GEORGETOWN — Daryl Barta and Evan O'Reilly are vying for the seat being vacated by incumbent Lonnie Brennan on the Board of Selectmen.
The election is Monday.
Daryl Barta
Age: 48
Address: 6 Monroe St.
Years in town: 24
Family: Married to Jay since 1986; twins Scott and Kaela, age 18
Profession: Senior clinical nurse; facilitator and project manager for Hospira Worldwide
Town service: Six years on School Committee; Board of the Georgetown Education Foundation; Georgetown Health and Wellness Advisory Council; PTA member; and Board of Camp Leslie
Why are you running for selectman?
I have worked on the School Committee for six years and have been able to help establish best practices within the school district. Among the positive changes made are true budget transparency, district accountability, improved communication between schools and town departments, and curriculum enhancement and expansion. I want to continue to put forward, as selectman, what I call "unity of purpose," where all town departments work together to continue to provide the best services for the best value. As communities like ours struggle with limited revenues and escalated costs, it takes leadership, proven results and experience to meet these challenges. I bring that leadership, proven results and experience to the table.
What is the biggest issue facing Georgetown, and what would you do as selectman to change it?
One of the biggest issues facing all municipalities right now is rising costs with limited revenue. As a town, we need to evaluate how every dollar is spent as well as assess the town's operations on a regular basis. We must ask: Are we conducting business effectively? Do we maximize our group purchasing power? Are we cost-sharing between departments and other towns effectively? What are our current strengths and weaknesses? Do we function as a town system, or as individual departments? Are we following best practices?
Planning for our town's future is a top priority. We need to revitalize the master plan, complete a needs assessment and develop a strategic plan that addresses our short-, mid- and long-term needs.
Small communities such as ours are dependent on volunteer participation. Balancing work demands, family needs and volunteering can be challenging, but it is vital to the fabric of our community. We need to provide vision and opportunity to welcome and support volunteers as a sustainable resource.
Do you support any of the overrides/debt exclusions coming up at the town election?*
The schools are requesting a one-time debt exclusion for capital equipment. This is an investment for the future, as it will provide a significant cost savings in next year's operating budget.
After speaking with Chief (Michael) Anderson, I am in full support of the Fire Department override. The department needs a full-time chief and per diem staff for day coverage.
The roofs need to be replaced. Deferring these projects will cause further damage to the roofs and escalate costs.
Evan O'Reilly
Age: 24
Address: 1 Cherry St.
Years in town: 24
Profession: College student, UMass Lowell; property manager in Andover
Volunteer service: President of high school class junior and senior years; fundraised $4,500 for class projects; volunteer for American Liver Association
Why are you running for selectman?
There are a lot of problems in town right now that are not being addressed, like how to grow the commercial base without losing the feel of a small town. Also, the residents seem to be split into two groups: people who don't want or can't afford an override and others who feel we need it. I went to Georgetown High School and am very supportive of it, but I don't want to see people victimized for not wanting an override because they can't afford it.
What is the biggest issue facing Georgetown, and what would you do as selectman to change it?
The biggest problem is the lack of commercial growth and how to grow our commercial tax base. There was a proposal for some big-box stores to go into town last year that was shut down before people really had the chance to look at the benefits or losses. We can't be dependent so heavily on residents for taxes. We need to attract business to Georgetown by making permitting more streamlined so businesses can get in quickly.
Also, there is not money for teens and senior citizens. I would look at how to fund more for those two groups.
Do you support any of the overrides/debt exclusions coming up at the town election?*
I definitely support the Fire Department. After listening to the fire chief and (selectmen chairman) Matt Vincent at the State of the Town meeting and hearing about the high call volume and response times, I have concluded that this money is needed. We can't have a call come in and no one there to pick up the phone.
On the roof issue, I agree they need a new roof. What I am afraid of is they'll open up the roof and find bigger issues that will cost more money. I have helped my father, Terry, renovate many properties, and repairs are always more expensive than you think. But I will most likely vote yes on this one because it is needed.
For the schools, I support all three because the needs were clearly laid out and they are only a one-year expense. Also, the ideas in the exclusions will save schools money in the long run. Transportation is important, as is lowering costs. We definitely need more security at the middle/high school, and the copiers will save dollars in the long run.
* Note: The Fire Department is seeking a $91,000 permanent override to fund a strong chief structure to the department; the schools are seeking a total of $148,000 in one-time debt exclusions to pay for special education vans, a copy center and security system; the Police Department is seeking $125,000 for a new roof; and the Highway Department is seeking $50,000 for its roof.
