2020 Elections: Acton Board of Selectmen
Introduction
BY MICHAEL CHENG '20, MAY HONG '23, KATHERINE LEE '23, ADITYA RAMAN '23
“What, in your opinion, sets you apart?”
We asked this question and many others to the four candidates vying for Acton’s Board of Selectmen on June 2nd. One thing we learned was that they have a lot in common.
Candidates all support strong schools and believe that collaboration is key to a successful board. They also agree that the town faces a variety of challenges, from affordable housing and the environment to the impact of COVID-19 on town finances.
The differences lie in their background and experiences. Although all four had lengthy resumes in local politics and volunteering, they have different priorities, and they all have slightly different ideas about what makes a board and government run smoothly and efficiently.
With each selectmen serving three-year terms, the Board of Selectmen acts as the town’s executive branch (the legislature is Town Meeting, and all voters are invited). The board oversees and helps coordinate other various town committees, from the Finance committee to the Dog Park Committee. The BOS is also responsible for appointing the Town Manager and setting the agenda for town meetings, and it is often charged with enacting the warrant articles that are approved. On occasion, the board sets policy directly, such as in its 2017 immigration policy.
The election was rescheduled to June 2nd from March 31st after being postponed due to COVID-19. Although polling locations are slated to open, the town is encouraging early voting by mail as much as possible.
Over the past few weeks The Spectrum has been able to have a wide-ranging conversation with each candidate. We want to thank all the candidates for taking the time to engage with us. In addition, we want to extend a special thanks to the Acton League of Women Voters for helping us reach out to all of the candidates, and also for their own coverage of this election, which you can find here.
The four of us have each profiled one of the candidates in an attempt to better understand what issues mattered most to them and what set each of them apart. There are two open seats on the Board of Selectmen, and without further ado, here are your candidates to fill them.
We asked this question and many others to the four candidates vying for Acton’s Board of Selectmen on June 2nd. One thing we learned was that they have a lot in common.
Candidates all support strong schools and believe that collaboration is key to a successful board. They also agree that the town faces a variety of challenges, from affordable housing and the environment to the impact of COVID-19 on town finances.
The differences lie in their background and experiences. Although all four had lengthy resumes in local politics and volunteering, they have different priorities, and they all have slightly different ideas about what makes a board and government run smoothly and efficiently.
With each selectmen serving three-year terms, the Board of Selectmen acts as the town’s executive branch (the legislature is Town Meeting, and all voters are invited). The board oversees and helps coordinate other various town committees, from the Finance committee to the Dog Park Committee. The BOS is also responsible for appointing the Town Manager and setting the agenda for town meetings, and it is often charged with enacting the warrant articles that are approved. On occasion, the board sets policy directly, such as in its 2017 immigration policy.
The election was rescheduled to June 2nd from March 31st after being postponed due to COVID-19. Although polling locations are slated to open, the town is encouraging early voting by mail as much as possible.
Over the past few weeks The Spectrum has been able to have a wide-ranging conversation with each candidate. We want to thank all the candidates for taking the time to engage with us. In addition, we want to extend a special thanks to the Acton League of Women Voters for helping us reach out to all of the candidates, and also for their own coverage of this election, which you can find here.
The four of us have each profiled one of the candidates in an attempt to better understand what issues mattered most to them and what set each of them apart. There are two open seats on the Board of Selectmen, and without further ado, here are your candidates to fill them.
Beverly Cornell
BY MICHAEL CHENG '20
Beverly Cornell is a relatively fresh face in the Acton political scene. Although she had engaged in volunteer work, Cornell openly admitted to the League of Women Voters that she “[has] no relevant experience in town government.”
However, Cornell “doesn’t see [that lack of experience] as a handicap.” An insurance agent by trade, Cornell believes that her expertise in property and casualty insurance would bring a new perspective and be an asset to the board, such as when appraising risk for town events. “[Whenever] you're running a government...you need to cover liability.”
Cornell decided to get in the race in part because she was concerned about how “all the businesses that are leaving,” and she has made responsible growth a focus of her campaign. From Tire Barn to KMart (which she wants to replace with Kohls), Cornell highlights many businesses that have left town over the past few years. Cornell stressed the importance of being a welcoming town for shops and restaurants; not only would it make shopping more convenient by being closer to home, but it would also allow the town to be less reliant on collecting property taxes.
“So I think they're going to have to determine, ‘Well, what does this town need?’...[T]hat's why I also think [we need to be] communicating with the residents as to what [they would] like to see. [What] are they [buying], that they're not buying here?”
