1 00:00:06,55 --> 00:00:10,32 Hello everyone and welcome to the twenty eighteen Board of Selectmen candidates 2 00:00:10,33 --> 00:00:14,78 debate I'm James Melanne and we're here at A C M I's Studio A in front of 3 00:00:14,79 --> 00:00:20,00 a live studio audience tonight's debate features the three contenders for the two 4 00:00:20,01 --> 00:00:24,44 open seats on the board of selectmen from left to right on your screen in the order 5 00:00:24,45 --> 00:00:30,06 they appear on the ballot we have a Michael Ruderman the next to him John D. 6 00:00:30,07 --> 00:00:35,62 Heard and finally on the far right Joseph curio Jr Those are their names as they 7 00:00:35,63 --> 00:00:40,43 appear on the ballot the format for the debate is as follows Each candidate will 8 00:00:40,44 --> 00:00:40,87 present 9 00:00:40,88 --> 00:00:45,66 a one minute opening statement followed by three short rounds of questions in the 10 00:00:45,67 --> 00:00:49,07 first round each candidate will have two minutes to respond to 11 00:00:49,08 --> 00:00:52,59 a randomly chosen question with the other two candidates permitted 12 00:00:52,60 --> 00:00:56,17 a one minute rebuttal each following that we will have 13 00:00:56,18 --> 00:01:00,86 a kind of lightning round in which all three candidates will have one minute each 14 00:01:00,99 --> 00:01:01,55 to answer 15 00:01:01,56 --> 00:01:06,32 a pair of questions that I ask and in the final round each candidate will have the 16 00:01:06,33 --> 00:01:07,07 chance to pose 17 00:01:07,08 --> 00:01:11,92 a question to an opponent of his choosing who will have two minutes to respond and 18 00:01:11,93 --> 00:01:16,32 the remaining candidate will then have one minute for rebuttal the candidates will 19 00:01:16,33 --> 00:01:21,40 then deliver one minute closing statements and that will wrap things up so without 20 00:01:21,41 --> 00:01:26,90 further ado we're going to go right into opening statements and the chosen at 21 00:01:26,91 --> 00:01:32,77 random by coin toss before we went on air the order will be John her followed by 22 00:01:32,78 --> 00:01:38,67 Michael Ruderman and then joke your oh so Mr Heard going to evening thank you James 23 00:01:38,68 --> 00:01:44,44 and I want to thank AC my for hosting this debate. My name is John heard I am 24 00:01:44,45 --> 00:01:47,06 running for a seat on the board of selectmen I'm 25 00:01:47,07 --> 00:01:53,09 a lifelong Arlington resident I grew up in new styling ten I now live in Arlington 26 00:01:53,10 --> 00:01:57,27 Heights on Hillside av with my wife Christine also 27 00:01:57,31 --> 00:02:02,73 a lifelong Arlington resident in our two boys Wesley who's four and Dylan who's 28 00:02:02,74 --> 00:02:09,41 three years old. I'm running because my wife and I have settled in town we grew up 29 00:02:09,42 --> 00:02:14,96 here we were able to enjoy all the amenities that Arlington provided us when we 30 00:02:14,97 --> 00:02:17,40 were children and we now are going to be here for 31 00:02:17,41 --> 00:02:23,36 a long time and we're going to raise our children in Arlington so for me getting 32 00:02:23,37 --> 00:02:28,75 involved is essential to make sure that the town continues on the progress that 33 00:02:28,76 --> 00:02:35,39 it's been on for the past decade and to make sure that the schools and all the 34 00:02:35,46 --> 00:02:42,10 amenities that the town provides continue for me my family my boys in 35 00:02:42,11 --> 00:02:47,87 generations go forward Thank you very much Strootman Thank you James Good evening 36 00:02:47,88 --> 00:02:52,82 my name is Mike Ruderman and my campaign theme is Erling Tim for everyone I'm 37 00:02:52,83 --> 00:02:54,39 running to ensure that early June is 38 00:02:54,40 --> 00:02:59,10 a place where everyone can have their concerns heard and we're decision making is 39 00:02:59,11 --> 00:03:04,31 transparent and inclusive we need to prioritize the needs of residents whose daily 40 00:03:04,32 --> 00:03:09,53 lives are impacted by what we do in town hall and in the selectmen hearing room we 41 00:03:09,54 --> 00:03:15,96 want Arlington to be the town we cherish and feel welcomed in babies kids families 42 00:03:16,00 --> 00:03:22,24 adults empty nesters seniors everyone we need to move beyond personalities and 43 00:03:22,25 --> 00:03:23,43 cliques and towards 44 00:03:23,83 --> 00:03:29,30 a more old fashioned sense of good government access to decision makers efficient 45 00:03:29,31 --> 00:03:35,75 management responsible budgeting socially quality and public service that's what I 46 00:03:35,76 --> 00:03:40,29 promise it's why I'm running and why I hope to earn one of your two votes for 47 00:03:40,30 --> 00:03:46,79 selectman on April seventh. Thank you very much and Mr Carro Thank you James Oh I'm 48 00:03:46,80 --> 00:03:50,61 a joke hero and for the past decade I've been privileged to serve the residents of 49 00:03:50,62 --> 00:03:54,82 this town and elective office first on the school committee for the past six years 50 00:03:54,83 --> 00:03:59,24 on the board of selectmen I'm currently chair. You know the jobs like that can be 51 00:03:59,25 --> 00:04:03,80 very difficult the hours away from family are long and the issues are often current 52 00:04:03,84 --> 00:04:08,18 controversial but it's all worth it you know I get to meet different kinds of 53 00:04:08,19 --> 00:04:11,67 people every single day and I marvel at the way that our residents work to make 54 00:04:11,68 --> 00:04:12,07 Arlington 55 00:04:12,08 --> 00:04:16,97 a better place to live we were recently cited as one of the top ten places in the 56 00:04:16,98 --> 00:04:20,09 country to raise a family our efforts to make Arlington 57 00:04:20,10 --> 00:04:21,88 a welcoming community ever and us 58 00:04:21,89 --> 00:04:26,65 a near perfect mused municipal equality index score our schools are strong our 59 00:04:26,66 --> 00:04:31,57 quality of life is high and our real estate market is robust at the same time we 60 00:04:31,58 --> 00:04:35,85 have major challenges including an aging high school and expiring fiscal stability 61 00:04:35,86 --> 00:04:36,36 plan 62 00:04:36,49 --> 00:04:41,22 a limited commercial tax base and insufficient affordable housing I've worked hard 63 00:04:41,23 --> 00:04:44,53 on all of these issues over the past six years and I look forward to discussing 64 00:04:44,54 --> 00:04:49,37 them the seeming thank you and thank you we're going to move right into the first 65 00:04:49,38 --> 00:04:54,14 round of questions now in the first of them will be directed to Mr Rubin to begin 66 00:04:54,15 --> 00:04:59,56 with and I will select. At random the first question. 