Selectman Patty Roggeveen and Whitey Willauer
Patty Roggeveen is a clear choice for a second term on this important town board, filling multiple essential criteria of proven leaders. Roggeveen has exhibited a high level of professionalism in her last three years, employing intelligent, thoughtful debate on subjects before making a decision. She is an independent voice on this board, and that is important. We want public officials who can think for themselves, listen to opposing points of view and make decisions based on the merits of the argument before them. Roggeveen has shown she can do this while exhibiting a collegial approach to working with her fellow board members. She has also displayed a high level of commitment and hard work, doing the homework necessary to get the job done, and coming to meetings prepared.
After a two-year hiatus from the board, it is time to bring Whitey Willauer back. He is the best candidate for leadership of the remaining four and one who “gets” the macro picture of town government in a way that the other candidates do not. His dedication to serving the town is unquestionable. He has remained involved with town government in the time he has been away.
Unlike other selectmen who have lost a bid for re-election and slunk away with a case of sour grapes, Whitey has stayed committed to serving his island, and always in an upbeat way. Since Whitey has been absent from the board, there has not been a focus on developing goals and objectives, and this is his strong suit, coupled with possessing an independent opinion and doing business with fellow board members in a constructive way.
Current Selectman Allen Reinhard made us nervous two years ago with his inability to vote for a chair immediately after the swearing-in ceremony. He explained he wanted to wait and talk to other members of the board and see where they stood.
When pressed on the issue this year, he held his ground, contending that “this is our board.” Wrong, Allen. The Board of Selectmen is comprised of five independent voices who serve the voters of Nantucket. If the board “belongs” to anyone, it is the people of Nantucket. The town’s business, including electing the chairman of any board, must be conducted in the open so voters can see and hear the debate that ensues before votes are taken, not after private discussions between fellow board members.
Let's Grow Our Team!
Whitey and supporters stump the dump
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
MEET THE CANDIDATES
Grant Sanders Analysis of Selectmen at Meet the Candidates
The selectman's session was very good. I thought Cliff (Williams) and Carol(Dunton), when they were not able to answer certain questions, showed the crowd that they are really not ready to serve on the BOS. I'm not really certain what they stand for or whether they would make half-decent selectmen.
Cliff appears fixated on infrastructure. He fought the federal government ten years ago and now works for it. He thinks human services runs on a budget of $10,000 (which is completely wrong). He thinks a $6,300 sewer hook-up bill is too much. I really don't see what he brings to the table or how anyone can vote for him over the experience of the three candidates who have already served three year and have a tangible record of service that voters can look at.
Carol is as one-dimensional a candidate as one could be. All she talks about is that the town spends too much money. She is obviously intelligent and well spoken. I think she should spend some time serving on a board or commission before she considers herself ready for the highest office on Nantucket.
Patty (Roggeveen) did well, as she always does. She is a pro, and her public speaking skills are stunning. I was surprised and troubled that she would reverse herself on the human services plan after all of the hard work that many people have put into it. That's a 3-2 vote that will go the other way if she is re-electected. Also, her assertion that sewering the needs areas will bring costs down is only true if the users in the needs areas pay for the hook-ups and then pay more to cover the cost of the system. I'm not certain anyone in the Madaket watershed has the financial wherewithal to do that. We are talking about $100,000+ at least. As we've seen in the past, building more and growing is not always the answer.
Allen (Reinhard) did well, although I would liked to have seen him explain the difference between himself and the other experienced candidates. He had a couple of opportunities to do so and passed on them. As he sometimes does in Selectmen meetings, he re-stated the points of those who went before him instead of adding more insight to the discussion (Granted, following Patty is hard because she talks fast and covers a lot of points in her answers). It also seemed as though he was just getting to his real answer after the bell had rung. the 45-second format is not easy for some. Overall, he did nothing to damage his chances of winning, while holding his own among Patty and Whitey.