Cornell recognizes the impact that this “devastating disease” has on the business community, and she encourages residents to “do their part” in supporting local businesses, for example by buying takeout if they can afford it.
With all that being said, Cornell does see a few silver linings of this extended lockdown, one of which being the reduced pollution due to travel and industrial restrictions. Pollution is one of Cornell’s major concerns on a national scale, but Cornell doesn’t see as much of an issue in Acton, and she supports Acton’s current environmental policies.
She would like to see businesses open up soon, as long as it can be done safely. However, Cornell wants to be more cautious with opening the schools. Although she would consider guidance from the state, ultimately she wants this decision to be made at the local level.
“This is our people and our children. I think I would leave it up to Acton and the people in it as to what they're going to do next. And, you know, I don't have children, but if I did, I would be hesitant to bring them back to class, even in the fall. I would probably want to wait even longer. It's just such a terrible disease. You don't really want to take that risk.”
During our conversation, Cornell talked repeatedly about supporting what she affectionately refers to as “the children” of the town. This concern animated her views on a variety of other issues beyond reopening schools. For example, while she supports the concept of affordable housing, she wishes that affordable units had larger acreage requirements, because “the children need a place to play.”
She also wants to make sure each student is able to get a well rounded education, both inside and outside the classroom. She was particularly interested in ensuring civics education, and she had quite a few ideas about how to get students involved in local governance. One idea was to get the Board of Selectmen and other town departments directly into the schools.
“Maybe we [go to the school itself] and say, ‘Okay, this is what we do. This is what you can do to help us.’ And then maybe even some mailings, like the town has put out mailings for both COVID-19 but maybe they could be on notifying students that we're having a virtual meeting and you're invited on this particular subject.”
These next few months are sure to be a difficult time for local governments across the country, and the fiscal effects will drag on for years, as was the case in the recession. The coming months will create new conversations around how to support our youth in education and our businesses in enterprise, along with discussions on how to maximize our municipal budgets and maintain our environment. It may force us to be more thoughtful about the specific kinds of growth that we desire and are willing to subsidize, and as always, we’ll need to wrestle with how to make sure everyone has a voice in these matters. Beverly Cornell isn’t the first person to focus on these issues, and she will not be the last.
However, Cornell “doesn’t see [that lack of experience] as a handicap.” An insurance agent by trade, Cornell believes that her expertise in property and casualty insurance would bring a new perspective and be an asset to the board, such as when appraising risk for town events. “[Whenever] you're running a government...you need to cover liability.”
Cornell decided to get in the race in part because she was concerned about how “all the businesses that are leaving,” and she has made responsible growth a focus of her campaign. From Tire Barn to KMart (which she wants to replace with Kohls), Cornell highlights many businesses that have left town over the past few years. Cornell stressed the importance of being a welcoming town for shops and restaurants; not only would it make shopping more convenient by being closer to home, but it would also allow the town to be less reliant on collecting property taxes.
“So I think they're going to have to determine, ‘Well, what does this town need?’...[T]hat's why I also think [we need to be] communicating with the residents as to what [they would] like to see. [What] are they [buying], that they're not buying here?”
Cornell recognizes the impact that this “devastating disease” has on the business community, and she encourages residents to “do their part” in supporting local businesses, for example by buying takeout if they can afford it.
With all that being said, Cornell does see a few silver linings of this extended lockdown, one of which being the reduced pollution due to travel and industrial restrictions. Pollution is one of Cornell’s major concerns on a national scale, but Cornell doesn’t see as much of an issue in Acton, and she supports Acton’s current environmental policies.
She would like to see businesses open up soon, as long as it can be done safely. However, Cornell wants to be more cautious with opening the schools. Although she would consider guidance from the state, ultimately she wants this decision to be made at the local level.
“This is our people and our children. I think I would leave it up to Acton and the people in it as to what they're going to do next. And, you know, I don't have children, but if I did, I would be hesitant to bring them back to class, even in the fall. I would probably want to wait even longer. It's just such a terrible disease. You don't really want to take that risk.”
During our conversation, Cornell talked repeatedly about supporting what she affectionately refers to as “the children” of the town. This concern animated her views on a variety of other issues beyond reopening schools. For example, while she supports the concept of affordable housing, she wishes that affordable units had larger acreage requirements, because “the children need a place to play.”
She also wants to make sure each student is able to get a well rounded education, both inside and outside the classroom. She was particularly interested in ensuring civics education, and she had quite a few ideas about how to get students involved in local governance. One idea was to get the Board of Selectmen and other town departments directly into the schools.
