Town Election, November 7, Suffield Middle School 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
The Observer asked all candidates “What are your qualifications for this office?” Some candidates were asked an additional question relevant to that office. Candidates were limited to 25 words for their qualifications and 100 words to answer the question.
FIRST SELECTMAN
Vote for 1
Question: While it was acknowledged that the issue of a town administrator was an important one to members of the 2015 Charter Revision Commission (CRC) as well as the many citizens who provided public comment, the CRC decided against pursuing it, thereby not allowing the town to vote on its preference. What is your position on establishing a CRC to study the issue of a town manager and bringing it to a vote? (limit 100 words)
MELISSA M. MACK
— D —
Qualifications:
Over the last two years, we have eliminated excess expenditures and waste, improved municipal services, negotiated favorable contracts, revitalized underutilized assets and maximized taxpayer dollars.
Answer:
I am against a town manager for Suffield at this time. Administrators’ average salaries are at least $40,000 more than a First Selectman. If dissatisfied with a First Selectman, voters act. With an administrator, taxpayers pay severance. Recently under a similar model, SPS paid approx. $100,000 in salary and benefits to each of our interim and outgoing Superintendents to release Suffield’s liability and run our schools. A prudent approach is to address inconsistencies with Suffield’s ordinances, Charter and Connecticut law so we are well-positioned to consider this in the future. Let’s not waste time and money and do it right.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Vote for any 4
Question: While it was acknowledged that the issue of a town administrator was an important one to members of the 2015 Charter Revision Commission (CRC) as well as the many citizens who provided public comment, the CRC decided against pursuing it, thereby not allowing the town to vote on its preference. What is your position on establishing a CRC to study the issue of a town manager and bringing it to a vote? (limit 100 words)
KRYSTAL HOLMES
— D —
Qualifications:
I’m a lifelong resident and established realtor. I currently serve on the Board of Selectman and am an active, dedicated volunteer in the community.
Answer:
I am an ardent supporter and advocate of establishing a CRC to research a town manager (TM). The BOS has a responsibility to be fair and open minded and represent the concerns of residents. As a BOS member, I have actively requested the creation of a CRC to discuss a TM. I support our town meeting form of government and personally feel a TM would bring continuity, accountability and professionalism to our town. If re-elected I will continue to support the formation of a CRC, so a TM can be properly researched and residents have an opportunity to vote.
MEL CHAFETZ
— D —
Qualifications:
Former principal of Spaulding/McAlister Schools; Interim Superintendent of Schools; Current Selectman, president of SPLF, chairman co-founder of Juvenile Review Board, co-founder of Suffield Youth Services
Answer:
A review of the Town Charter reveals there are no qualifications for a First Selectman other than to live in Suffield. This person oversees a $25 million town budget and supervises a number of employees with possibly no experience. The charter is vague about defining to whom the First Selectman is accountable except the electorate. So no qualifications, limited accountability, limited terms, and possibly a new First Selectman every two years are formulas for limited success. We need continuity, experience, management skills and vision, which have eluded many First Selectmen. We need to bring the Town Manager issue to residents.
PETE HILL
— D —
Qualifications:
Common sense. I will be fiscally responsible always putting Suffield’s needs above its wants. I would move to immediately abandon Bridge Street School project.
Answer:
The state is in financial crisis. We may be losing millions in state aid. We must take a conservative approach to all spending now more than ever. Each time the Charter Revision Commission is formed it costs the town money. Legal fees are incurred to ensure that the commission is obeying all state and federal laws. I would not support forming a commission at this time. It is suggested that the commission meets every 5 years. In 2020 I will support the Charter Revision Commission to study the issue of a town manager.
TIM REYNOLDS
— R —
Qualifications:
Resident of Suffield for 33 years, member of the Board of Selectmen since 2005, served six years on the Zoning and Planning Commission.
Answer:
I believe that the Charter Revision Commission (CRC) should be established to study the issue of a town manager. If, after this study is complete and the CRC feels that it is a viable position, it should then be brought to a town vote. I would hope that creating the position would not be a financial hardship on the town because that could be a reason that the CRC would not recommend bringing the issue to a vote. This issue is not as clear cut as some residents may think.
JOANNE SULLIVAN
— R —
Qualifications:
Board of Selectmen; Elected Board of Selectmen since 2009; Board of Finance 11 years; Life Resident; Active in Community and Church.
