March 5 Column

This is the first of a series of interviews with the candidates for the two open Board of Selectmen seats. The first is with incumbent Bob Correnti. The edited version appears in the newspaper, but here you can read Mr. Correnti’s responses unabridged.

Mr. Correnti’s answers are in boxes. I’ve added some of my own comments as well.

Q. Tell me about two accomplishments in your current term that you are most proud of.

Advocating the automated trash system is one recent example that comes to mind. Our solid waste budget (trash pickup services) is over $3 Million dollars with the costs increasing annually. Also as a community, we had not been doing well with recycling.. Something needed to be done. The automated trash collection system has been gaining acceptance by many communities. Working closely with Billerica’s solid waste contractor, our DPW Director evaluated the program. As I had noted at one of our Selectmen meetings, other communities realized significant savings after adopting an automated system. Further, with an automated system recycling participation increases, thus providing another cost savings as it reduces unnecessary trash in our waste stream while benefiting the environment. Therefore, these savings have helped the residential taxpayer by offsetting the increases in waste disposal fees. While change may be difficult to accept, I have been most impressed with the acceptance and adoption of this new system by Billerica residents. One other point: take notice on trash collection day and you’ll no longer see trash piled all over the curb with debris blowing around the neighborhood. So this became a “win/win” for all.

The recent arrival of Verizon FIOS in town is another example. As a member of the Cable Advisory Committee, I have been involved seeking to bring the benefits of cable competition to Billerica. For over a year, the Committee negotiated with Verizon. Through the hard work, patience and persistence of the Committee and the leadership of the Committee’s Chair, Kevin Conway, these efforts were realized and today residents have a choice and the opportunity to save money. In some instances, the cost savings for cable, internet and telephone are significant to residents!

Recently, I had the honor of bringing forth a “Community Covenant” reaffirming Billerica’s commitment to those serving in our military services. While Billerica has always had an active outreach to veterans, this covenant increases our determination to do all we can to support our military forces and their families. In turn, members of the military armed forces have committed their support to Billerica’s youth. For me, this covenant was another demonstration of our resolve to assist Billerica’s men and women in the service of our country. Through my efforts, unused funds were located and put to use to assist families of those actively deployed

I do enjoy that automated trash collection and the money it saved us.

Q. You have been serving on the Board for several years. Why does experience matter?

There are a host of challenges facing our town today. First and foremost are the economic issues and constraints on municipal budgets. With my years of experience on the Board, I believe I have clearly demonstrated my ability and knowledge of municipal finance, budgets and governance. The Board of Selectmen is the policy-making Board for Billerica. Our leadership in setting fiscal policies and strategy is crucial to our navigating through these economic challenges. We are committed to providing the efficient services all taxpayers demand from their local government. We have a new and capable Town Manager. We must work collegially with the Town Manager and his financial team for Billerica to be successful. It is important to note that in their recent report to the Board of Selectmen, the Town’s independent outside auditors praised Billerica for their financial position. Experience counts and the results are clear! I’m proud to be an active member of the team serving the residents of Billerica.

Q. Your web site says you have the “character to stand up and fight for what may not be politically correct but what is ‘right’.” Can you give us an example of an issue about which you weren’t politically correct?

In response to your question, let me tell you about “Billerica C.A.R.E.S.”. A number of years ago, the Board of Selectmen urged the Town Manager to activate the dormant “No Place for Hate” Program. Eventually, the Town Manager put forward plans to re-energize the “No Place for Hate” Program sponsored by the Jewish Anti-Defamation League. However, I spoke against joining the ADL’s program, as the ADL had taken a public position against recognizing the Armenian massacre as a genocide. At the time, some thought my position against a well-respected organization’s program might not be “politically proper or correct”. Yet I felt the position of the ADL contradicted the basic tenet of their purpose which was to remind us not to forget – not to forget the truths and lessons of history. Ultimately, the Board of Selectmen agreed and Billerica did not partner with the ADL in their “No Place for Hate” campaign. Rather, Town Manager Rocco Luongo formed a local initiative which grew into our own group called “Billerica C.A.R.E.S.” Today, “Billerica C.A.R.E.S.” is actively promoting diversity, community acceptance, respect and enrichment. I’m proud of my stand that led to this group’s creation.

I have to admit, it takes guts to oppose the Jewish Anti-Defamation League.

Q. Business growth is important to you. Can we attract new business with aging building space – - some of which is vacant – - or do we have to build new?

We certainly can and must attract new businesses. Aging buildings shouldn’t be viewed as an obstacle, but as a challenge. Just look at our Senior Center – today we have a vibrant Senior Center that developed out of an old cramped library building. We rehabilitated our old Town Hall into the “Jewel in our Town Center” – our Town Library. The old Bennett Library has been rehabbed and used for a variety of cultural events. In the North, the Faulkner Mills was refurbished into a Museum, Offices, and an Art Gallery. Certainly, vacant office space is a sign of our economic times. But we must increase our efforts for Economic Development and outreach to the business community. Through the years representing Billerica, I’ve attended a number of Business Community meetings and events, building mutually beneficial relationships. I know first-hand the important role new business growth has in our town’s success and in stabilizing our tax base. I have urged our new Town Manager to reach out to the business community and have committed to work to that end.