“Maybe we [go to the school itself] and say, ‘Okay, this is what we do. This is what you can do to help us.’ And then maybe even some mailings, like the town has put out mailings for both COVID-19 but maybe they could be on notifying students that we're having a virtual meeting and you're invited on this particular subject.”
These next few months are sure to be a difficult time for local governments across the country, and the fiscal effects will drag on for years, as was the case in the recession. The coming months will create new conversations around how to support our youth in education and our businesses in enterprise, along with discussions on how to maximize our municipal budgets and maintain our environment. It may force us to be more thoughtful about the specific kinds of growth that we desire and are willing to subsidize, and as always, we’ll need to wrestle with how to make sure everyone has a voice in these matters. Beverly Cornell isn’t the first person to focus on these issues, and she will not be the last.
Terra Friedrichs
BY MAY HONG '23
As a resident of Acton for forty years, Terra Friedrichs is one of the four candidates running for the Acton Board of Selectmen. She has previously served on the BOS from 2008 to 2011, allowing her to recognize both the power and limits of the board. Friedrichs spent the first ten years of her professional career in corporate positions, and has served on many town committees such as the Economic Development Committee, Historic District Commission, Cable Advisory Committee, and Community Preservation Committee. Heavily involved in the community, she has demonstrated her management experience through her extensive work with nonprofits and community groups. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening and art. Her campaign priorities include affordable housing, resource preservation, reviving small businesses, mental health in the school district, and government transparency. However, she notes that her belief in an open democracy would override her personal beliefs if the majority disagreed.
One of Friedrichs’ primary concerns is subsidizing condo units to help relieve Acton’s growing housing costs. Despite the increasing number of individuals who want to move into Acton, the housing market does not provide enough affordable housing for the newcomers. However, Friedrichs contends that new development is unnecessary, and that “we could be buying these condos and buying them down, subsidizing them and getting them to be affordable” under Chapter 40B. This policy can also benefit current tenants since subsidized condos will decrease rent. With lower costs, families can allocate more of their income to other necessities.
Moreover, on a broader scale, there has been a nationwide push to be more eco-friendly. Though Acton is taking some strides in the right direction, Friedrichs believes that the town is “not very bold” and is moving too slowly. Freidrichs wants the town to prohibit new constructions from hooking up to natural gas, and she is frustrated that “the most environmentally sensitive housing policy for example, is to reuse and rehab existing units,” yet “we still are plowing down trees and all the concrete to build a new Kelley's Corner.”
Friedrichs also notes that the town suffers from a lack of small businesses, especially with COVID-19’s impact on these firms. Social distancing guidelines and the closure of non-essential businesses have proved detrimental for sales and services. Revenue has decreased in the absence of foot traffic as most stores lack an online presence With a need for an economic boost, Friedrichs proposes that the town equally divide a budget among Acton’s small businesses next month, similar to the U.S. government’s relief funds. She hopes some financial support will help these businesses get back on their feet again.
Alongside COVID-19’s economic impact, the virus has taken a psychological toll on Acton’s community, particularly the younger generation. In recent years, stress in particular has become a major focus for the high school. Friedrichs suggests using “mental health resources at the schools” to bolster the wellbeing of the district. She also believes in open communication with students on this issue to best cater to and provide for their needs.
Similar to increased discussion with students, Friedrichs also values increased transparency between the board and public, which has definitely been an issue in the past. She emphasised this greatly, and was very bothered by the amount of things concealed by the board. Friedrichs states that, “the town is in bed with developers,” and hopes that increased engagement will create a more diverse Acton focused on community goals. She wants to be more inclusive to new members at meetings and to conduct more surveys of the town: “that’s really my goal, to open the government to more people, and involve more people.” Friedrichs also believes in an open democracy, stating that she would support the majority opinion of the town regardless of her personal views. In her interview, she explains how she believes a democracy is the best way to govern, and that a transparent board would facilitate representation. These two beliefs seemed to take priority over her personal beliefs on policy compared to other candidates who focused on policy more.
Terra Friedrich’s extensive work experience and great passion makes her a very qualified candidate. Her emphasis on an open democracy and transparency makes her stand out. In addition, her takes on current issues in Acton – condo subsidies, decreased natural gas hookups, financial support for small businesses, and student mental health – can help the town move forward into a brighter future.
For more information on Terra, visit her website.
