Editor's Note: As per the Framingham Patch election guide, each candidate for town-wide office was allowed to submit a political announcement on their candidacy. The town election is Tuesday, April. 9.

Below is the announcement for Planning Board member Sue Bernstein. She is running for re-election.

There are presently, four candidates for two seats on the board. Bernstein was the only Planning Board candidate to submit an election announcement by patch's deadline.

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The Planning Board plays a key role in Framingham’s identity. Through the development process each new project impacts the look and fabric of our town. Good design is extremely important in revitalizing and reinforcing strong communities. It results in higher property values for both the business and residential sectors and increases the likelihood of attracting desirable new commercial and residential development.

I am running for another term on the Planning Board to continue my determination to achieve this goal.

My efforts and experience in the permitting process have resulted in higher quality architectural and site design with fewer negative impacts to our infrastructure and neighborhoods. In the long run, businesses have acknowledged this has enhanced the outcome of their projects. While I believe it is extremely important to create new jobs and tax revenue, it is essential we do so in a way that always balances the needs of the developer with the concerns of both residential and commercial abutters.

The second role of importance of the Planning Board is in zoning. Zoning is the blueprint for our community.

Over the years I have played a major part in the drafting of new zoning bylaws. Recently the Planning Board completed a new master plan that will require numerous innovative zoning initiatives. For the annual Town Meeting we are proposing an Expedited Permitting Bylaw that will facilitate the permitting in the Technology Park, 9/90 and TJX, as well as a Solar Photovoltaic Bylaw. Adoption of these regulations will enable us to participate in the Green Communities Act that allows energy efficient regulations for new buildings and creates opportunities for receiving state grant money to help achieve these goals. Another bylaw proposes new criteria for our General Manufacturing Districts in order to protect residential neighborhoods from inappropriate uses and impacts. I strongly support all these zoning initiatives.

As a longtime community activist I am concerned about all areas of Framingham.

I am actively involved in the Downtown Renaissance committee which is working to revitalize our downtown; vice chair of the Historic District Commission that protects the integrity of our Historic Districts; and, a participant in Nobscot Neighbors and Friends of Saxonville.

In the coming years I am looking forward to staying involved in the revitalization of our neighborhood shopping centers. We have begun with
improvements to the Saxonville School St. Plaza and a beautiful, new TD Bank in Nobscot.

There is also an exciting proposal for the redevelopment of the Mt. Wayte shopping center in which I am eager to participate.

Preservation of open space in the Northwest part of town is also essential.

We have come a long way from the days of “anything goes” in Framingham and we cannot risk going back to those times with candidates who believe in that philosophy. I am asking for your support to continue the progress we have made in making Framingham a vibrant, attractive and thriving community. With my experience, vision and dedication to a better Framingham we can achieve these goals.

Sue Bernstein