67 00:05:03,09 --> 00:05:07,35 Aside from the numerous issues that pertain to Arlington schools what is the most 68 00:05:07,36 --> 00:05:11,30 pressing challenge facing the town in the next few years and how do you see your 69 00:05:11,31 --> 00:05:18,08 own role in addressing it what I see as the most pressing issue to Arlington 70 00:05:18,55 --> 00:05:24,98 in the next. Two years five ten years will be figuring out how we can 71 00:05:25,40 --> 00:05:32,06 hold everything together and by that I mean all the interests all the needs 72 00:05:32,32 --> 00:05:37,80 all of the competing claims on the budget all of the different wants and desires 73 00:05:39,22 --> 00:05:41,56 some people say that a budget research reflects 74 00:05:41,77 --> 00:05:46,10 a philosophy it reflects what you value but there's never enough room for 75 00:05:46,11 --> 00:05:50,45 everything. We're going to have to make some hard decisions as we go forward 76 00:05:50,46 --> 00:05:55,27 because they will never be enough money for every wish now if we want to try to 77 00:05:55,55 --> 00:06:01,39 grow the commercial tax base by allowing higher denser steeper building on every 78 00:06:01,40 --> 00:06:04,69 available lot we're going to have concerns from the neighbors who are suddenly 79 00:06:04,70 --> 00:06:10,44 looking up at shadows were there never were you know you know tall walls dominating 80 00:06:10,45 --> 00:06:11,31 where there used to be 81 00:06:11,32 --> 00:06:18,17 a Vista. If we continue to push push the the answer of greater 82 00:06:18,21 --> 00:06:22,65 development as increasing the tax base as one way to get out of our budget problems 83 00:06:22,79 --> 00:06:28,28 we're going to have issues over parking access to transportation it's happening 84 00:06:28,29 --> 00:06:34,93 already in Arlington Center where I live that the very laudable scheme to 85 00:06:35,44 --> 00:06:40,56 turn over parking in the center by having metered spaces is now pushing the daylong 86 00:06:40,57 --> 00:06:45,36 Parkers further out and the businesses that are just that one ring outside of the 87 00:06:45,37 --> 00:06:50,77 center now don't have space for their employees or their customers I've been in 88 00:06:50,78 --> 00:06:57,61 contact with. The. Educational Center for 89 00:06:57,62 --> 00:07:03,03 a young children ready set kits. And they don't even have 90 00:07:03,07 --> 00:07:06,97 a place for their up parents to come by and pick up in the afternoon so these are 91 00:07:06,98 --> 00:07:12,11 the challenges as we grow as we develop more we're going to need to make the 92 00:07:12,12 --> 00:07:18,59 choices that try to keep everyone together. Mr cure first with rebuttal 93 00:07:19,11 --> 00:07:24,68 for bro Thank you well I would say overall I would agree that keeping us together 94 00:07:24,69 --> 00:07:28,06 as far as our fiscal stability plan I know you said other than the schools but 95 00:07:28,07 --> 00:07:31,90 really our fiscal stability plan is about the entire town it's about the schools is 96 00:07:31,91 --> 00:07:36,41 about community safety it's about public works it's about our social safety net and 97 00:07:36,42 --> 00:07:42,51 our Health and Human Services we've had very qualified financial management in this 98 00:07:42,52 --> 00:07:47,14 town we've been blessed with that that's why the AAA bond rating we've managed to 99 00:07:47,15 --> 00:07:51,79 stretch our fiscal stability plan which was originally planned for three years to 100 00:07:51,80 --> 00:07:56,32 almost triple that almost nine we are going to have to go back to the voters and 101 00:07:56,33 --> 00:08:00,14 we're going to be very careful we go back to the voters because for some folks in 102 00:08:00,15 --> 00:08:05,52 Arlington affordability is becoming an issue affordability of housing affordability 103 00:08:05,53 --> 00:08:10,40 quite frankly of taxes which is why I thought of Tom meeting for tax relief 104 00:08:10,41 --> 00:08:15,23 measures for our seniors and our veterans and I at my request to Tom It will be 105 00:08:15,24 --> 00:08:19,71 placing additional articles around tax reforms on the special town meeting warrant 106 00:08:19,86 --> 00:08:26,54 Coming up thank you thank you her. Agree that fiscal stability other than schools 107 00:08:26,58 --> 00:08:32,47 is the major issue that's coming up I I'm a real sailor I do closings on 108 00:08:32,48 --> 00:08:35,39 a daily basis that I. Get 109 00:08:35,43 --> 00:08:41,80 a chance to welcome new residents into the town and I have residents that new 110 00:08:41,81 --> 00:08:47,85 buyers that come in because of the meeting services that the town offers. So it's 111 00:08:47,86 --> 00:08:49,89 incumbent upon us it's 112 00:08:49,90 --> 00:08:55,12 a difficult decision but based on our financial situation we also have to 113 00:08:55,13 --> 00:09:01,41 understand that people coming to town who enjoy the services in new people that buy 114 00:09:01,71 --> 00:09:06,94 property here for the services are going to expect those services to continue so we 115 00:09:06,95 --> 00:09:09,97 have some hard decisions and I do understand that as 116 00:09:09,98 --> 00:09:16,44 a lifelong resident that property values in housing cost can be very difficult for 117 00:09:17,18 --> 00:09:18,38 residents that have been here for 118 00:09:18,39 --> 00:09:23,82 a while but you know I agree with Joe that this certainly some some. 119 00:09:25,25 --> 00:09:32,12 Ways to. To relieve the tax burden on some of the residents and 120 00:09:32,13 --> 00:09:32,61 been here for 121 00:09:32,62 --> 00:09:37,32 a while OK but need to stop there thank you very much we're going to move on to the 122 00:09:37,33 --> 00:09:40,13 second question and this is going to you first Mr Carroll. 123 00:09:45,28 --> 00:09:51,09 This will be familiar from from your answers currently Arlington's tax base is more 124 00:09:51,10 --> 00:09:54,59 than ninety five percent residential as we know with the end to spaded high school 125 00:09:54,60 --> 00:10:00,19 rebuild and the need to close to coming structural deficit all forecasts point to 126 00:10:00,20 --> 00:10:06,15 a very significant increase in property taxes what ideas do you have for increasing 127 00:10:06,16 --> 00:10:11,81 the commercial tax base Intel. Thank you James Well I've been working on this for 128 00:10:12,46 --> 00:10:15,84 the entire time I've been on the board I was the board's liaison for 129 00:10:15,85 --> 00:10:21,60 a while to the. Committee on tourism and economic development and I've worked 130 00:10:21,61 --> 00:10:25,67 closely with our Rick economic development coordinator. We're looking at 131 00:10:25,68 --> 00:10:29,89 a few things and what one thing that the board is put in our goals in the working 132 00:10:29,90 --> 00:10:30,80 on is a streamlining 133 00:10:30,81 --> 00:10:36,34 a permit to make it easier for restaurant who want to open up and do business here 134 00:10:36,35 --> 00:10:40,50 in town. You know currently there are several different apartments that restaurants 135 00:10:40,51 --> 00:10:45,07 have to go to they