He’s right about the library. It is terrific. And it was clever to put the Senior Center in the old library building (although many will tell you that place is showing its age now). But the second half of his response was vague and didn’t answer my question. While mentioning the refurbished mill area was great, I was looking for him to expand on this idea to other neglected places in town. As you know, I am an advocate of getting rid of ugly, cheap structures and replacing them with attractive, versatile ones. (Planners call this “infill.”) But I think Mr. Correnti believes that with enough marketing, we will pull businesses into older spaces here. I don’t think that will work.

Q. Are you satisfied that the Billerica Mall is now in decent condition? Would you like to see something else on that site within five years, and if so, what?

I absolutely cannot agree with you that the Mall is in “decent condition.” It’s a disaster! For whatever reason, it’s been in declining neglect for years. Back in 2005, NMCOG (our regional planning agency) presented a study regarding the Mills in the North and the Town Center. While a zoning change was adopted for the Mills in the North, no planning initiatives were undertaken for the Town Center until a zoning change was brought forth years later by a private citizen.. We need a revitalization of the Mall. Not only would this provide increased tax revenue from such a project but also our Town Center would get a new breath of life – possibly spurring further economic growth. Just look to the neighboring town of Wilmington and the results of their planning efforts revitalizing the Route 38 area. Significant traffic issues and empty buildings were addressed through creative planning and economic development. The results have yielded positive economic benefits and tax revenue for Wilmington. Working with the Billerica Mall ownership towards mutually beneficial objectives, I envision a revitalization project bringing the Mall and our Town Center together…a project offering possibilities and options…a project bringing in new tax revenue.

I should note here that Mr. Correnti submitted his answers before the Mall sprung a new leak in the roof last week. (Also, I was not suggesting in my question that the Mall was in good repair.)

That aside, I was very disappointed that he gave Main Street in Wilmington as an example of development. While the big strip malls in Wilmington are new, they are classic examples of costly suburban sprawl and not the least bit creative. There are so many other great examples in our own region of towns that have improved their centers without resorting to this sort of large scale, scorched earth retail development. Finally, section of Main Street is nowhere near Wilmington’s town center, which is lovely and has been carefully preserved.

I asked a follow-up question:

Q. You pointed to the new strip malls in Wilmington as an example of growth, but the PB sees the future of the center differently. Did you vote ‘yes’ on the PB’s article to allow mixed use development at the Fall 2009 TM? If not, how will you work with the PB to put together a compromise in your next term?

I did vote in support of this. Absolutely.

Remember the Planning Board is an independent elected Board. Additionally, we have a full time Planning Director. I did reference a study done in 2005. We can make suggestions to the Planning Director and Planning Board members. Hopefully they will listen. If not, then we need to consider that when they are seeking re-election.

Hmmm. This may be the most revealing response of the interview. While he is technically right, of course, that the BOS and PB operate and are elected independently of one another, I like to think they at least want to work together in some form — formally or informally — to execute the goals of the Master Plan. Also, I look differently at the Fall 2009 TM in which the PB submitted a zoning update that was cut and pasted from the Master Plan: The PB made a suggestion and hopefully TM would listen. (They didn’t.)

We don’t have a mayor, so I see the BOS as a five-headed “spiritual leader” of the town. Mayors often know what is right for the community and find ways to get those things done, usually between city council meetings. I don’t want my BOS to simply run though their agenda each Monday. I want them to be talking to people on other boards and commissions during the other 6 days of the week, working together, negotiating, getting things done.

The five people on the BOS are also TMMs, and can provide some leadership during TM debates. Let’s face it, TM could use some direction. The BOS should and does carry a lot of weight, and they should take advantage of that. A well-written, well-delivered speech from a respected leader can go a long way in the Buck Auditorium.

Q. You are one of our representatives on NMCOG, our regional planning agency. How has Billerica benefitted from your involvement?

Recently, NMCOG through the DLTA II Program (District Local Technical Assistance) developed draft bylaws for Billerica to encourage renewable energy initiatives (solar and wind energy). With NMCOG’s assistance, Billerica’s Economic Development Co-ordinator developed a “Permitting Guide” summarizing and detailing Billerica’s permitting process. This guide will be an invaluable resource not only to residents but also to businesses considering expansion in Billerica. Currently, NMCOG is reviewing the benefits of establishing joint purchasing groups among member communities. NMCOG’s Traffic studies and data are valuable resources to Billerica’s Traffic Management Committee, of which I am a member. Just recently, I reviewed the Cook Street pole fiasco with NMCOG resulting in NMCOG’s involvement with Mass Highway and other officials urging immediate attention to the critical safety issues.

I am also on the Board of Directors of Community Teamwork, a local Social Services agency serving many local communities. CTI provides services such as Fuel Assistance, Home Weatherization, retraining programs, foreclosure and tax assistance, child care and housing assistance, etc. CTI serves hundreds of Billerica residents. Last year’s total assistance exceeded $1,500,000 !

My service and experience demonstrates my results-driven commitment to Billerica.

Again, my sincere thanks to Bob Correnti for spending so much time answering my questions and I wish him luck.

Election Day is April 10.

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