For the April 27 Election: Beyond General Statements

In the weeks coming up to the April 27 election, I noticed that many of the various forum questions, candidate statements, and discussions among voters have been more of generalities than specifics. For example, “love of Wakefield” and “family values” are all well and good, but I am more interested in the candidates’ understanding of how town government works and whether they are aware of plans, in relation to their concerns, that have already been implemented.

On April 16, I emailed a list of specific questions to each of the three Town Council (TC) candidates. Julie Smith-Galvin and Anne Danehy responded in detail. While I had heard back from Brandon Flanagan earlier in that week when I initially reached out to request an interview, he did not respond further to set a date and time, nor did he confirm receipt of my messages about the list of questions that I sent via multiple email addresses and via his campaign Facebook page. I was disappointed that he did not, as I suggested in a subsequent email, take the time to answer even a few of my questions.

The good news is that both Smith-Galvin and Danehy responded with informative and thoughtful answers to questions covering policy, funding, and how government works. They also answered some personal questions about their early work history, challenges they each faced when starting a business, and how such applies to the skills needed to govern effectively.

Read on: If you are like me, you will learn some new things about how our town government works, as well get a better sense of the wealth of experience Julie Smith-Galvin and Anne Danehy bring to the table. You may also want to ask some of these questions of Brandon Flanagan. Hopefully, he will not be too busy to answer questions from other members of the community.

Question: What is your understanding of TC’s role and legal ability as to controlling private development in our town?

Galvin-Smith’s answer is clear: Our town government's role in private development is to set the vision and then develop rules and programs that reinforce that vision. This includes developing a master plan, setting zoning bylaws, and providing incentives for the type of development we want to attract. Developers use this information when deciding whether to purchase and how to develop a property.

The Town Council works together with multiple appointed and elected committees across town to set vision and propose rules, but legally, all bylaws, including zoning, must be passed by the Town Meeting.

Danehy gave a similar answer and added “Town Council's role does not deal directly with developers, and developers have the right to purchase private property and build within the zoning regulations of the town, which is set by the Planning Board and ZBA. The best that the Town Council can do is to support an updated master plan for future development in town, which may include a re-examination of zoning bylaws. If the project is a 40B, a state mandate that requires each community in the commonwealth to have 10% of its housing to be affordable, most can bypass existing zoning bylaws. I wish that the Comverse property by the lake were not being developed, but it is private property so a developer can purchase the land and develop as they see fit."

Danehy also added the following in response to what she feels are misstatements as to her position of the development at the head of the lake: “While I would love to see the proposed development stopped, it is unlikely. It is private property. To say that it should be designated as Green Space is unrealistic and misleading. The private land is being sold for more than $20 million. For us to designate that land as green space would require us to take the land by eminent domain at the fair market price (more than $20 million). To fund this purchase, the town would either have to raise taxes or cut services.”

Question: If there will be 485 new units built at the head of the lake, what will the town’s tax income be versus what it is now?

Both candidates agreed that this cannot be known until the property, in its final state, is appraised, with Smith-Galvin noting that there are many variables including what the units are assessed at when compared to the assessed value of the existing commercial property, as well as the tax rate at the time of evaluation, noting that we have different residential and commercial tax rates.

(While not in response to any questions here, I know that, because the commercial tax rate is higher than the residential rate, Danehy supports policies making Wakefield more attractive to businesses, especially larger businesses since this would increase income with less stress on the school system.)

Question: Can getting private property owners to rent out their storefronts at a rate that will encourage small businesses to sign a lease increase our town’s property tax revenue?

Smith-Galvin noted that this would depend on whether the assessed value of the property changes due to landlord activity. Danehy commented “Getting our vacant storefronts occupied has been a challenge. The town cannot dictate to property owners the rental rate for their property. Unfortunately, I believe that the landlords’ unwillingness to negotiate with potential businesses has created a difficult situation.”

Question: Do you see a specific way to get our roads and sidewalks repaired that would be quicker and more financially efficient than the current 5-year plan?

Smith-Galvin reminded me that, “at our last Town Meeting, those who participated voted to approve the issuance of bonds (which are efficient given our AAA bond rating) to systematically repair roads and sidewalks. The current plan allows for consistent investment in our 88-mile roadway network on a schedule that allows for optimal coordination of utility work (so that we don’t repair a road then have it torn up by utility work) and takes into consideration other upgrades when needed to deal with drainage, sidewalks, safety, and accessibility. I believe the financing mechanism and plan are appropriate and will provide DPW with a base that can be sustained over time.”

Danehy gave a similar answer, adding that she “would love to say yes, but the reality is no.” She pointed out that the town would not be able to afford to do the work in a more condensed time frame, and, also, it would be too inconvenient for those who drive on the roads and walk on the sidewalks if many projects were implemented simultaneously. She also pointed out the obvious: “Due to being in New England, we have a limited time frame each year to do the work.”