have to duplicate paperwork and working closely with staff to 136 00:10:45,08 --> 00:10:51,31 see if we can we can streamline that are the board has been very proactive in 137 00:10:51,32 --> 00:10:54,09 trying to promote sidewalk cafes at 138 00:10:54,10 --> 00:11:01,03 a vibrancy to the town we instituted the. The store front they can see 139 00:11:01,25 --> 00:11:05,47 registration by law the mass miscible So season actually just recognized Arlington 140 00:11:05,92 --> 00:11:09,77 with an innovation award for that we one of only three communities in the state to 141 00:11:09,78 --> 00:11:16,47 be recognized this year I do believe that mixed use development within the defined 142 00:11:16,48 --> 00:11:21,78 commercial corridors does make sense when it's used judiciously to help expand 143 00:11:21,79 --> 00:11:27,56 a commercial tax base. This is. This is 144 00:11:27,57 --> 00:11:32,99 a big deal for our league and we've tried to improve the infrastructure. We first 145 00:11:33,00 --> 00:11:36,42 started mass seven zero that was very controversial but I think that when you speak 146 00:11:36,43 --> 00:11:40,23 to the merchants and I was just meeting with them last week to find by and large 147 00:11:40,24 --> 00:11:43,95 they're quite satisfied with where the sidewalks and the streetscape has been 148 00:11:43,96 --> 00:11:46,43 improved. And it's just 149 00:11:46,44 --> 00:11:51,05 a more pleasant walkable experience we started doing some of that work in Arlington 150 00:11:51,06 --> 00:11:54,38 Center and I think the challenge now is to move that up to the heights as you 151 00:11:54,39 --> 00:11:56,26 probably know the town has received 152 00:11:56,27 --> 00:12:01,40 a planning grant for Arlington Heights and will be extending those efforts up in 153 00:12:01,41 --> 00:12:05,100 the heights as well so there's a lot of work to be done but it's 154 00:12:06,01 --> 00:12:11,99 a big issue for Arlington and. Right there hope to be there for three years for 155 00:12:12,81 --> 00:12:19,50 think you just heard is. A very. Tough question right because with 156 00:12:19,51 --> 00:12:23,51 commercial tax piece one thing how it doesn't have to doesn't have is late and 157 00:12:24,08 --> 00:12:27,43 there's other communities surrounding that if they want to add 158 00:12:27,53 --> 00:12:34,23 a new development they have plan to do so so I do support the mixed use development 159 00:12:34,27 --> 00:12:37,96 I think there are certainly areas that it wouldn't work but there's 160 00:12:37,97 --> 00:12:44,20 a lot of buildings that are just on underutilized along mass have in the mix use 161 00:12:44,24 --> 00:12:51,13 will allow us to add to the tax base and it's something that we need we know where 162 00:12:51,14 --> 00:12:57,04 else to put it then rather than long. I have dealt with the parking issues involved 163 00:12:57,15 --> 00:13:03,75 I would disagree that the park in center has cuz many issues. 164 00:13:04,86 --> 00:13:10,06 Right now it's in center I have clients who park right in the meat of spots I walk 165 00:13:10,07 --> 00:13:15,17 through Arlington Center often and I think if we can duplicate what we did there in 166 00:13:15,18 --> 00:13:21,64 other parts of long it will create some more parking that will help absorb some of 167 00:13:21,65 --> 00:13:27,53 the mix issues development Thank you sir Ramin Thank you I think we need to be more 168 00:13:27,54 --> 00:13:32,47 creative when we look at our future about what sorts of businesses we have 169 00:13:33,06 --> 00:13:39,50 certainly we need to foster and promote the traditional industries that well in the 170 00:13:39,51 --> 00:13:43,12 twenty seven years that my wife and I have lived here we've certainly seen earlier 171 00:13:43,41 --> 00:13:44,33 Arlington becoming 172 00:13:44,34 --> 00:13:49,23 a destination dining town that never was before that but I think we've got to be 173 00:13:49,24 --> 00:13:54,45 more creative than that I think we need to look at what other towns and cities in 174 00:13:54,46 --> 00:14:01,14 our area have profited from and see what we can do to join that revolution speaking 175 00:14:01,15 --> 00:14:06,91 of revolutions why aren't we part of the better road history tourism market the 176 00:14:06,92 --> 00:14:11,17 buses come to Cambridge buses come to Lexington and. Concord why don't the buses 177 00:14:11,18 --> 00:14:16,97 come to Arlington and and see what we have to offer in our four hundred almost four 178 00:14:16,98 --> 00:14:21,28 hundred years of history why don't we have more businesses like Tetra Genesis we 179 00:14:21,29 --> 00:14:26,19 did which is doing cutting edge biological research we have the genius we have the 180 00:14:26,20 --> 00:14:33,11 space now let's get the businesses thank you and now for the Final question of this 181 00:14:33,12 --> 00:14:39,92 round directed to you Mr Hurd just. Please explain what you see as the primary work 182 00:14:39,93 --> 00:14:44,24 and mission of the board of selectmen and how you see yourself fitting into that 183 00:14:44,25 --> 00:14:50,85 work so the book The primary mission for the of the Board of Selectmen is 184 00:14:50,89 --> 00:14:57,69 to reflect the will of the people in town government so it's incumbent upon us as 185 00:14:57,70 --> 00:15:00,45 elected officials to spend 186 00:15:00,91 --> 00:15:06,60 a lot of time not just with other elected officials but out in town to Scott in 187 00:15:06,77 --> 00:15:11,48 certain events and discussing the issues with with residents to get 188 00:15:11,49 --> 00:15:18,21 a few because we represent not just ourselves but we represent all Arlington 189 00:15:18,22 --> 00:15:24,15 residents and in I believe that I can bring 190 00:15:24,16 --> 00:15:28,59 a new perspective to the board like a mention 191 00:15:28,60 --> 00:15:35,42 a former Real say Attorney I do I meet new families all the time in the 192 00:15:35,46 --> 00:15:39,30 demographic of families that are coming into town there are 193 00:15:39,31 --> 00:15:45,04 a lot of families that have younger elementary school children their families that 194 00:15:45,04 --> 00:15:51,36 . Don't have children yet but are starting or have preschool age children. And I 195 00:15:51,52 --> 00:15:52,56 think that I can give 196 00:15:52,57 --> 00:15:59,34 a voice to that demographic of people in approach town 197 00:15:59,35 --> 00:16:04,03 decisions from the perspective of someone that is going to live in town for the 198 00:16:04,04 --> 00:16:09,76 next thirty to forty years and have children in the schools for the next fifteen to 199 00:16:09,77 --> 00:16:16,60 twenty years and so I think I will work well. With Team workings skills I 200 00:16:16,61 --> 00:16:23,28 work well with the current selectman in our represent all residents of Arlington 201 00:16:23,38 --> 00:16:26,78 and work positively collaboratively 