Answer:
Since 1670 Suffield has had Town Meeting form of government with the opportunity to speak and vote at town meetings on important financial and other issues in our town. My question is, would we have a Board of Finance and Board of Selectmen and, would we relate and be able to personally express our concerns and objectives.
Having said that, I have no problem establishing a Charter Revision Commission to study the issue and present a comprehensive plan to determine if we are ready to lose our small town form of government.
JEREMIAH (JERRY) MAHONEY
— R —
Qualifications:
SHS Class of 1981, five years on the fire commission, two years as chairman, practicing attorney for almost 20 years, Army Reserve for 6 years.
Answer:
Suffield voters hire our management team at the ballot box every two years. If we’re happy with them, we hire them back. If we aren’t happy with them, we vote them out. Residents now have a strong voice in important choices to be made in Town. Not so with a town manager. Once hired, a town manager is not easily removed. Hiring a town manager will not solve the challenges facing Suffield. Advocates for a town manager made their case and the 2015 CRC decided against it just two years ago.
POLICE COMMISSION
Vote for any 3
Question: What do you think is the most important objective for the police department in the next two years? (limit 100 words)
JASON TROMBLY
— D —
Qualifications:
Lifelong Suffield resident, Bachelor’s Degree (Criminology/Business), Master’s Degree (Business Administration), 16 Years Police Experience, Police Detective, Planning & Zoning Commission, Former Suffield Police Cadet
Answer:
The most important objective for our police department is providing and enhancing public safety for all of our residents. I would support Chief Richard Brown’s visions within the fiscal constraints of the town, such as: maintaining a cost efficient budget, becoming an accredited police department, continually applying for grant money, re-implementing the police detective position, improved public trust and transparency with the citizens. I am committed to advancing every aspect of the Suffield Police Department for the citizens of Suffield and police personnel. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments at trombly@hartford.edu. Thank you!
JACK QUINN
— D —
Qualifications:
Connecticut Department of Transportation, Retired; 37 years, 17 as Management Analyst.; WPCA, Selectman; Heritage Committee; Building Committee; Police Commission 12 years; Currently Vice Chairman
Answer:
The Commission had a challenging responsibility during the last 4 years, Departure of the Chief and Captain and some discontent within the department ranks. Having resolved those issues and with Administrative Management team in place the Commission’s goal to bring patrolman ranks to authorized strength is currently in process.
The commission goal, which I support, to have policies and operating procedures reviewed and as necessary updated for the uniformity of staff, safety of the officers and benefit of the public. Support in service training, and state of the art tools and equipment will continue through the next two years.
KEVIN ARMATA
— R —
Qualifications:
I have a unique set of private sector and public service qualifications. I’ve done organizational development for major entities. I understand how to implement improvements.
Answer:
I have been a student of Public Safety for all my adult life. I understand that in our town, this role entails more than crime prevention. I supported the most important objective for the police commission; the safety of our town’s citizens. This means crime prevention, stewarding safe driving for our town’s teens, and understanding how the national opioid crisis impacts our town.
I am proud that we met our goal again this summer of no new driver fatalities in town. I bring these qualifications and incumbent experience as Chairperson of the Police Commission.
JEFF DAVIS
— R —
Qualifications:
As an incumbent member of the Police Commission, I bring the experience and knowledge that I have gained over the past four years.
Answer:
The most important objective for the department is to have adequate police staff who are properly trained and equipped. The department needs to be fully staffed in order to maintain adequate shift coverage. Chief Brown and Captain McKee have been working with the First Selectman and H.R. to attract POSTC certified officers to fill current vacancies.
Officers need to be continually trained in practical police skills, investigative techniques, crime scene processing, patrol procedures, community relations and much more. This not only helps ensure the safety of our officers, but allows them to perform their duties more effectively and efficiently.
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
Vote for any 3
ROGER IVES
— D —
Qualifications:
Graduate of the UConn College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Has served on the WPCA the last five years.
DANIEL HOLMES
— D —
Qualifications:
I’m a licensed civil engineer and project manager at Tighe & Bond. I have extensive experience in the design and construction of wastewater collection systems.
JANET DAVIS
— R —
Qualifications:
I am currently a WPCA commissioner, BS degree in Chemistry, 20+ years combined experience in Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Compliance, Laboratory testing; current sewer user.
