Good evening everyone.  Thanks for attending tonight and thank you Margot for your comments and my nomination.

It would be my pleasure to serve another term as a Selectman.  I believe my background and experience allow me to contribute positively to the work of the Town, the decisions Selectmen are called upon to make and the direction that you all want our Town to take.

We've accomplished a lot in the past few years:  

• We have excellent public buildings to meet most of our needs
• We've exceeded our responsibility to provide affordable housing
• We've maintained the highest bond rating possible
• We've improved communication with residents through phone systems, emergency radio and an improved town website
• We've created a permanent space for some of our teenagers after school

I'm proud to be associated with these and other responsible and effective efforts that have kept our town an attractive and positive place to live.

Ahead of us are more challenges.  For example:

• This year's budget is more constrained than ever, our local revenues are not keeping pace with current costs and state aid is not going to be a major source of relief.  We have been spending our savings to maintain services and our ability to do that is coming to an end.
• We need to increase our efforts at energy efficiency in the Town's business practices, services and projects to be as environmentally sound as possible.  If so, we will save money, reduce our impact on the environment and create a healthier community for ourselves.
• We need additional redevelopment of our commercial areas.  It is critical to our tax base and to maintain the quality of life we all want.  There is a glimmer of hope in the recent start of the Middlesex Turnpike project.  The improved access and services there will make the area more attractive and competitive for the redevelopment we need.
• We need to stay ahead of our social service needs.  Our growing elder population for example, needs more housing options and at-home services to comfortably remain here in town.
• We need to continue our efforts to improve our streets, sidewalks, bicycle accommodations, trails and paths so we can continue to improve the quality of our town for those who work or live here.  

My personal experience as a Town official and my professional experience in state and local government agencies gives me a broad perspective on what we can and must accomplish.   

I believe this gives me a good foundation for:

• listening to your concerns
• considering issues fairly
• balancing our wants and needs against our resources
• representing your interests, and when necessary
• acting on your behalf

As long as we all keep talking and listening, comparing ideas, and collectively finding the best available solutions - we will be successful in improving our community.  

Once again, I can say I'd like to continue serving you as a Selectman if you would like me to continue.  

I thank you for your past support, I ask for your vote for my nomination and I hope you will support me on Election Day.

Thank you very much