202 00:16:26,83 --> 00:16:31,51 a lot of the decisions that face the boards Lekman now are going to require 203 00:16:32,33 --> 00:16:37,71 a positive discussion amongst the the members of the ward selectman And I think 204 00:16:37,72 --> 00:16:43,38 I'll fit well with the current board and I look forward to building on the success 205 00:16:43,39 --> 00:16:50,18 of the past few years. Truman I can certainly represent 206 00:16:50,22 --> 00:16:51,68 by demographic of 207 00:16:52,54 --> 00:16:56,63 a couple of folks that of you know raise their daughter who graduated from 208 00:16:57,19 --> 00:17:01,80 Minuteman high school and of left the nest empty and gone on to college so if 209 00:17:01,81 --> 00:17:06,40 someone wants to tell me about how they're feeling the pinch of how the 210 00:17:06,41 --> 00:17:10,21 affordability in Arlington and what it's like to try to balance that with 211 00:17:10,22 --> 00:17:13,76 a college tuition I can certainly represent that but I think the mission of the 212 00:17:13,77 --> 00:17:19,31 Board of Selectmen is broader than simply speaking for the people that you resemble 213 00:17:19,54 --> 00:17:22,08 or the people that you interact with most closely on 214 00:17:22,09 --> 00:17:27,40 a daily basis mission of the Board of Selectmen is leadership the board of 215 00:17:27,41 --> 00:17:32,33 selectmen literally sets the agenda for the town I mean literally in the words in 216 00:17:32,34 --> 00:17:37,64 articles in the town warrant in deciding what is important what is to be done by 217 00:17:37,65 --> 00:17:42,40 hiring the good people that run our town departments through the town manager 218 00:17:42,44 --> 00:17:46,26 approving those hires it's leadership it's more than simply being 219 00:17:46,27 --> 00:17:53,17 a mirror from one neighborhood one demographic. It's leadership Thank you Mr 220 00:17:53,18 --> 00:17:58,08 Garrett Strictly speaking I mean we have really three three statutory 221 00:17:58,09 --> 00:18:02,52 responsibilities one of. The oversight of the town manager another is 222 00:18:02,53 --> 00:18:07,64 a regulatory authority policy making I would say the most important in 223 00:18:07,65 --> 00:18:11,85 a town manager form of government such as ours really is choosing retaining working 224 00:18:11,86 --> 00:18:12,70 closely with 225 00:18:12,93 --> 00:18:19,14 a strong qualified manager. The second is regulatory that's licensing this 226 00:18:19,15 --> 00:18:20,79 licensing of restaurants as 227 00:18:20,80 --> 00:18:26,49 a licensing liquor licensing and regulatory around our role as parking traffic 228 00:18:26,50 --> 00:18:30,31 commissioners and town there is policy making and that is around the 229 00:18:30,35 --> 00:18:34,74 recommendations that we bring forward to town meeting we do have regulatory roles 230 00:18:34,75 --> 00:18:40,81 occasionally bylaws won't the particular regulatory role to implement that but 231 00:18:40,89 --> 00:18:45,49 announced an unwritten role is to be visible in the community which I pride myself 232 00:18:45,50 --> 00:18:50,04 on being always out in the community meeting with constituents providing good 233 00:18:50,05 --> 00:18:51,02 constituent service and 234 00:18:51,03 --> 00:18:54,55 a voice for the constituents and other agencies that wish to voice be heard at the 235 00:18:54,56 --> 00:18:59,75 top level it's local government thank you thank you gentlemen we are going to know 236 00:18:59,76 --> 00:19:04,42 take a short break and we will come back with the next round of questions in just 237 00:19:04,43 --> 00:19:07,73 a minute thanks for joining us and we'll be right back. 238 00:19:21,34 --> 00:19:27,47 Be alien. To. 239 00:19:29,76 --> 00:19:29,91 Me. 240 00:19:40,06 --> 00:19:40,74 Everybody has 241 00:19:40,75 --> 00:19:48,01 a training. Mind 242 00:19:48,02 --> 00:19:53,66 was to see the others seem. Unwilling. 243 00:20:00,24 --> 00:20:07,05 To. Welcome back we are going 244 00:20:07,06 --> 00:20:11,39 into our second round of questions which I'll just remind you is I will ask the 245 00:20:11,40 --> 00:20:16,45 question and each of the candidates will have just one minute to respond we're 246 00:20:16,46 --> 00:20:20,90 going to start with Mr Richmond with the first question and it is what would you 247 00:20:20,91 --> 00:20:25,09 say to Arlington homeowners on fixed incomes who are worried about whether the 248 00:20:25,10 --> 00:20:30,52 likely property tax increases will force them out of their homes. It's 249 00:20:30,53 --> 00:20:36,25 a very serious question and more than just for the people who are on pensions or 250 00:20:36,26 --> 00:20:41,29 retirements I don't know how many of us can go to our bosses and say I want more 251 00:20:41,30 --> 00:20:47,45 money and get it I work on a contract that's been negotiated for me as as 252 00:20:47,46 --> 00:20:54,25 a member of the. State Department Transportation that's that's that's fixed. So so 253 00:20:54,44 --> 00:20:56,59 as a union member I have the benefits of 254 00:20:56,60 --> 00:21:01,03 a negotiated contract but I can't go in there and say give me more my expenses have 255 00:21:01,04 --> 00:21:07,15 gone up you know we've got to look at the whole package of benefits 256 00:21:07,20 --> 00:21:13,91 services amenities as my colleagues already referred to your property tax is more 257 00:21:13,92 --> 00:21:20,57 than just what you simply are getting back in day to day services it's more than 258 00:21:20,58 --> 00:21:27,57 a transaction it's it's your citizenship in our town and all the things that come 259 00:21:27,58 --> 00:21:33,68 with that so. I think we need to make the case that all these things that we enjoy 260 00:21:33,86 --> 00:21:39,93 and benefit from and profit from they are worthwhile and it's use the leadership of 261 00:21:39,94 --> 00:21:44,68 the Board of Selectmen to go out there and make that case and Q Mr Kerry it's 262 00:21:44,69 --> 00:21:46,33 a big deal because we have 263 00:21:46,34 --> 00:21:49,44 a lot of folks when they're on fixed incomes of in the incomes 264 00:21:49,45 --> 00:21:52,13 a limited but they may be sitting actually on a you know 265 00:21:52,14 --> 00:21:58,77 a fairly. Valuable asset in their homes that they've lived in their whole lives 266 00:21:59,23 --> 00:22:02,71 we have to make it possible for them to tap into that value without feeling that 267 00:22:02,72 --> 00:22:07,47 they have to be up rooted in their That's why I mentioned I think in the answer to 268 00:22:07,48 --> 00:22:11,20 one of the previous questions that there was an article this past weekend in The 269 00:22:11,21 --> 00:22:17,14 Boston Globe talking about tax deferral programs for seniors and how they're really 270 00:22:17,15 --> 00:22:18,04 underutilized in 271 00:22:18,05 --> 00:22:22,83 a lot of communities and not very well known are we to has one. We're pretty