Whitey (Willauer) was the real star of meet the candidates. He had a lot more energy and sparkle than the previous year's debate against Kopko and Soverinio. He had some new ideas (Economic development commission, retraining programs for adult workers) and he had a very strong grasp of the issues, past and present. I thought his answer about evaluating the Town Manager was very well stated. Most importantly, he created contrast between himself and the rest of the field.
At least, that's my take on it.
Grant Sanders.
The selectman's session was very good. I thought Cliff (Williams) and Carol(Dunton), when they were not able to answer certain questions, showed the crowd that they are really not ready to serve on the BOS. I'm not really certain what they stand for or whether they would make half-decent selectmen.
Cliff appears fixated on infrastructure. He fought the federal government ten years ago and now works for it. He thinks human services runs on a budget of $10,000 (which is completely wrong). He thinks a $6,300 sewer hook-up bill is too much. I really don't see what he brings to the table or how anyone can vote for him over the experience of the three candidates who have already served three year and have a tangible record of service that voters can look at.
Carol is as one-dimensional a candidate as one could be. All she talks about is that the town spends too much money. She is obviously intelligent and well spoken. I think she should spend some time serving on a board or commission before she considers herself ready for the highest office on Nantucket.
Patty (Roggeveen) did well, as she always does. She is a pro, and her public speaking skills are stunning. I was surprised and troubled that she would reverse herself on the human services plan after all of the hard work that many people have put into it. That's a 3-2 vote that will go the other way if she is re-electected. Also, her assertion that sewering the needs areas will bring costs down is only true if the users in the needs areas pay for the hook-ups and then pay more to cover the cost of the system. I'm not certain anyone in the Madaket watershed has the financial wherewithal to do that. We are talking about $100,000+ at least. As we've seen in the past, building more and growing is not always the answer.
Allen (Reinhard) did well, although I would liked to have seen him explain the difference between himself and the other experienced candidates. He had a couple of opportunities to do so and passed on them. As he sometimes does in Selectmen meetings, he re-stated the points of those who went before him instead of adding more insight to the discussion (Granted, following Patty is hard because she talks fast and covers a lot of points in her answers). It also seemed as though he was just getting to his real answer after the bell had rung. the 45-second format is not easy for some. Overall, he did nothing to damage his chances of winning, while holding his own among Patty and Whitey.
Whitey (Willauer) was the real star of meet the candidates. He had a lot more energy and sparkle than the previous year's debate against Kopko and Soverinio. He had some new ideas (Economic development commission, retraining programs for adult workers) and he had a very strong grasp of the issues, past and present. I thought his answer about evaluating the Town Manager was very well stated. Most importantly, he created contrast between himself and the rest of the field.
At least, that's my take on it.
Grant Sanders.
VISION FOR NANTUCKET
My vision for Nantucket is an integrated management team of Town Administration and the Board of Selectmen. We have a strong Town Administration; it manages the Town’s business efficiently. The BOS should set policy and develop goals and objectives. Together this team can lead Nantucket to be a thriving year-round community.
First: Maintain and upgrade our infrastructure. That includes roads, wastewater and solid waste treatment, health, harbor, police, fire, schooling, affordable housing, airport, water department, telecommunications, and government. This calls for careful management of our FY12 budget process, which will commence shortly after Town Meeting. It will be a step-by-step process that demands BOS leadership in setting the long term goals for the Town Administration and Finance Department so that we can stop delaying necessary upgrades. Growth must pay for itself.
Second: Create a stable Island economy. The BOS should begin by creating an Office of Economic Development and partnering with the private sector to rejuvenate our economy. New opportunities must be developed. We need to promote the initiatives to “buy local,” to “hire local,” and to keep dollars circulating within the local economy.
The BOS can take additional steps to enable residents to compete effectively for jobs and contracts. Assist local workers to become fully licensed and qualified. Encourage people to build new marketable skills through the Community School. Streamline and simplify the permitting process to counter the perception that doing business on Nantucket is “difficult”.