FIRE COMMISSION
Vote for any 3
Question: What steps would you take as a commissioner to help the fire department enhance its ability to achieve the mission of protecting lives and property? (limit 100 words)
WILLIAM J. BOUCHER
— D —
Qualifications:
B.S.in Social Systems and Policy from the University of Hartford; Masters in Public Administration from UNH; V.P. of the Connecticut Police & Fire Union
Answer:
I would work on improving communications between the members of the Fire Commission, the First Selectman’s Office, the Fire Chief and the firefighters, to ensure that all parties are on the same page in achieving the Department’s mission. I would review all fire department policies and procedures to ensure they are consistent with the Department’s mission. Working within the fiscal constraints of the town, I would look to provide additional training opportunities and the latest safety and communication equipment to all firefighters, so they are properly prepared and equipped to protect the lives and property of all Suffield citizens.
WILLIAM DEFORD
— D —
Qualifications:
I believe that I am qualified for the Fire Commission by my 30 years serving as a firefighter, and by my background in organizational development.
Answer:
My top three priorities to enhance the Suffield Fire Department’s ability to achieve its mission of protecting lives and property are: 1) To ensure that the retention and recruitment of our best firefighters are both clearly matched by the values, vision, and mission in our strategic plan, 2) To create a presence of leadership by attending all meetings and events as a fundamental responsibility to our taxpayers, visitors, and community and 3) To create a unified and responsible climate of organizational and fiscal accountability that will be the model of stewardship within one of our most highly regarded groups.
JACK BUCIOR
— R —
Qualifications:
Being self employed for the last 28 years gives me understanding of importance of the budget, managing employees and encouraging a positive and professional environment.
Answer:
I greatly respect the work that our Fire Department volunteers do for our town, it is important to keep our community safe. The commissioners serve the community and the volunteers who help our Fire Department run. The volunteers help to keep our taxes low and as commissioners it is our job to encourage increases of the number of our volunteers and provide the necessary training and tools for our firefighters and volunteers to keep residents safe.
ANDREW PARRISH
— R —
Qualifications:
Summa Cum Laude graduate of CCSU with a B.A in political science. Former Marine Infantryman and current corporate tax consultant pursuing an MBA.
Answer:
As a former infantry squad leader and current project manager, I have gained great experience in small unit leadership and resourcefulness. As a combination fire department in a small town, I believe Suffield FD needs to exhibit a strong command of both. On the fire commission I have sought to pursue unit cohesiveness and a proper working environment that allows the fulltime and volunteer members to work effectively. If elected, I will continue to pursue policies that protect taxpayer interests from a financial and safety standpoint. In these tough fiscal times sensible financial policies must be pursued by all departments.
VIC MATHIEU
— R —
Qualifications:
Former fire commissioner, board of director Suffield Ambulance – 27 yrs, current North Central Health District – 5 yrs., ACCE committee 1990-1994
Answer:
I would make sure that all the firefighters would have all the training they need to protect the townspeople in the fire service.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Vote for any 4
Question: What do you think is the school system’s greatest weakness and what would you do to improve it? (limit 100 words)
SUSAN MERCIK DAVIS
— D —
Qualifications:
Worked in higher education for 20 years; have doctorate of physical therapy with experience educating 21st century learners; strong leadership and advocacy skills.
Answer:
Suffield has a good school system; however, we can be better. Recently, our state test scores and classroom supports have decreased while our class sizes, special education outplacements, and litigation costs have increased. The administration and board of education communicates little information and relevant data to support programs, policies and advancement. Accountability, transparency and communication to ALL stakeholders is gravely needed to ensure fidelity. Once elected I will: lobby for data to ensure appropriateness of services/programs, ask difficult questions based on best practices and work tirelessly to partner with administration for best outcomes for SPS.
JULIANNE WILLIAMS
— D —
Qualifications:
Over the past 4 years I have volunteered for the elementary PTO, serving as the enrichment committee co-chair and the grant coordinator.
Answer:
Honest communication in all aspects is our district’s biggest weakness. A district dashboard has increased communication regarding test scores. Similar efforts need to be made to notify the public of changes in curriculum, administration, and budget priorities. As a board member, I would see it as my responsibility to ask the important questions and make sure they are recorded in the minutes. The public should not be guessing why choices are made. We should all be well informed so everyone can help support our children and feel a sense of pride and inclusion in what is being accomplished.
DEBRA BOGSTIE DUDACK
— D —
Qualifications:
Fiscally responsible mother of two children in Suffield schools. Communications professional working at a children’s hospital. Former journalist with master’s degree in organizational leadership.