much 272 00:22:22,84 --> 00:22:26,37 at the statutory limit but we're going to take a look at it is there 273 00:22:26,38 --> 00:22:31,37 a way for us to homo petitions such as Lexington is done to increase the those 274 00:22:31,38 --> 00:22:36,49 limits and make it possible for those those seniors who are finding difficulty on 275 00:22:36,67 --> 00:22:40,86 fixed incomes who actually tap into the value of their homes and remain there and 276 00:22:40,87 --> 00:22:47,03 not feel tax burden in that way thank you Mr difficult question and 277 00:22:47,48 --> 00:22:49,54 for people who've been here for 278 00:22:49,55 --> 00:22:54,66 a long time the problem is just the financial structure that we've talked about is 279 00:22:54,70 --> 00:23:00,63 that with the limited availability for growth in town it's not 280 00:23:01,07 --> 00:23:05,51 a situation where owing to overspending this. They're not overspending on their 281 00:23:05,52 --> 00:23:06,62 services you're actually get 282 00:23:06,63 --> 00:23:11,53 a lot of bang for your buck for the services and provides based on the costs 283 00:23:11,54 --> 00:23:17,28 compared to surrounding communities and it's one of the problems with not problem 284 00:23:17,32 --> 00:23:19,77 the one of the structures of Proposition two and 285 00:23:19,78 --> 00:23:22,12 a half is that we're just limited to the two and 286 00:23:22,13 --> 00:23:27,75 a half growth into conceived with just current services periodic overrides are 287 00:23:27,76 --> 00:23:34,68 going to are necessary so we certainly have to sell that to seniors but I 288 00:23:34,69 --> 00:23:41,67 would be open to discussions about any kind of the options to either defer taxes 289 00:23:41,68 --> 00:23:48,60 for seniors or the options to that surrounding communities use to really reduce 290 00:23:48,64 --> 00:23:53,66 the tax burden at least to the portion that we're asking for in the overrides and 291 00:23:53,67 --> 00:23:58,74 that exclusion it's to help relieve the burden on our seniors thank you very much 292 00:23:59,48 --> 00:24:03,22 you all will be relieved to know that after discussing all these challenging issues 293 00:24:03,23 --> 00:24:07,49 we're going to close with the question which is what and this is directed to you 294 00:24:07,50 --> 00:24:09,60 first Mr Truro. What is 295 00:24:09,61 --> 00:24:14,98 a development or initiative in town that is either currently underway or recently 296 00:24:14,99 --> 00:24:19,34 completed that you're particularly excited about I am very I don't have to think 297 00:24:19,35 --> 00:24:24,30 about that I'm very excited about the cultural district I traveled this summer out 298 00:24:24,31 --> 00:24:29,79 to North Adams and I testified in front of the Masters to sculptural Council to to 299 00:24:29,80 --> 00:24:32,13 win approval for the cultural district and we got 300 00:24:32,14 --> 00:24:36,63 a larger one that most communities are approved for we stretch all the way from 301 00:24:36,64 --> 00:24:41,10 Arlington Center to Capitol Square where bracketed by the robins library and the 302 00:24:41,14 --> 00:24:47,64 fox library. We had a burgeoning public art scene here and we've had 303 00:24:47,65 --> 00:24:52,53 a number of new street festivals that we've we've tried to work with to to 304 00:24:52,54 --> 00:24:57,50 encourage our we have two independent theaters I mean most towns would kill for one 305 00:24:57,51 --> 00:25:01,09 and independent you know we've got two independent theaters we encompass that 306 00:25:01,72 --> 00:25:03,98 compass that I'll be traveling out to the D.C.U. 307 00:25:03,99 --> 00:25:07,66 Center actually this Saturday I'll be speaking to the mass cultural Council 308 00:25:07,74 --> 00:25:12,46 Institute. To the folks from all around the state to try to share our knowledge and 309 00:25:12,47 --> 00:25:17,34 story with them and the success with it here it's very exciting I think you are 310 00:25:18,01 --> 00:25:19,26 just heard as 311 00:25:19,27 --> 00:25:25,43 a business owner in Arlington said and I think the next project I've been very 312 00:25:26,10 --> 00:25:31,04 much of the success of the massive project in the region development of that 313 00:25:31,05 --> 00:25:37,84 portion of its even place is just suffered around where my office is and 314 00:25:37,88 --> 00:25:44,54 I'm looking forward to the new develop redevelopment of its center in the 315 00:25:44,55 --> 00:25:49,37 past few years since I've had my office there I've already seen growth in the 316 00:25:49,38 --> 00:25:52,44 business is that you know we went through a period where there's 317 00:25:52,45 --> 00:25:55,91 a whole lot of empty storefronts you know it's and it still is 318 00:25:55,92 --> 00:25:57,91 a few but compared to where it was 319 00:25:57,92 --> 00:26:01,18 a few years ago it seems to be revitalizing but there's 320 00:26:01,19 --> 00:26:06,67 a lot to be done in there certainly sidewalks I walk up and down the brick 321 00:26:06,68 --> 00:26:08,08 sidewalks every day there's 322 00:26:08,09 --> 00:26:12,82 a lot. Elderly right close to where my offices and I hear 323 00:26:12,83 --> 00:26:19,79 a lot of words you wouldn't generally expect to come from. This work it's 324 00:26:19,91 --> 00:26:24,46 atrocious and that is something that I've talked about many times in you know I was 325 00:26:24,47 --> 00:26:24,78 part of 326 00:26:24,79 --> 00:26:31,21 a committee that dealt with that and so I have to cut you off there Mr room and 327 00:26:32,14 --> 00:26:38,07 James I'm most excited by the people that I speak to as I go around the town who 328 00:26:38,08 --> 00:26:42,77 are getting involved in the civic life not not just politics and elections but the 329 00:26:42,78 --> 00:26:48,44 real community involvement for the very first time many of them are new families to 330 00:26:48,45 --> 00:26:52,35 Arlington many of them have kids that are either going to be in our elementary 331 00:26:52,36 --> 00:26:59,22 schools or are there right now and they are excited they are energized they 332 00:26:59,26 --> 00:27:05,68 are looking forward to sharing all of what Arlington has not just not not just 333 00:27:05,69 --> 00:27:06,37 saying it's 334 00:27:06,38 --> 00:27:09,95 a wonderful bright shiny new school we're putting our kids into usenet great but no 335 00:27:10,11 --> 00:27:14,91 taking up roles taking up positions of committees and boards wanting to get 336 00:27:14,92 --> 00:27:20,20 involved in all the things that make this town work our volunteers are truly the 337 00:27:20,21 --> 00:27:25,22 hidden strains of our town and I'm most excited by the number of new people that 338 00:27:25,23 --> 00:27:29,13 have approached me in my campaign saying I want to do something tell me how to get 339 00:27:29,14 --> 00:27:32,88 involved not just in the election but afterwards that's what makes me excited 340 00:27:34,01 --> 00:27:38,37 Alright we're feeling the adrenaline as we go into the third and final round of 341 00:27:38,38 --> 00:27:43,39 questions in which we invite the candidates to ask and again you can choose 342 00:27:43,40 --> 00:27:47,87 whichever of of of the other two candidates you wish to direct 343 00:27:47,88 --> 00:27:50,58 a question and then the remaining candidate will have 344 00:27:50,59 --> 00:27:56,60 a chance to rebut as well so we'll begin with you Mr My questions for Mr Ruben. 