GEORGETOWN – The two candidates to fill the seat of SelectBoard Chair Daryle Lamonica, who is not running again, offer the voters a sharp contrast in town government experience, although their views on the major issues appear to be similar.
The election between Michael Donahue, a banker, who serves on the Parks and Recreation Board and the Community Preservation Commission, and Eric Viele, an executive with a Boston architectural firm, will be held on Monday, May 12, at the Penn Brook School, 68 Elm St. The polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Both Viele and Donahue appeared at the Candidates’ Forum, hosted by The Town Common newspaper on Georgetown Community Television. They answered questions and told voters why they are running for the SelectBoard.
Viele supports the proposed $6 million override, saying, “Georgetown has done more with less for a long time. We’re now at the point where further cuts will hurt, not help.” Although he admitted that paying the additional tax would put a strain on his family’s personal budget, he said Georgetown’s budget is low.
“We’ve been functional, we’re below average tax rate. We haven’t had an override, a significant override since 2012, that’s 14 years. So, all of the watchdogs in these (town) committees should be applauded. But there’s evidence of strain,” Viele said.
Donahue said he would like to encourage the five-person SelectBoard to review “our current operational form of government today and how we can improve it for tomorrow.”
He said he would “keep an eye on transparent and fiscal responsibility” and make data-driven decisions while insuring central services are being met, without placing undue burden on taxpayers.
Both candidates said they would work to increase revenues to the town.
Donahue said he would “look for ways to expand our commercial footprint and responsible way to help alleviate residential tax dependence and review our current operational practices through an efficiency review. I believe if done right, it will be the roadmap for a better and fiscally responsible Georgetown.”
Donahue said he would like to form a charter commission comprised of knowledgeable and dedicated individuals from the community with a broad make up. “Our charter commission will solicit feedback from community members, governmental stakeholders and if warranted, draft one that meets legal compliance and present to the public. As your elected leader, I will look forward to reviewing our existing zoning practices, identify process of land specifically along Route 95, which can be leveraged for commercial use and alleviate the burden on our residents.”
Viele said he would initially spend time listening to residents. “I think we can all agree that revenue, revenue, revenue is a priority.
“The returns from Massachusetts, the money we get a part of our revenue has fallen in the last 10 years from 25 percent to roughly 19 percent. And we want to reverse that trend in any way that we can, and we want to develop strategically and with Georgetown’s identity in mind and that identity, that small town feel that we all appreciate.”
Donahue said, “As soon as possible. I would like to assess some of the current operations of the town, including administrative functions, departmental processes and systems. And this should help identify efficiencies, redundancies in areas of concern that may warrant further examination.”
Asked why they are running for the SelectBoard, Viele said, “I’ve always believed that if you have time and skill to serve your community, you should. And I do think I have some skills that would be valuable to Georgetown.
Viele said he has spent the last eight years transitioning the architectural firm he works for to be fully digital. In addition to having the technical skills to accomplish that feat, he said it takes listening to people and understanding their needs, researching the best path forward, and then explaining the reasoning behind the decision in clear language. I’m an educator at heart, so I do like to speak plainly without jargon.”
The full recording of the candidates’ forum can be viewed at gctv.georgetownma.gov. ♦