Answer:
Our schools are strong; however, accountability must improve. I question whether extensive changes in recent years are paying off, such as eliminating paraprofessionals and academic support staff in classrooms, and utilizing consultants with little data supporting their effectiveness. Our students are paying the price. Only 66 percent are at grade level for English and 52.7 percent are at grade level for math, according to state tests. Once elected, I’ll help restore accountability and fiscal responsibility by asking questions, requesting data-driven results and spending smarter. We must continue what works well and improve elsewhere to enhance student outcomes.
MAUREEN SATTAN
— R —
Qualifications:
Credentialed actuary, former Peace Corps teacher, frequent advocate/volunteer in schools, Scouts, Sacred Heart Church and the Suffield community. Notre Dame graduate. Parent of four.
Answer:
Currently, the biggest weakness of the school district is driving student achievement while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Academic results cannot tell our entire district story, and our students have complex needs, but our educational investments must yield better results. I’ll redouble district efforts to improve math and language arts outcomes. I favor programming that supports, even stretches all student segments. Appropriate rigor must be encouraged as social/emotional needs are supported. Targeted teacher training and steady communication between stakeholders will ensure student success. I’ll champion strong relationships with other town boards, teachers, administrators and families. I’m optimistic about the district’s future.
JEANNE GEE
— R —
Qualifications:
Former secondary school teacher, Board of Education member for 8 years, 3 as Chair, committee work: policy, curriculum, budget, negotiations and facilities, CABE/CREC professional committees.
Answer:
Suffield Schools are blessed with remarkable teachers, dedicated staff, excellent resources, wonderful families, and inspiring kids. The tremendous shifts in curriculum, instruction and assessments during the recent past require vision and leadership. Our challenge has been in finding the right leadership and structural organizing principal to support our teachers in their growth, as well as our continuous improvement efforts focused on student achievement. We have that leadership now and have achieved distinct improvements in every school, subject and grade level. For the first time, the use of district and school improvement plans guide the work forward for all Suffield students.
MICHAEL SEPKO
— R —
Qualifications:
20 years leading Fortune 500 companies in large scale program implementations, lifelong Suffield resident, 3 Years on BOE, vested stakeholder in town with 3 children
Answer:
The Town of Suffield and all of its commissions and boards need to be rowing in the same direction by working across functional barriers. Differences in ideas and ambitions should be seen as opportunities and not challenges. I will continue to be a collaborative board member who will always make available a receptive ear to all that I work with. I will strive for results in a concerted and functional manner and work hard to be a board member who can easily be approached to share ideas, provide feedback, and partner with for a path forward.
NATALIE SEMYANKO
— R —
Qualifications:
I serve on Policy, Budget, Negotiations and Chairman of Teaching & Learning subcommittee. My elementary education background helps in analyzing data and writing student-focused policy.
Answer:
One of the greatest challenges for Suffield Public Schools has been finding consistent instructional leadership critical to establishing measurable positive growth results in student achievement throughout the district. Currently we have in place newly developed strategic plans for our schools that are supported by a talented and lean administrative and curriculum team and a climate for our teachers and students focused on academic success and the development of long term attributes our students will need in the modern world. In an exciting time of change and growth, Suffield should be proud of the momentum we have moving into the future.
BOARD OF FINANCE
Vote for any 3
Question: Given the financial burden the state is imposing on the town, what percentage of funds do you think is appropriate to draw from the undesignated fund balance? (limit 100 words)
TOM FRENAYE
— D —
Qualifications:
Former First Selectman, served on Board of Finance, Planning and Zoning, chairman of Capital Expenditures and Technology Committee. Regular Board of Finance attendee since 2003.
Answer:
Until the state budget is passed we won’t know what state grants and funding we will have. We’ve used <5% of the rainy day fund over the last ten years. Suffield’s fund balance (~$12m) is double what it needs to be, meaning town residents have been overtaxed. The fund balance should be used for capital projects, not as a very low interest savings account.
The delays in upgrading Town Hall and Bridge Street School are costing us more money because of inflation, interest rates, and bond costs.
Please call or email me if you have any questions. 860-668-5444 or frenaye@pcnet.com
BRIAN KOST
— R —
Qualifications:
Brian has served on the BOF for 20 years. He is currently the CFO of Aetna’s pharmacy operations and has 30 years of finance experience.
