage of years has changed the economic landscape. The state is no longer funding projects at the same level, and the prices for building have changed. As in all things, this may require compromise to get the job done. I am committed to a solution that we can all be proud of, one that is good for our school children and reasonable for the taxpayers of Arlington.
Relationships with Town Officials
State law and town bylaws have separated and assigned responsibilities to different town officials – Selectmen, School Committee members, Assessors, Town Clerk, and so on. Each of these officials is ultimately responsible to the voters. While we may be independent boards, we must work together, communicate, and cooperate. I do not agree with the notion that there is a “town side” and a “school side” in Arlington. We’re one town, and we all can work together to make it flourish and prosper.
I know that cooperation and trust depends on integrity and clear communication. As selectman, I will lead the way to expand regular, open, and frequent communication with other elected town officials. Every day and with every interaction I have, I strive to act with transparency and integrity. I can and will earn the trust of others in the town, and help us all work together.
Read more: For additional analysis and commentary on critical Arlington issues, read Dan’s blog posts on the Finance Committee, Town Meeting, and Arlington in general.
Questions or comments? Email Dan at dan@dandunn.org.