One of Friedrichs’ primary concerns is subsidizing condo units to help relieve Acton’s growing housing costs. Despite the increasing number of individuals who want to move into Acton, the housing market does not provide enough affordable housing for the newcomers. However, Friedrichs contends that new development is unnecessary, and that “we could be buying these condos and buying them down, subsidizing them and getting them to be affordable” under Chapter 40B. This policy can also benefit current tenants since subsidized condos will decrease rent. With lower costs, families can allocate more of their income to other necessities.
Moreover, on a broader scale, there has been a nationwide push to be more eco-friendly. Though Acton is taking some strides in the right direction, Friedrichs believes that the town is “not very bold” and is moving too slowly. Freidrichs wants the town to prohibit new constructions from hooking up to natural gas, and she is frustrated that “the most environmentally sensitive housing policy for example, is to reuse and rehab existing units,” yet “we still are plowing down trees and all the concrete to build a new Kelley's Corner.”
Friedrichs also notes that the town suffers from a lack of small businesses, especially with COVID-19’s impact on these firms. Social distancing guidelines and the closure of non-essential businesses have proved detrimental for sales and services. Revenue has decreased in the absence of foot traffic as most stores lack an online presence With a need for an economic boost, Friedrichs proposes that the town equally divide a budget among Acton’s small businesses next month, similar to the U.S. government’s relief funds. She hopes some financial support will help these businesses get back on their feet again.
Alongside COVID-19’s economic impact, the virus has taken a psychological toll on Acton’s community, particularly the younger generation. In recent years, stress in particular has become a major focus for the high school. Friedrichs suggests using “mental health resources at the schools” to bolster the wellbeing of the district. She also believes in open communication with students on this issue to best cater to and provide for their needs.
Similar to increased discussion with students, Friedrichs also values increased transparency between the board and public, which has definitely been an issue in the past. She emphasised this greatly, and was very bothered by the amount of things concealed by the board. Friedrichs states that, “the town is in bed with developers,” and hopes that increased engagement will create a more diverse Acton focused on community goals. She wants to be more inclusive to new members at meetings and to conduct more surveys of the town: “that’s really my goal, to open the government to more people, and involve more people.” Friedrichs also believes in an open democracy, stating that she would support the majority opinion of the town regardless of her personal views. In her interview, she explains how she believes a democracy is the best way to govern, and that a transparent board would facilitate representation. These two beliefs seemed to take priority over her personal beliefs on policy compared to other candidates who focused on policy more.
Terra Friedrich’s extensive work experience and great passion makes her a very qualified candidate. Her emphasis on an open democracy and transparency makes her stand out. In addition, her takes on current issues in Acton – condo subsidies, decreased natural gas hookups, financial support for small businesses, and student mental health – can help the town move forward into a brighter future.
For more information on Terra, visit her website.
Joan Gardner
BY ADITYA RAMAN '23
An Acton resident for over fifty years, Joan Gardner is running for reelection to the Board of Selectmen after making a comeback in 2017.
In addition to her current stint on the board, Gardener also served from 1974 to 1983 as the town’s second-ever selectwoman. Gardner cites her husband’s passing as part of what inspired her to return: “When my husband died five years ago, I heard Obama say, ‘If you are unhappy, do something and run for office.’” Gardner says she collaborates well with the other board members and wishes to continue her work there, pushing Acton towards improvement. Gardner feels that her experience sets her apart from other candidates. Having lived in Acton the longest, she has watched the town change over time, and as a previous board member, Gardner already knows precisely what the position entails. She plans on focusing on Acton’s environment, the housing crisis, and the equal distribution of resources to all areas of town as well as to people of all incomes, genders, etc.
Years of volunteering, participation, and leadership have brought many valuable skills under Gardner’s belt. In the past, she has worked as a librarian at multiple institutions, including Sherlock, Rhode Island, and Bryant Colleges as well as Harvard Law School. In Acton, she has continued her library work and is now in charge of the West Acton Library. Her lifetime experience as a librarian has taught her the importance of student education, so she has made the Acton’s schools and educational resources a priority. For this reason, Gardner promises that every school in the district will receive proper funding to maximize student success. Her dedication to working with youths brought her to the Acton Cooperative School, where she became the Head of Nursing. Given her experience there, and with her own near-adolescent grandchildren, Gardner feels qualified to form policies and make decisions that take youth of all ages into consideration. Gardner has also served on the Acton Finance Committee, and will be able to offer her invaluable budgeting strategies and insight to the Board should she be re-elected. With these skills, she plans on allocating funds to different projects in accordance to the residents’ priorities. This would mean spending more amounts of money on certain existing facilities or on the creation of new ones highly desired by locals.