Answer:
The Town has a strong balance sheet and bond rating as a result of decades of conservative financial management. At this time it is unclear what level of reductions we may see in State financial assistance in the future.
In the event that the State does impose significant reductions in aid, it is unlikely it would be temporary. Utilizing our fund balance is an inappropriate solution to deal with a permanent reduction in State aid. Instead it would be necessary to reduce Town and BOE operating costs to keep property tax increases at a manageable level for taxpayers.
JUSTIN DONNELLY
— R —
Qualifications:
As 10 year chair I point to a record of responsible fiscal management including inter alia a healthy undesignated fund balance and fully funded obligations.
Answer:
There is still no State budget. Both the Town and the Board of Education have been warned to take steps to drastically reduce spending. The State’s fiscal crisis is not limited to this fiscal year or even to the two year budget when passed. Using the fund balance is not an appropriate solution for a long term structural change to the Town’s revenue stream.
The Board Finance policy is to maintain a balance in the 10 to 12 percent range and anything in excess should be used to soften the State’s disguised tax increase and maintain low taxes.
RYAN ANDERSON
— R —
Qualifications:
CPA. Extensive corporate financial experience. BOF member for last 8 years with a focus on fiscally conservative policies to insulate taxpayers from outside factors.
Answer:
Fund balance alone will not be adequate to bridge the gap imposed by the state, however I would support the use of fund balance as part of a balanced approach including spending cuts and revenue increases. Consistent with our board policy, we target holding an undesignated fund balance between 10-12% of budgeted expenses.
I would support the use of any excess fund balance above this level to offset state cuts. Cuts by the state will span multiple years, so fund balance use will only provide temporary support while broader spending cut strategies are implemented.
BOARD OF FINANCE ALTERNATE
Vote for any 3
Question: Given the financial burden the state is imposing on the town, what percentage of funds do you think is appropriate to draw from the undesignated fund balance? (limit 100 words)
J. MICHAEL STEVENS
— D —
Qualifications:
Current member of the Board of Finance and ACCE. Professionally, I manage a portfolio that has an average annual spend of over $100M.
Answer:
Overall, until we know the full depth of the state budget, my preference is to spend as little of the Undesignated Fund Balance as is possible for the time being. Once we know what we are facing for the next two years and can project out for the following two years, we will have a better idea of the gaps that will need to be filled both in order to meet the core needs as well as those that will improve upon the town’s offerings.
TRACY ECCLES
— R —
Qualifications:
I have worked in the finance industry for 35 years and have earned a Chartered Financial Analyst designation and MBA from Northwestern University.
Answer:
Connecticut’s fiscal mismanagement, high debt burden, unfunded pension obligations, and years-long structural budget imbalances have grown to a crisis level that will directly and negatively impact Suffield taxpayers. Suffield’s Undesignated Fund Balance is at risk of being absorbed by the State to fund its deficits and to redistribute income to municipalities that have not managed their own affairs properly. Suffield should therefore use its fund balance to reduce taxes for Suffield property owners and aggressively fund capital expenditures that are prioritized by town committees and taxpayers. Let’s elect professionals, not politicians.
JOHN SULLIVAN
— R —
Qualifications:
I am a lifelong resident of Suffield with a strong financial background. I am currently CFO of Aetna’s NY and NJ markets and a CPA.
Answer:
I believe the financial crisis facing the State of Connecticut is a not a short-term problem, and therefore the financial burden that is being imposed on Suffield is not a short-term problem. The town needs to limit the % of funds drawn from the undesignated fund balance to as little as possible, and that may be zero. We may be able to utilize some portion of the fund balance as a short-term solution, but with the financial burden being imposed on the town, we may need to look at re-evaluating expenditures.
JUDGE OF PROBATE
Vote for 1
DAVID A. BARAM
— D —
Qualifications:
Practicing since 1978: probate, estates, family law, general litigation. Rated “Superb” by AVVO. Selected “Super Lawyer” 2009. Reputation: compassionate, caring, fair, family and community oriented.
RANDALL BOWERS
— R —
Qualifications:
Practicing Attorney in Connecticut and Massachusetts; J.D., UConn Law School; Bloomfield Ethics Commission member; Veteran, U.S. Marine Corps, deployed to Iraq 2008-09; Former Connecticut prosecutor.
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Vote for any 3
Question: Should the process to obtain permits be streamlined, and if so, how? (limit 100 words)
JEFF PEAK
— D —
Qualifications:
I have been a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission since November 2015, gaining expert insight and further expanding my qualifications for this office.