Question: What, if anything, would you have done, or tried to do differently as to how the new Galvin Middle School was financed?

Smith Galvin stated, simply, that “The Galvin School was made possible through a significant state grant, with the remainder financed through a debt exclusion overwhelmingly approved at Town Meeting.”

Danehy concurred, adding that she is proud that the Galvin Middle school came in on time and on budget. She added the following: “I think that we built a school that is able to deliver 21st-century learning while being mindful of the costs. There are opportunities to receive incentives leading to a higher reimbursement percentage from the MSBA (Massachusetts School Building Assistance) that the Wakefield Public Schools can take advantage of.

"Incentives are based on points given during the design phase for things like incorporating environmentally friendly items that meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards. Examples that were incorporated into the Galvin are the garden, that was part of the Galvin construction, and the specific lighting used.”

Question: What options did the town have other than multi-year submissions as to the funding of renovations or building a new high school?

Both candidates gave similar answers, noting that it has not been all that long since we got state funding for the Galvin Middle School project, with Smith-Galvin pointing out that the fourth submission succeeded based on timing and also, “because of improvements made to the application by our School Committee and Administration.”

Along with the timing, Daney pointed out that “It is also rare that schools are accepted on their first submission, excluding schools that are a safety or health threat.” Between organizing tours for MSBA representatives and the multiple submissions, they both made clear that effective leadership resulted in our approval for a new high school.

Question: Do you think that the town can get funding for more than half the cost of a new or renovated school? If so, specifically how?

Smith-Galvin pointed out the obvious, in that it will depend on the availability of funds at the state level. Both candidates noted that there are several incentives that can be implemented to increase the reimbursement, such as being a high-efficiency green school.

Along with referencing the efficient lighting and heating systems in the Galvin, as well as the garden plan, Danehy also pointed out that “having a maintenance plan is another way to earn incentive points. Retired DPW director Rick Stinson created such a plan, so we benefitted from that as well.”

Smith-Galvin noted that she “hopes that we may be able to attract incentives to do things like install renewable energy and/or be a net-0 building.”

Question: What would the pros and cons be of spending the town’s reserve funds on current projects?

Danehy noted that “Our reserves are for a rainy day and we must keep a certain amount in reserves for that purpose. For example, I believe that the town spent $2 million on COVID-related expenses. How fortunate that we had those funds in reserve. While we need to be mindful that it is all taxpayer money, it makes sense to have some held back.” She pointed out that when she was on the Finance Committee during tough financial times, “we had very little reserves; it was a scary time.”

Smith Galvin summed it up, saying “Our town reserves are an important component of maintaining our town’s AAA bond rating which reduces our interest costs, thus freeing up funds for us to use on other initiatives. There are times when it is prudent and/or necessary to spend reserves, and these decisions, that are made by Town Meeting, must be carefully considered and weighed."

Question: Please describe at least two decisions made by our current TC that you agreed with and why.

Both candidates had “outdoor dining during the pandemic” as their top choice, with Danehy noting that Wakefield gets tax revenues from our local businesses and local businesses provide a quality of life to our residents with local dining, shopping, and personal care services. She added that “TC needs to continue to do what we can to help businesses thrive, especially during this pandemic. Recent decisions show that our current TC has the ability to adapt to a changing, stressful environment.”

Smith Galvin said that the establishment of a Youth Council was also high on her list, and Daney praised the decision to raise the pride flag during pride month (June) at the Americal Civic Center because it presents a strong inclusive and welcoming statement about our town.

Question: Please describe at least two decisions made by our current TC that you disagreed with and why.

As a current TC member, Smith-Galvin stated “I have taken nearly 900 votes as a Town Councilor. I research and explain my votes. While I am not always in the majority, I respect the decisions made by the Council’s majority.”

Daney shared that she supports the hiring of Erin Kokinda as economic and community development director, but added "I do not agree with the decision to combine her job responsibilities with the Town Planner. I believe that we need a town planner to develop and execute an updated master plan, working with all town departments for an integrated development strategy balancing historical preservation, protection of open space with new development, all while being mindful of the stress put on schools and other town services. I know that ZBA and the Planning Board deals with these important issues with every decision, however, I believe we need a full-time town employee who is leading and executing this effort.”

11) Do you agree with how our Board of Health has handled the challenges the pandemic has presented our community? Why or why not?

Both Smith-Galvin and Danehy were enthusiastic as to the excellent job done by our Board of Health, from securing and distributing masks to residents, compassionately tracing COVID cases, and efficiently executing multiple vaccine clinics.