Third: Make short-term and long-term plans to strengthen the economy. Examples are the Shellfish Management Plan; the Wilkes Square downtown revitalization concept; increasing affordable housing; human service collaboration; and energy management, including land based wind turbines and out-of-town bulk fuel facility. With good planning, we can produce and conserve energy so that we never need a third cable to the mainland. These initiatives can draw funds into the economy and reduce the cost of doing business on Nantucket.
I stand ready to help strengthen the process of economic development, budget management, and goal setting as soon as I am elected.
First: Maintain and upgrade our infrastructure. That includes roads, wastewater and solid waste treatment, health, harbor, police, fire, schooling, affordable housing, airport, water department, telecommunications, and government. This calls for careful management of our FY12 budget process, which will commence shortly after Town Meeting. It will be a step-by-step process that demands BOS leadership in setting the long term goals for the Town Administration and Finance Department so that we can stop delaying necessary upgrades. Growth must pay for itself.
Second: Create a stable Island economy. The BOS should begin by creating an Office of Economic Development and partnering with the private sector to rejuvenate our economy. New opportunities must be developed. We need to promote the initiatives to “buy local,” to “hire local,” and to keep dollars circulating within the local economy.
The BOS can take additional steps to enable residents to compete effectively for jobs and contracts. Assist local workers to become fully licensed and qualified. Encourage people to build new marketable skills through the Community School. Streamline and simplify the permitting process to counter the perception that doing business on Nantucket is “difficult”.
Third: Make short-term and long-term plans to strengthen the economy. Examples are the Shellfish Management Plan; the Wilkes Square downtown revitalization concept; increasing affordable housing; human service collaboration; and energy management, including land based wind turbines and out-of-town bulk fuel facility. With good planning, we can produce and conserve energy so that we never need a third cable to the mainland. These initiatives can draw funds into the economy and reduce the cost of doing business on Nantucket.
I stand ready to help strengthen the process of economic development, budget management, and goal setting as soon as I am elected.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Surviving the Recession
The Board of Selectmen must take the lead in rejuvenating our local economy. The welfare of the community is every bit the Town’s business. As the building boom fades, we need to diversify.
First
The Selectmen should create an Office of Economic Development. We should partner with the private sector to broaden our tourist base globally; to market the available housing; and to extend the season.
Second
We must counter the perception that doing business on Nantucket is difficult. We should streamline and simplify the permitting process for businesses, and bring high-speed internet to the Island for telecommuting. We must focus on enabling residents to compete effectively for jobs and contracts. This means assisting local workers to become fully licensed and qualified, and encouraging people to build new marketable skills through our Community School. Critical needs include accounting, bookkeeping, business practices, computer skills, cost estimating, LEED certification, nursing, and weatherization.
Third
Our community should make every effort to “Buy Local”, hire local and support initiatives to keep more dollars circulating within the local economy.
Lastly
the Selectmen should advocate for upgrading our infrastructure. This includes transportation improvements, by air and high-speed ferry; improving public transportation on-Island; and renewable energy development using State and Federal monies.
No longer are we the fastest growing community in the State. The Selectmen must be leaders in Nantucket’s economic development.
First
The Selectmen should create an Office of Economic Development. We should partner with the private sector to broaden our tourist base globally; to market the available housing; and to extend the season.
Second
We must counter the perception that doing business on Nantucket is difficult. We should streamline and simplify the permitting process for businesses, and bring high-speed internet to the Island for telecommuting. We must focus on enabling residents to compete effectively for jobs and contracts. This means assisting local workers to become fully licensed and qualified, and encouraging people to build new marketable skills through our Community School. Critical needs include accounting, bookkeeping, business practices, computer skills, cost estimating, LEED certification, nursing, and weatherization.
Third
Our community should make every effort to “Buy Local”, hire local and support initiatives to keep more dollars circulating within the local economy.
Lastly
the Selectmen should advocate for upgrading our infrastructure. This includes transportation improvements, by air and high-speed ferry; improving public transportation on-Island; and renewable energy development using State and Federal monies.
No longer are we the fastest growing community in the State. The Selectmen must be leaders in Nantucket’s economic development.
Record of Accomplishments
Simply put, I have a proven record of accomplishments and a clear vision for the future.