Answer:
I support a considered and deliberate review of all permits consistent with Suffield’s Planning & Zoning regulations.
Striving for balance between expanding our tax base and retaining Suffield’s charm, I welcome discussion between the PZC and our elected leaders on ways to streamline the process of obtaining permits in certain situations.
Increased communication with a team approach encompassing Suffield’s Director of Economic Development, our First Selectman’s Office and our citizens could accelerate the permit process without a wholesale change of current PZC regulations. I also support more flexible meeting schedules to allow for additional deliberations and public comment.
ERIN L. GOLEMBIEWSKI
— D —
Qualifications:
As an attorney, mother, and long-time resident of Suffield, I will make smart decisions that will ensure the success and preservation of our town.
Answer:
The Planning and Zoning Commission is tasked with upholding the historical, residential, and agricultural nature of Suffield, and streamlining the permit process may not be in the town’s best interest. Making changes to our town – especially permanent ones – should be a thorough and thoughtful process that allows time for necessary inspections, for the applicant to submit additional information and materials, and for the public to be adequately notified and allowed to voice concerns.
Therefore, while growth and progress are necessary, they should not be at the expense of our community and the people who reside in it.
AYSHA L. MOORE
— D —
Qualifications:
I have 14+ years of architectural and project management experience. I have worked extensively with planning and zoning and town committees across the country.
Answer:
Yes. The permit process can be overwhelming but is necessary as it ensures life safety. I believe providing detailed online submittal instructions, creating a method for electronic submittals and offering online tracking of approvals would greatly streamline the process. In my experience, the most cumbersome part of obtaining permits is not having and understanding the submittal and review process upfront. Creating a website which clearly delineates, process, requirements, timelines etc. saves time not only for those submitting permits but also for those reviewing submittals. This holds true for planning and zoning, building permits, historic review and approvals etc.
BRENDAN MALONE
— R —
Qualifications:
A lifelong Suffield resident, I have three years on Planning and Zoning and represent Suffield on the Capital Region Council of Governments regional planning commission.
Answer:
I believe that our current method of submitting and reviewing proposals is sufficient in terms of the timeline efficiency for applicants and transparency for residents.
MARK WINNE
— R —
Qualifications:
I have served on the planning board for twelve years and have enjoyed appointments to several ad hoc committees over my 35 years in town.
Answer:
I would be hesitant to streamline the process as it presently serves the community well in ensuring that development occurs in a well-planned manner as intended by, and consistent with, our regulations and POCD. As a Commissioner, I believe that it is critical to get input and feedback from neighbors and abutters to learn about potential unfavorable impacts, and most importantly, possible remedies. Oftentimes, positive changes result from this open process. I would like to see applications available on-line so residents can easily view applications, plans and staff reports. However statutory deadlines can make this both difficult and impractical.
PLANNING AND ZONING ALTERNATES
Vote for any 1
Question: Should the process to obtain permits be streamlined, and if so, how? (limit 100 words)
JOHN S. MROSZ
— D —
Qualifications:
Although I have no prior experience with the Planning & Zoning Commission, I feel that I can bring new ideas and fresh insight.
Answer:
I feel that we should preserve our farm lands that make Suffield what it is, but at the same time we should strive to bring new businesses in to Suffield to make it competitive with surrounding towns. I believe that each permit should be considered on its own merits and granted on them. “Let’s put common back into common sense.”
TRACY HESPELT
— R —
Qualifications:
Possess more than 20 years of progressive experience. Proven experience with operational duties, financial management, a demonstrated talent for planning, initializing, and implementing operational procedures.
Answer:
In my opinion every process has the ability to be streamlined to various degrees. Obtaining permits for property improvements can be a daunting task. Regulations are in place to protect the property owners and surrounding properties. Depending on the type of permit being requested would determine the potential for streamlining. However, technology has a place to help make lengthy process shorter and more organized. At the same time investment in technology can be costly, and in today’s market may not be a viable option in our town’s near future.
BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS
Vote for any 2
MARK LEICHTHAMMER
— D —
Qualifications:
Having built my career on customer advocacy, I can be a strong independent voice for Suffield tax payers ensuring assessments are fair and consistent.
RYAN WALTERS
— R —
Qualifications:
Local real estate appraisal company owner. Objective is to be an unbiased third party – serving the town and townspeople with real estate expertise and integrity.