Politics & Government

Election Guide: Should Framingham Raise the Tax Levy by 2.5%?

On Tuesday, April 1 voters in Framingham will go to the polls and elect two Selectmen. There are 5 candidates running for two, three-year terms on the 5-member Board of Selectmen.

There are many in Framingham on fixed incomes or struggling still, due to the economy. Residents have seen tax bills increase and the water and sewer rates continue to rise.

On Tuesday, April 1 voters in Framingham will go to the polls and elect two Selectmen. There are 5 candidates running for two, three-year terms on the 5-member Framingham Board of Selectmen.

On the ballot are Incumbent Selectmen Laurie Lee, Deborah Butler, Doug Freeman, Ryan Gagne, and Cheryl Tully Stoll. 

Find out what's happening in Framinghamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Selectmen Chair Dennis Giombetti chose not to run for re-election.

Framingham Patch asked each of the candidates a series of questions. The answers to those questions will be published now through Sunday, March 30. The candidates's answers will appear as written, unless noted.

Framingham Patch asked the five Selectmen candidates "where do you stand on the town's budget? Would you support a 1%, 1.5%, 2% or 2.5% increase?"

Freeman: "Framingham is a community that has been attractive to those looking to move in because of its quality of life, affordability and a commitment to public services. We must continue to focus on balancing those priorities so that we can maintain our competitive edge. In recent years, rising property taxes for both residents and businesses and the increased cost of water & sewer has called our affordability into question.

Having a 35 year career in auditing and financial accounting will allow me to look for ways to ensure that every taxpayer dollar is spent effectively. The burdens placed on the taxpayer is heavy, particularly to those on fixed incomes. I will focus on budget spending and look to balance competing priorities. I support the approach to town government that only spends what it needs. The Proposition 2 1/2% levy limit is just that, a limit, it should not be a goal. Town Meeting, the Board of Selectman and others should look to reduce the burden on taxpayers at every turn of the page.
Additionally, Framingham needs to look to attract smart business opportunities to enhance our business tax base thus increasing new revenues and lightening the burden on the residential taxpayer."

Gagne: "Being new to the political scene, the town budget is something I want the chance to look at closely with the board to make an informed decision on what's best for the town not only now, but down the line as well. I do believe that we as a town need to live within our means and not spend frivolously. We need to examine the budget closely and get the most out of the money we spend."

Lee: "For the past 3 years I have consistently fought for a reduced tax levy resulting in 2 years of tax rate growth under the allowable 2.5%. I strongly support the current plan to keep the tax levy at 1.25% for the next 3 years. We must also develop a long range plan for addressing crucial building and infrastructure needs. I also think it is essential that we continue to evaluate and monitor our assessing process making certain that it is fair, accurate and in keeping with that of other communities and the Dept. of Revenue regulations."

Tully Stoll: "I am very concerned that our increasing taxes and sewer costs will to tax people out of their homesand businesses if the situation isn’t addressed. My preference would be a 0% increase. However, due to inflation, that rate wouldn’t be sustainable long-term without severely impacting public services. I’m concerned that the mode of thinking in the past has been to automatically raise tax revenue to the maximum 2.5% cap. While taxes and water and sewer rates have risen steadily, the majority of people’s real incomes have remained stagnant. We need to recognize this and be prudent in our spending decisions. 

We should also aggressively encourage commercial development in the Technology Park, at Staples Crossing and in the area around TXJ to help relieve tax pressures on businesses and residents alike. Those areas have excellent access to the Mass Pike and additional development shouldn’t disproportionately or negatively affect traffic throughout town. We also need to encourage companies in other areas of town to invest in their businesses. Having close to the highest business tax rate allowed by law has inhibited commercial development and pushed all of our tax bills up. 

We need to rejuvenate our downtown area and also make sure that any such development doesn’t negatively impact our neighborhoods. We can be business friendly and neighborhood friendly at the same time and we need to be."

Butler: "We must put a stop to budgets that require tax increases. I oppose increases of any amount in light of my belief that if special discounts were eliminated the residential property tax rate could drop from $16.94 to $6.30 per thousand."

On Wednesday, Framingham Patch published the candidates' answers to the question - what is the biggest issue facing Framingham? Click here to read their responses.

Find out what's happening in Framinghamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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