Stephanie Mercandetti Stages Write-In Campaign for Planning Board Seat

I am a write-in candidate for the open seat on the . The town is at a critical juncture and the road we take will determine the quality of life for Framingham residents for years to come. I believe I can make a strong and positive contribution to that future.

As we have recently seen, the Town needs a better balance between our residential and commercial tax bases and the Planning Board holds the critical role of making sure that happens while also preserving the interests and needs of both groups.

I understand the issues facing our community. With its present financial outlook, there’s no doubt that Framingham will be dependent on new growth to meet is financial obligations. We need to work to grow our tax base by attracting new business and private investment to our community while at the same time preserving and rehabilitating our many unique neighborhoods.

The Board needs to cultivate additional public-private partnerships to stimulate economic development and redevelopment that will increase tax revenue, generate jobs and allow us to continue to provide the essential services we all enjoy.

I am a long-time Framingham resident and currently serve as the Economic Development & Grants Officer for the Town of Walpole. In this role I work with both existing and prospective businesses assisting them with zoning and permitting processes so they can grow and succeed within the greater
community. Additionally, I have responsibility for writing grants to bring additional monies to the town.

In the past I have also assisted several communities including Framingham with community and economic development initiatives on both state and regional levels. These projects have included downtown revitalization, industrial park development, and redeveloping contaminated brownfields sites into productive and higher tax paying uses and conserving open space.

I have also assisted communities with their planning initiatives by helping them access necessary tools and funding resources to aid projects and programs.

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree from Northeastern University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Massachusetts.

I believe my education and experience give me the tools and perspective to be an effective Planning Board Member.

I ask for your support and your write-in vote on Tuesday, April 3. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at smercandetti@gmail.com

Stephanie Mercandetti