Politics & Government

Election Guide: What Is The Biggest Issue Facing Framingham?

To help Framingham Patch readers identify two candidates to vote for next Tuesday in the Selectmen's race, we asked each of the five candidates a series of questions. Today's question: What is the biggest issue facing Framingham?

Next 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. 

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.

Today's question posed to the candidates is what is the biggest issue facing Framingham?

Butler: "I believe the biggest issue facing Framingham is the burden of residential property taxes that has left residents struggling to pay their taxes or risk losing their homes. To help bring relief I spearheaded efforts to realize Town Meeting’s directive to change the tax rate of multi-unit apartments from residential to commercial. I have also worked to see that the best assessment practices recommended in September 2012 are implemented to bring tax fairness, restore confidence among taxpayers and recoup millions in lost revenue. If elected I will bring the political will to realize measures to bring meaningful relief to both commercial and residential taxpayers."

Freeman: "I think the biggest issue facing Framingham is leadership. Framingham is a community with many different neighborhoods that each have their own sense of community and we have great potential to be more than the sum our parts. Bringing neighborhoods together to discuss common issues that effect the entire town takes strong leadership. Listening to residents and the willingness to hold open and forthright discussions on difficult and emotionally charged issues is critical to reaching consensus. This takes bold leadership on the part of the Selectmen, Town Meeting and other boards. I will provide the leadership the Board of Selectman needs at this time. I always take a deliberate, open and inclusive approach to problems and will as a member of the Board of Selectman."

Gagne: "There are many issues that need addressing and saying that one issue is bigger than another isn't in the best interest of the town. One that I see as one of several important issues is the revitalization of the town. The proposed projects for downtown and for the Mt. Wayte area are starting to come together and we need to work to get a suitable plan in place for the Nobscot development area."

Lee: "The most pressing issue facing Framingham is keeping Framingham affordable to our taxpayers while retaining the essential services such as schools, fire and police that are so vital to our community. The Board has recognized this and made significant progress in addressing it. I have supported initiatives such as joining the State health insurance commission which will save the Town $17 Million over 3 years, keeping the property 
tax levy under the allowable 2.5% growth for 2 years, expanding our senior discounts on property taxes and water and sewer costs and focusing on growing a strong commercial tax base - all of which has contributed to reducing the burden on residential taxpayers. We are currently working with the Town Manager and CFO on a 3 year plan to enable an even lower tax levy of 1.25% while doing the necessary re-building of both school and municipal services/facilities. Recent initiatives such as adopting expedited  permitting, working with TJX Corp to remain in Framingham and grow their corporation here, securing a $13 million grant for Genzyme to expand in Framingham and engaging a PR person to publicize the many benefits and opportunities of living, working and doing business in Framingham are examples of the types of efforts I want to continue if I am re-elected."

Tully Stoll: "The biggest issue facing Framingham is that taxes that have increased nearly 40% in the past six years while at the same time our schools have slipped to Level 3 status. The tax situation is unsustainable  and the school situation is unacceptable! My strong business background allows me to view budgets with a critical eye and my years of volunteering with the schools give me first-hand insight into some of the challenges they are facing. I will work with fellow board members, school committee members, administrators and residents to alleviate both of these situations.
Additionally, I want to increase transparency by making more information available to town boards and to the public on the town’s different websites. Members of the public should be able to follow along while watching meetings, in person or on television, so that the discussion and decisions being made are better informed and more clearly understood."


Editor's Note: Originally posted at 4:30 a.m. Updated to fix typo at 8:35 a.m.



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