I’ve successfully managed national and international organizations. I bring considerable experience to local leadership. My participation on numerous Town Committees and as former Chairman of the Board of Selectmen shows effectiveness on public bodies and problem-solving skills. We need to do good planning up front to avoid big problems down stream. Planning and preservation work hand in hand. For example, we have the Historic District Commission; where we preserve the past and plan for the future. We need the same attention to detail with the Shellfish Management Plan; the Wilkes Square downtown revitalization concept; affordable housing; human service collaboration; and energy management. We are planning for land based Wind Turbines and developing an out-of-town Bulk Fuel facility.
Currently, I serve on the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Commission on Disability, Energy Committee, Harbor Plan Committee, and US Coast Guard Auxiliary. I am forward thinking and have a vision for the future. With the time, energy, and experience needed for the position, I bring common sense, good ideas, and visibility to the process. I love Nantucket and will devote all my time to the Selectman job.
I’ve successfully managed national and international organizations. I bring considerable experience to local leadership. My participation on numerous Town Committees and as former Chairman of the Board of Selectmen shows effectiveness on public bodies and problem-solving skills. We need to do good planning up front to avoid big problems down stream. Planning and preservation work hand in hand. For example, we have the Historic District Commission; where we preserve the past and plan for the future. We need the same attention to detail with the Shellfish Management Plan; the Wilkes Square downtown revitalization concept; affordable housing; human service collaboration; and energy management. We are planning for land based Wind Turbines and developing an out-of-town Bulk Fuel facility.
Currently, I serve on the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Commission on Disability, Energy Committee, Harbor Plan Committee, and US Coast Guard Auxiliary. I am forward thinking and have a vision for the future. With the time, energy, and experience needed for the position, I bring common sense, good ideas, and visibility to the process. I love Nantucket and will devote all my time to the Selectman job.
My Platform?
What is my platform?
We need to take immediate action to support Island businesses to help them get back on their feet, and supplement our existing economy to create more jobs.
Improve Nantucket Economy
There are many ways to improve our local economy, such as: increased local management of our fisheries; improving telecommuting technology; focus on our hospitality business by keeping Nantucket as a special destination; and encourage bonding of local builders to keep work on-Island.
Long Term Opportunities
Longer term opportunities include: improvement of the delivery of human services through collaboration among the providers; development of alternative energies such as wind, solar and ocean currents; increase educational opportunities to assist our residents in learning new marketable skills.
What qualifies me to run for the BOS?
I have a proven record of accomplishments. My participation on many Town Committees and as former Chairman of the Board of Selectmen provides a proven track record of leadership and problem solving. I am forward thinking and have a vision for the future. With the time, energy, and experience needed for the position, I bring common sense, good ideas, and visibility to the process. I am devoted to Nantucket and will be a full time Selectman.
We need to take immediate action to support Island businesses to help them get back on their feet, and supplement our existing economy to create more jobs.
Improve Nantucket Economy
There are many ways to improve our local economy, such as: increased local management of our fisheries; improving telecommuting technology; focus on our hospitality business by keeping Nantucket as a special destination; and encourage bonding of local builders to keep work on-Island.
Long Term Opportunities
Longer term opportunities include: improvement of the delivery of human services through collaboration among the providers; development of alternative energies such as wind, solar and ocean currents; increase educational opportunities to assist our residents in learning new marketable skills.
What qualifies me to run for the BOS?
I have a proven record of accomplishments. My participation on many Town Committees and as former Chairman of the Board of Selectmen provides a proven track record of leadership and problem solving. I am forward thinking and have a vision for the future. With the time, energy, and experience needed for the position, I bring common sense, good ideas, and visibility to the process. I am devoted to Nantucket and will be a full time Selectman.
Friday, February 26, 2010
New Campaign
Hi Friends.
We're getting geared up for the upcoming challenge. Please e-mail me if you'd like to help with my 2010 Selectman campaign. There's plenty to do, and many hands make light work. Send me an e-mail, or give me a call. Thanks.
— Whitey
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