Question: Do you think that Town Council should be directly involved with the operations of local nonprofit organizations?

“I think that it is a dangerous move for government to become directly involved with the operations of local non-profit organizations” is Danehy’s view. “For public safety, I believe in having rules and regulations dictated by the town, but that is very different than having any role in how they choose to operate and make decisions.”

Galvin-Smith replied “Nonprofit organizations are an important part of Wakefield’s community. The services and programs they provide help meet critical needs. The Town Council certainly collaborates with many nonprofit organizations, but they are independent entities with their own governance structures.”

Question: What role do you see for TC as to ensuring that Wakefield continues to evolve in respect to human and civil rights?

Along with stating that “Town Council must set a vision, be vocal, and take visible action to ensure that human and civil rights are respected in Wakefield,” Smith-Galvin gave this example: “TC could direct the Town Administrator to make every effort to hire a diverse town workforce and to provide diversity, equity, and inclusion training.”

Danehy agreed that TC sets the tone for the town. “When I was on the School Committee, I worked on many initiatives to create a positive climate for our students and community, and I look forward to doing the same on the Town Council. I am supportive of TC appointment of the Human Rights Commission and The Youth Council, as well as the raising of the pride flag during pride month. I am also supportive of the proclamation brought forward by Councilor Jonathan Chines denouncing any acts of hate in Wakefield.”

Question: What do you recommend that our police department do to further address the opioid crisis and how should it be paid for?

In Danehy’s opinion “It is not TC’s role to dictate to the fire and police what they should be doing. I do support funding for the police to deal with the opioid crisis. This is one of the greatest crises facing our community and other communities throughout the commonwealth and the country.”

Smith-Galvin also acknowledged the seriousness of the opioid crisis that continues to ravage Wakefield as well as other communities. “Our police and fire departments work closely with our public health professionals to offer counseling and other services to address the complex problem of substance abuse. Our next budget, to be voted on at Town Meeting, includes increased funding that will allow us to expand the availability of counselors. We also have a grant that enables WAKE-UP, a respected coalition that regularly brings first responders, health care workers, school personnel, business owners, counselors and other members of the community, including youth, together to troubleshoot substance abuse issues. We need to ensure that this program continues.”

Question: Have you participated in any of the Vision 2030 forums and surveys and if so, which (https://www.wakefield.ma.us/vision-2030)

Both candidates have attended the forums and completed the surveys and encourage everyone in our community to participate.

Question: What was your first paying W-2 job? What was your first W-2 job out of college?

Danehy replied “I worked for a public opinion research firm in Boston where I conducted surveys on a variety of issues. It was great fun!”

Smith-Galvin said that her first job, as a teenager, was being a cashier in her local ACE hardware store. She added that her first job out of college was as a waitress while she waited for her Peace Corps assignment.

Question: What was your undergrad major and why did you choose it?

Smith Galvin replied: “My undergrad majors were International Studies and Public Communications. I have always loved international travel and experiencing different cultures. I knew I wanted to learn languages and live and work internationally, so I studied at American University’s School of International Service. When I got there, I realized that I had enough credits from taking community college classes in high school to double major and decided to turn my love of writing into a Public Communications degree."

Daney replied: “My undergraduate major was government and psychology. I went to Smith College, which is a strong liberal arts college that encourages students to pursue areas that interest them. I liked government (most schools call it political science) and I liked psychology. I did not at first realize that the two were related, but my senior seminar was titled “Public Opinion And Public Policy," which combined both of my majors, leading me to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Connecticut in political science with a concentration in Public Opinion Research.

Question: Why did you start your own businesses and what challenges did you face?

Galvin-Smith started her own business after spending two decades in the corporate world because she wanted to use her skills to help start-up companies working in the field of climate change and renewable energy. “It was a risk,” she acknowledged, “but I found that my solid reputation for quality work and the good relationships I built over many years really paid off. Just as with Town Council, I was able to make connections and build partnerships that achieved solid results. Since starting my business in 2016, it has grown five-fold, allowing me to work on fascinating projects and employ several people, including Wakefield-based subcontractors and interns."

“I never imagined that I would own my own business,” said Danehy. “I worked for a company that I loved. I started their consumer insight division, and I was proud to see it grow. I loved working on public awareness campaigns, feeling like the work I was doing was making a difference.

"Starting my own business was a scary proposition. I was making a good income and I had a job I loved. Fortunately, my husband was getting his MBA and created a business plan for my potential company as a class project. The path became clear and I decided to take a leap of faith. And as time went on, I was also able to grow my business.” She added that this decision enabled her to be more involved in the community, including volunteering at her daughters’ school, and noted that “The process of creating and building a business honed my adaptability, creative problem-solving skills, and talent for managing multiple priorities. I plan on taking these skills to Town Council."