345 00:27:57,57 --> 00:28:03,86 So edgy is Joe mentioned we are until recently received the designation of the 346 00:28:03,87 --> 00:28:08,84 holiday cultural district which I was pleased to see both in the center and in East 347 00:28:08,85 --> 00:28:13,32 Arlington growing up in East Arlington It was a. There's 348 00:28:13,33 --> 00:28:19,00 a lot of turnover so there was the so I'm glad to see investment in East Arlington 349 00:28:19,37 --> 00:28:23,96 one of the centers of East Alinta and in the lifeblood of the business district is 350 00:28:23,97 --> 00:28:30,53 the Fox library research. I've been it's based on discussions with people on the 351 00:28:30,54 --> 00:28:35,78 friends of Fox library board it's my understanding that in the early two thousand 352 00:28:36,14 --> 00:28:40,42 you did not support the fox library remaining open as 353 00:28:40,43 --> 00:28:47,01 a library in Arlington since then. The Fox library has been an example of 354 00:28:47,19 --> 00:28:53,45 unbelievable volunteerism the community around it has come together solicit 355 00:28:53,46 --> 00:28:56,61 donations to keep the library open and it's now 356 00:28:57,27 --> 00:29:04,09 a intricate part of the tin district so based on that do you 357 00:29:04,44 --> 00:29:08,25 if that's true do you regret taking that position and do you believe the thought 358 00:29:08,26 --> 00:29:15,25 thought over is now Interpol part of the. Landscape the fox library is an essential 359 00:29:15,26 --> 00:29:22,18 benefit to not just East Arlington but to all of the patrons that it serves. It was 360 00:29:22,19 --> 00:29:24,05 two thousand that was 361 00:29:24,55 --> 00:29:30,46 a couple of real estate crashes ago and I was asking people look at everything in 362 00:29:30,47 --> 00:29:32,27 the budget we have 363 00:29:32,55 --> 00:29:39,29 a library system that we can't get into back in two thousand because the hours are 364 00:29:39,30 --> 00:29:45,71 being cut back our library was being was at risk of losing its accreditation in the 365 00:29:45,72 --> 00:29:50,41 state for cutting back on the budget that it had available to it to purchase books 366 00:29:50,42 --> 00:29:54,93 and materials a library that doesn't buy new books not only isn't 367 00:29:54,94 --> 00:29:56,34 a library anymore it's just 368 00:29:56,35 --> 00:30:00,63 a storehouse also you lose your privileges in the Minuteman network from borrowing 369 00:30:00,64 --> 00:30:06,98 books from other libraries so things in two thousand and economically were very 370 00:30:06,99 --> 00:30:12,20 bleak and all I was doing was asking people look at all the alternatives now since 371 00:30:12,21 --> 00:30:14,08 then I've talked to 372 00:30:14,09 --> 00:30:19,69 a lot of people who love the fox and I have heard their devotion I have heard what 373 00:30:20,12 --> 00:30:26,53 up. Cohesive binder of families and 374 00:30:26,80 --> 00:30:33,12 neighborhoods is to have kids who have their memories of their first story time or 375 00:30:33,13 --> 00:30:37,59 their first crafts project or place that they can see their neighbors and other 376 00:30:37,60 --> 00:30:43,17 kids I've learned how to see how huge 377 00:30:43,97 --> 00:30:48,97 a benefit the fox library is to the community and with my leadership we would 378 00:30:48,98 --> 00:30:54,72 support our libraries all of them and give them the adequate funding they need from 379 00:30:54,73 --> 00:31:01,60 both ends of town Thank you sir and Mr Kerr your rebuttal is an optional one but 380 00:31:01,61 --> 00:31:02,25 you can you have 381 00:31:02,26 --> 00:31:06,33 a minute if you'd like I'm happy to have you to kick in and I'm cognizant that 382 00:31:06,34 --> 00:31:13,12 we're actually speaking here in one of our former branch libraries in the heights I 383 00:31:13,13 --> 00:31:17,28 would hate to see the fox go go the same way because the Fox really is more than 384 00:31:17,29 --> 00:31:20,59 a library it's a community center I mentioned I know 385 00:31:20,64 --> 00:31:25,36 a couple square merchants just last week they have the meeting at the at the Fox 386 00:31:25,37 --> 00:31:25,75 library 387 00:31:25,76 --> 00:31:30,32 a number of the community groups can have their meetings at the Fox library we've 388 00:31:30,33 --> 00:31:36,39 seen the biggest. Enrollment growth at our schools in East Darlington So we have 389 00:31:36,43 --> 00:31:38,55 a lot of young families down there the Fox has 390 00:31:38,56 --> 00:31:42,86 a particular mission serving the young families of East Arlington that's extremely 391 00:31:42,87 --> 00:31:48,22 important that remain viable I was really happy to see the addition of Saturday 392 00:31:48,23 --> 00:31:55,18 hours I think that was long overdue no pun intended and. I 393 00:31:55,22 --> 00:31:55,52 remain 394 00:31:55,53 --> 00:31:58,94 a big big cheer with it even to the extent of being two years in Iraq I've been the 395 00:31:58,95 --> 00:32:03,65 grand marshal of the Fox parade as you part of the peace of the east so thank you. 396 00:32:04,80 --> 00:32:09,69 Thank you very much your current mystery thank you for questions for you John. 397 00:32:11,14 --> 00:32:14,84 Congratulations on going into business and establishing 398 00:32:14,85 --> 00:32:21,17 a very successful law practice that's that's no no small feat truly is. Looking at 399 00:32:21,18 --> 00:32:26,94 your. Advertising and what you said you specialize in Real Estate Matters 400 00:32:27,72 --> 00:32:34,09 zoning permuting licensing appeals hearings variances you know things like that 401 00:32:34,93 --> 00:32:36,25 now the Board of Selectmen also has 402 00:32:36,26 --> 00:32:43,05 a lot to do with zoning licensing permits appeals matter regulatory matters and 403 00:32:43,06 --> 00:32:49,93 setting policy matters so so tell us how you can sit on both sides of the table so 404 00:32:49,94 --> 00:32:55,54 to speak in one making the rules in the other representing the people who are 405 00:32:55,58 --> 00:33:02,14 looking for something well the answer is pretty simple that when I can so I would 406 00:33:02,15 --> 00:33:07,04 say ninety five percent of my real estate practice is conveyed thing so that the 407 00:33:07,04 --> 00:33:13,04 people that are buying selling houses refinancing I do some zoning work but all me 408 00:33:13,04 --> 00:33:19,65 Lou is so I've