Brian Sullivan's Endorsement Page
Board of Selectman
Planning Board
I am supporting Christine Long's candidacy for the Planning Board.
I have known Christine for a number of years now - spending a number of them with her on Town Meeting and on other town related issues. The first things that come to mind when describing Chris are hardworking and dedication. Christine probably puts in somewhere around 75 nights a year just at various town committees and boards that she serves on. That's 75 nights a year! And to be clear, I'm not talking about someone who just drops in at a meeting, watches just the piece of interest, and then leaves - we are talking meetings she has to participate in.
After hardworking and dedication, has to come commitment. Christine has served on the Zoning Board of Appeals for 4 years, the Standing Committee for Public Works for 5 years, the Government Study Committee for 5 years, and Town Meeting for 10. She doesn't jump on a Committee for a year just to get it on her "election resume." Look at the terms she's run - she joins a committee and stays committed to it. And then let's not forget those other sub-committees and task forces that come up from time to time.
After commitment, has to come leadership. She has been the Chair of the Standing Committee for Public Works for 4 years, the Chair of the Government Study Committee for 3 years, and the Vice-Chair for her precinct for 5 years. For those of you who might not follow the town stuff too closely, the Chairs of committees tend to do more than just run meetings. They usually are required to spend time setting up meetings, meeting with department heads, running from Committee to Committee when sponsoring warrant articles, etc. - in general getting the "privilege" to donate even more of their personal time to the Town.
OK, that's some of her personal qualities. Now lets get straight to the nuts and bolts. Why is she the best candidate?
I view the Planning Board as a board which needs to be able to understand and address the issues and concerns of 3 distinct groups: neighbors, the Town (as a governmental body), and businesses/builders.
- Representing her precinct as a Town Meeting Member and listening to residents discuss issues in front of the ZBA has given Chris an understanding of what's important to neighbors.
- Having to vote on ZBA matters requires a thorough understanding of the Town's zoning bylaws. Heading the Standing Committee for Public Works gives her an understanding of the Town's infrastructure - which construction can have a significant impact on. So she knows how to look out for the Town's interests.
- On top of this, Christine is a small business owner and has over 25 years in construction management. So, she understands businesses and builders.
So we have someone who has a very good understanding of all of the major points of view wrapped up in a nice tidy package.
Finally, I think we all like to get free stuff. Christine's 28 years in construction management is PROFESSIONAL WORK experience that is completely RELEVANT experience to the Planning Board and we as a Town would essentially get it for free.
Based on her level of participation and dedication to our Town's government and her relevant professional work experience - I believe Christine is the best person for the job.
Please give Christine Long your vote for Planning Board.
Thanks for listening.
Brian Sullivan