Acton election - Statements from Candidates
Mon, 2009-11-30 00:39 — webmaster
The candidates for the two contested elections – the two seats on the Board of Selectmen and the two seats on the school committee – were asked to submit brief statements. The election is tomorrow, Tuesday March 29th, 2011. The polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. This is a sample ballot :
http://www.acton-ma.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DID=1013
For more information, see the town website :
http://www.acton-ma.gov/index.aspx?nid=300
The candidates' statements are :
BOARD OF SELECTMEN CANDIDATES
DAVID CLOUGH
My name is David Clough, and I am running for a seat on the Board of Selectmen. I have lived in Acton for 16 years. I have a long history of volunteering in town organizations such as church boards, Scouts, coaching and community theater and feel it’s the right time for me to serve the entire town.
If I am elected, I would work to maintain and improve Acton’s quality of service. Our excellent schools and town services provide benefits to each of us as well as protecting our home values.
As a consultant to small businesses, I bring a unique perspective to the Board. My experience makes me very aware of the need to watch budgets very carefully to ensure that we get the most value for our tax dollars.
I frequently am called in to help businesses resolve issues. I believe in listening to all stake holders and subject matter experts to find solutions, and that experience will benefit the entire town.
I would like to bring that skill set to the Board of Selectman. To find out more about me, please look at my website www.CloughforActon.com.
Please ask all residents to vote on Tuesday, March 29th.
TERRA FRIEDRICHS
Hello! I grew up in Acton and have worked on committees for over 10 years. So I know the people. The processes. And the finances. Over 50 people in town, either current or past members of Acton Committees/Boards, have “Re-Elect Terra” signs on their lawns. Yes, I take hard stances at times to protect what you hold precious. Yes, I work to minimize the negative impact of growth on our community. But with those stands, I also protect your water. I protect your land. I protect your employees. I protect your pocketbooks. I am there when you need a voice. And I do the work. I get volunteer experts to do research and analysis. I reach out to diverse communities ensure we have input from all sides. To get all that we want from our town, many voices are necessary. I am able to bring people together, including subject matter experts from diverse backgrounds to BE on committees. Members of these committees want me to continue. They want at least one person at the table asking the hard questions. Re-Elect Terra Friedrichs for Selectman. Please see my website: www.terraforacton.com And check out the Terra-song! Let your kids download the ringtone!
JOHN SONNER
I am John Sonner and I am asking you to vote for me as Selectman. My wife, Karen, and I moved to Acton in 1994. Our two children graduated from the Acton schools. We have become invested in this community and love living here. Karen is a teacher at the Merriam School in Acton. I have served in several volunteer roles in the town, including committees, coaching and tutoring.
My day job is as a project manager. I would like to take my work approach and apply it as a Selectman by:
-Defining the problem
-Identifying potential solutions
-Recognizing fiscal constraints
-Weighing the pros and cons of each option
-Deciding on a direction
-Taking action
One area I have used these skills is on the committee for the new train station. I am a pragmatist. I helped to balance competing priorities, including better train service, handicapped access, historic look, timing, and cost.
My priorities include:
-Improving transportation
-Protecting open space
-Increasing our use of technology
My endorsements include current and former selectmen, Finance Committee members, committee members, neighbors, and work colleagues, some of which can be seen at http://johnsonner.com/Testimonials.php For more information, visit www.johnsonner.com
SCHOOL COMMITTEE CANDIDATES
DENNIS BRUCE
My name is Dennis Bruce and I am a candidate for the Acton School Committee. I’m running because of my strong desire to participate in the educational process of our children and I’m passionate about the Acton Schools. I feel I have the necessary attributes and experience to serve on this important town committee. My professional experience includes four years serving in the United States Coast Guard. After the service, I attended and graduated Bryant University. I earned my CPA certification while working for a Big 6 Accounting Firm and bring financial experience to the School Committee which will be an invaluable asset when dealing with budgeting process. For the last 16 years I have worked for technology companies and more recently, as Director of Sales for a software company. This experience brings the understanding of the importance of technology in our schools as our children move toward their future. From a personal perspective, I’ve coached many Acton youth sports teams, and from 2008-2010, I served as PTO Treasurer for my children’s elementary school. My financial, sales & technology experience would be a positive attribute to the Acton School Committee. I would appreciate your support and vote on March 29th.
Thanks,
Dennis P. Bruce
978-621-8725
KIM MCOSKER
My husband, Dan and I have lived in Acton since 1998 and chose this community due to the reputation of excellent schools. We have four children – our oldest is now in the high school, we have two attending Conant School and our youngest will be entering kindergarten in the Fall.
Professionally, I have held Human Resource management positions where success in my job required creativity, fiscal responsibility, and the ability to work with a diverse group of employees. I have volunteered in Conant for several years and have served on the PTO Board as Vice President, President and most recently as Fundraising Chair and served on Search Committees for the Superintendent and Conant Principal. I believe that my professional and volunteer experience and skills would be an asset to the school committee.
Running for School Committee is an opportunity to further serve my community with a focus on our schools. I am running with no agenda other than to support our school Districts. I believe that this is important – to serve with an open mind and focus on the committee's responsibility to the children and representing the community at all times.
Kim McOsker
PAUL MURPHY
I have been a resident of Acton for 14 years and have two kids in the Acton school system. I have been active in volunteering for a variety of education-related activities, including the Auction, the Camp Fair and participating in the classroom.
With a Master’s in education and a wish to serve the community, it makes sense for me to run for the Acton School Committee. If elected, I promise to advocate for the best education we can give to each child. I also promise to be fiscally responsible and welcome diversity. I will support professional development for educators to better serve our children. I would consider ways to reduce class size and reduce disruptive “pullouts” of children who are receiving special services. I would also like to pressure and stress that both parents and students feel.
I believe the School Committee has worked hard along with teachers, administrators, finance committee and others to preserve a level of service that avoided both layoffs and operating overrides. My hope is that as the economy improves, as I believe it will, we can redirect the education conversation back to focusing on the children. With your support, I look forward to doing that.
Paul Murphy