only been I actually haven't been in front of the bake in 409 00:33:20,52 --> 00:33:26,91 to do some work I have clients in Boston and in Somerville in those areas but 410 00:33:27,76 --> 00:33:33,05 that product part of my practice would no longer exist I don't anticipate being in 411 00:33:33,06 --> 00:33:37,42 front of the boards like when the Conservation Commission the V.A. 412 00:33:37,43 --> 00:33:43,49 The redevelopment board that if any any new clients came in I would say that I have 413 00:33:43,50 --> 00:33:48,66 a conflict I can't do that type of work and to be honest it wouldn't put too much 414 00:33:48,67 --> 00:33:48,74 of 415 00:33:48,75 --> 00:33:53,76 a dent on my current business because like I said most of the biz that I do is real 416 00:33:53,77 --> 00:34:00,64 estate convincing our attorney client relationship. For real estate the convening 417 00:34:00,65 --> 00:34:07,05 last until they buy the house and then the relationship ends so it's not it won't 418 00:34:07,16 --> 00:34:08,03 create 419 00:34:08,08 --> 00:34:14,17 a significant conflict for new for potential clients that would go before the Board 420 00:34:14,18 --> 00:34:18,50 of Selectmen I have probably one client that I would consider 421 00:34:18,51 --> 00:34:24,76 a long term client that if he was in front of me I would have to recuse myself but 422 00:34:25,20 --> 00:34:29,94 since I've represented him in the past seven years there wouldn't have been one 423 00:34:30,14 --> 00:34:35,71 instance where he's been in front of the Board of Selectmen So the quick answer is 424 00:34:35,90 --> 00:34:42,74 that I would take any zoning licensing part of my practice that 425 00:34:42,80 --> 00:34:45,53 pertains to Arlington if I had a client they came in 426 00:34:45,60 --> 00:34:51,53 a new client I would say I am no longer able to or I wouldn't be able to represent 427 00:34:51,54 --> 00:34:58,40 you in that transaction so. Certainly if anyone was before me that I thought had 428 00:34:58,41 --> 00:35:02,75 a conflict of interest I would recuse myself but I don't anticipate any situation 429 00:35:02,80 --> 00:35:09,03 that will come up because or I think I'll wait for the report or. I can imagine 430 00:35:09,19 --> 00:35:16,08 where you might. And in fact you need to talk anyway OK if you were to turn to wrap 431 00:35:16,09 --> 00:35:22,11 up the question OK so up my question is actually also for Mr Hurd So John I know 432 00:35:22,12 --> 00:35:26,33 that you've served you represent the Chamber of Commerce on the transition advisory 433 00:35:26,34 --> 00:35:30,89 committee and you were in the parking importation governance committee which worked 434 00:35:30,90 --> 00:35:37,46 through issues of meters and you know taxi stands and handicapped parking spaces 435 00:35:37,47 --> 00:35:41,39 and all sorts of other trade offs. Loading zones we had 436 00:35:41,40 --> 00:35:45,28 a recent situation which I know that Mr rudiments from the you with to where they 437 00:35:45,29 --> 00:35:49,85 were was a dispute between residents and the local business 438 00:35:49,86 --> 00:35:55,25 a dance studio which had an interest in. Maintaining some ability to have drop off 439 00:35:55,26 --> 00:35:57,87 and pick up for and such it's going to work through that as 440 00:35:57,88 --> 00:36:02,53 a board and with the. You cannot development director so my question is how would 441 00:36:02,54 --> 00:36:08,14 you apply the lessons of Arlington Center and all of the parking trade offs there 442 00:36:08,15 --> 00:36:14,35 to other commercial districts in town and how would you mediate the the these types 443 00:36:14,36 --> 00:36:19,56 of disputes that come up between residents businesses other stakeholders Sure so 444 00:36:19,57 --> 00:36:24,89 the loading zone I was on both the TAC in the P I G C When we dealt with the 445 00:36:24,90 --> 00:36:31,81 parking in Arlington Center and our mean objective was to deal 446 00:36:31,82 --> 00:36:35,42 with the lack of parking in Arlington said and we there was 447 00:36:35,43 --> 00:36:41,33 a study that said about fifty percent of the of the spots during the day were 448 00:36:41,34 --> 00:36:45,25 occupied by people in the business and I actually can attest to par legals that 449 00:36:45,29 --> 00:36:52,01 every two hours would run out and move their car so the mean objective for that 450 00:36:52,02 --> 00:36:58,95 was to create spaces for people that can use the businesses. Loading 451 00:36:58,96 --> 00:37:04,41 Zone was always something that I was very passionate about I actually wasn't it was 452 00:37:04,42 --> 00:37:08,33 no longer on the board when they finally made the decision so you can hold me 453 00:37:08,34 --> 00:37:14,82 accountable. But. I like I said my office is right there we dealt with the 454 00:37:14,83 --> 00:37:19,33 situation where there was in Arlington Center Broadway plaza there was both 455 00:37:19,37 --> 00:37:22,47 a bus layover in there's 456 00:37:22,48 --> 00:37:25,94 a lack of loading zone so we had many situations we'd walk across 457 00:37:26,44 --> 00:37:31,40 a bus would be diagonally across the Broadway Plaza and then you'd have 458 00:37:31,50 --> 00:37:33,53 a truck that was delivering to C.V.S. 459 00:37:33,54 --> 00:37:39,95 At the time that was parked on the Mall on the sidewalk so and then we also had on 460 00:37:39,96 --> 00:37:43,61 our committee was one of the gentleman that owns the Regent and he had 461 00:37:43,62 --> 00:37:49,50 a problem with the truck that actually was hitting their awning so the loading zone 462 00:37:49,51 --> 00:37:53,04 is something that we had to discuss the problem with that that was just no good 463 00:37:53,05 --> 00:37:59,51 place to put it. And what they are ultimately came up with was based on 464 00:37:59,52 --> 00:38:06,15 discussions with all the merchants and it was the lesser of of all the evils 465 00:38:06,61 --> 00:38:13,43 so to speak to put the lawyers on to create some space for the Thruway. That I 466 00:38:13,44 --> 00:38:18,31 would say that is the in touch type situation that we can use all over town and I 467 00:38:18,32 --> 00:38:21,54 think you know in the heights where we live that's certainly 468 00:38:22,15 --> 00:38:29,13 a lack of. But you know getting people together and just finding the 469 00:38:29,14 --> 00:38:34,85 best solution is to have to address every issue and I think that's how it was 470 00:38:34,86 --> 00:38:41,69 handled there and ultimately decided thanks very much room and like to us closure 471 00:38:42,13 --> 00:38:45,60 you know I'm glad you're talking about zoning in parking issues because because 472 00:38:45,61 --> 00:38:51,56 I've been talking to people extensively about this and every time I see someone you 473 00:38:51,57 --> 00:38:55,99 know begin to have their eyes glaze over oh regulations and pages and pages of 474 00:38:56,00 --> 00:39:01,27 documents I say zoning is what you see when you look out your window it's how we 475 00:39:01,28 --> 00:39:07,62 decide how we're going to use the precious space that we have in town. It's all 476 00:39:07,63 --> 00:39:10,94 well and good to say that we're going to talk to people and work things out well 477 00:39:10,98 --> 00:39:12,52 that's been the core so far 478 00:39:13,05 --> 00:39:15,87 a more creative solution would be to say look if we have 479 00:39:15,88 --> 00:39:21,70 a lack of parking can we get more parking can we get parking it ill wife and run 480 00:39:21,80 --> 00:39:27,95 a town shuttle that goes from Alewife to the business areas or oh the shuttle that 481 00:39:27,96 --> 00:39:28,15 does 482 00:39:28,16 --> 00:39:33,45 a loop within town like go the Lex Express bus so the people only have to come down 483 00:39:33,46 --> 00:39:37,57 to mass I have as close as they can get to Mexico and then pick up the shuttle bus 484 00:39:37,58 --> 00:39:37,92 that makes 485 00:39:37,93 --> 00:39:41,56 a loop of the business Dick's districts and we priced out what it would cost to 486 00:39:41,57 --> 00:39:43,49 build more parking probably 487 00:39:43,50 --> 00:39:47,89 a fantastically high price but would it be worth it Russell comment I haven't seen 488 00:39:47,90 --> 00:39:52,34 that kind of leadership from this Ford I would look into solutions be on to the 489 00:39:52,49 --> 00:39:57,98 ones that we've been looking at before thank you very much. And that brings us to 490 00:39:57,99 --> 00:40:03,74 the closing statements which we will do in reverse order from one of the opening 491 00:40:03,75 --> 00:40:09,11 statements so Mr curio you will begin thank you very much you know I want to thank 492 00:40:09,12 --> 00:40:12,24 YOU SEE MY for hosting this debate and I want to thank gianna michael for the 493 00:40:12,28 --> 00:40:16,80 figurehead in discussion this evening thank you also to my guests my family and my 494 00:40:16,81 --> 00:40:21,75 campaign team and most of all I think the voters of Arlington for placing your 495 00:40:21,76 --> 00:40:24,56 coffins and me over the last decade first as 496 00:40:24,57 --> 00:40:27,51 a school committee member and since two thousand and twelve as 497 00:40:27,52 --> 00:40:33,41 a select I've made two quote promises which I've repeated at each election to be 498 00:40:33,42 --> 00:40:38,35 honest and to work hard and I've strived to ensure that every decision I make is 499 00:40:38,36 --> 00:40:42,47 taken with these values in mind Lastly I'd like to offer this year's version of 500 00:40:42,48 --> 00:40:47,65 curios campaign countdown three two one three there are three candidates running 501 00:40:47,66 --> 00:40:51,48 for the Board of Selectmen I am running for third three year term and I am third on 502 00:40:51,49 --> 00:40:57,67 the ballot two you have two votes for selectman one I respectfully ask for one of 503 00:40:57,68 --> 00:41:01,46 those two votes on Saturday April seventh My name is Joe Carroll and I thank you 504 00:41:01,47 --> 00:41:07,59 for your consideration and thank you all think you Mr Rhythm and. Thank you 505 00:41:08,20 --> 00:41:14,44 AC My my colleagues for this opportunity to talk to you about the issues thank you 506 00:41:14,45 --> 00:41:19,25 for the time that you've spent watching I've spent the last two decades involved in 507 00:41:19,26 --> 00:41:23,73 the civic life of this town and now I'm taking that experience and that leadership 508 00:41:23,74 --> 00:41:29,74 that I've demonstrated on our schools our By-Laws our budget into this campaign I 509 00:41:29,75 --> 00:41:34,53 want to urge one of your two votes on April seventh for me Mike Ruderman first name 510 00:41:34,54 --> 00:41:36,12 on the ballot a vote for 511 00:41:36,13 --> 00:41:40,83 a government that listens to everyone it includes everyone in early teens future 512 00:41:41,33 --> 00:41:46,51 and it starts with you so please use that vote thank you for your time thank you 513 00:41:46,52 --> 00:41:51,35 for your vote for me Mike Ruderman and most of all thank you for caring about early 514 00:41:51,36 --> 00:41:58,30 since future and we will close with you Mr. Thank you 515 00:41:58,47 --> 00:42:04,72 I'd like to also thank Joe and Mike for a great discussion I'd like to think A.C.M. 516 00:42:04,73 --> 00:42:11,56 Live for hosting this debate and I'd like to definitely thank my wife who is 517 00:42:11,57 --> 00:42:17,81 here today like we mentioned before we have young children and she's really 518 00:42:18,75 --> 00:42:24,60 allowed going above and beyond by allowing me to serve in the reason that she is 519 00:42:24,61 --> 00:42:29,74 allowing me to do so is that she knows that I am passionate about this town this is 520 00:42:29,75 --> 00:42:34,24 where we grew up in this never we have never looked for 521 00:42:34,25 --> 00:42:39,61 a house in any other town other than the town of Arlington we're going to be here 522 00:42:39,61 --> 00:42:39,83 for 523 00:42:39,84 --> 00:42:46,59 a long time in Arlington is facing some critical decisions in I look forward to being 524 00:42:46,63 --> 00:42:53,12 a positive part of the conversation to work collaboratively with the current 525 00:42:53,13 --> 00:42:59,23 elected officials and the selectmen in to build on the progress that Arlington has 526 00:42:59,24 --> 00:43:05,33 made over the past few years and I ask you for one of your two votes on Saturday 527 00:43:05,34 --> 00:43:10,44 April seventh first selectman thank you very much sir and thank you to all three of 528 00:43:10,45 --> 00:43:14,83 you thank you if you'd like to learn more about the issues discussed today and all 529 00:43:14,84 --> 00:43:18,42 the issues affecting Arlington visit T.V. 530 00:43:18,43 --> 00:43:22,71 Or check your local cable listings you'll find Arlington public news newscasts and 531 00:43:22,72 --> 00:43:27,78 segments extended interviews with local officials and full coverage of government 532 00:43:27,79 --> 00:43:32,66 meetings. You'll also find profiles of both selectman and school committee 533 00:43:32,67 --> 00:43:33,64 candidates in 534 00:43:33,65 --> 00:43:39,02 a half hour ELECTION profile package and remember Arlington town elections are 535 00:43:39,03 --> 00:43:44,16 indeed on Sept on Saturday April seventh polls will be open from eight am to eight 536 00:43:44,20 --> 00:43:48,83 pm If you're not sure where to find your polling place visit Arlington M.A. 537 00:43:48,84 --> 00:43:54,31 Dot gov and click on the elections voting page for the location finder tool we want 538 00:43:54,32 --> 00:43:58,65 to thank you for joining us we want to thank the candidates and we appreciate 539 00:43:58,69 --> 00:44:03,93 everybody's time and attention will see you next time I'm James well and thanks for 540 00:44:03,94 --> 00:44:04,48 joining us.