Additionally, Gardner has been deeply involved in statewide organizations. She is the Chair for the League of Women Voters, advocating for women’s equality in politics. Currently the only woman on the board, Gardner believes that a combination of genders will open the door to more ideas and solutions to local conflicts. Having previously served on the Board of Selectmen, she was also the President of the Selectmen’s Association for the state of Massachusetts, which adds to her experience as an incredibly seasoned candidate. Dabbling in state government, Gardner was on both the Solid Waste and Hazardous Safety Councils for ten years, driven by her ardor for nature preservation. Afterwards, Gardner formed her own consulting firm called Applied Geographics, with which she was able to help many different communities such as women, a group whom she has consistently been concerned about throughout her career. “One of the [projects we did] that meant quite a bit to me was our project on Cape Cod, where we worked with Silent Spring Institute, looking at the environmental impacts on 2,600 women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer,” Gardner comments. By combining her passions for supporting other women and the environment, she was able to create a successful project which aided thousands. Gardner’s environmental passions have been something she has possessed throughout her career. This interest of hers annexed yet another title to her list: president of the Acton Garden Club, where she has shown a consistent dedication to preserving Acton flora. “After traveling to Malaysia and Bucharest, I had developed blood clots and decided to come back to Acton, where I was able to continue my interest in nature through the garden club.” Gardner plans on continuing to reduce litter, carbon emissions, and preserving native species should she be reelected for the board.
On a global scale, Gardner is a strong advocate for fighting climate change and has participated in nature-related clubs and organizations for this reason. If chosen again for the Board, Gardner hopes to continue planting trees in the town’s historic districts and having more electric car chargers to encourage clean energy usage. She feels that this, along with Acton residents’ efforts to reduce carbon emissions and environmental damage, will set the town’s trajectory towards a cleaner future. In terms of housing, Gardner wishes to solve the town crisis by building more homes and subsequently reducing house prices. She tells The Spectrum, “I understand that there has been some concern about protecting open spaces and wildlife, but I do feel that there is a need for more homes.” Ideally, Gardner hopes to make housing as affordable as possible while preserving the nature and seclusion of the wildlife trails that Acton has to offer. She also plans on following through with the construction of a fire station in North Acton, which was approved in September. Because many Acton residents live in this part of town, mainly in the Avalon apartment complex, there is a need for a better distribution of essential facilities to reduce any potential fire damages. Her affordable plans for the car chargers the fire station will add their funding to the residency tax.
In short, with her past experience in political leadership roles and involvement and success in providing for many different communities, Gardner feels prepared to take charge once more on the Board of Selectmen to make Acton continue its growth and advancement as a town.
In addition to her current stint on the board, Gardener also served from 1974 to 1983 as the town’s second-ever selectwoman. Gardner cites her husband’s passing as part of what inspired her to return: “When my husband died five years ago, I heard Obama say, ‘If you are unhappy, do something and run for office.’” Gardner says she collaborates well with the other board members and wishes to continue her work there, pushing Acton towards improvement. Gardner feels that her experience sets her apart from other candidates. Having lived in Acton the longest, she has watched the town change over time, and as a previous board member, Gardner already knows precisely what the position entails. She plans on focusing on Acton’s environment, the housing crisis, and the equal distribution of resources to all areas of town as well as to people of all incomes, genders, etc.
Years of volunteering, participation, and leadership have brought many valuable skills under Gardner’s belt. In the past, she has worked as a librarian at multiple institutions, including Sherlock, Rhode Island, and Bryant Colleges as well as Harvard Law School. In Acton, she has continued her library work and is now in charge of the West Acton Library. Her lifetime experience as a librarian has taught her the importance of student education, so she has made the Acton’s schools and educational resources a priority. For this reason, Gardner promises that every school in the district will receive proper funding to maximize student success. Her dedication to working with youths brought her to the Acton Cooperative School, where she became the Head of Nursing. Given her experience there, and with her own near-adolescent grandchildren, Gardner feels qualified to form policies and make decisions that take youth of all ages into consideration. Gardner has also served on the Acton Finance Committee, and will be able to offer her invaluable budgeting strategies and insight to the Board should she be re-elected. With these skills, she plans on allocating funds to different projects in accordance to the residents’ priorities. This would mean spending more amounts of money on certain existing facilities or on the creation of new ones highly desired by locals.
Additionally, Gardner has been deeply involved in statewide organizations. She is the Chair for the League of Women Voters, advocating for women’s equality in politics. Currently the only woman on the board, Gardner believes that a combination of genders will open the door to more ideas and solutions to local conflicts. Having previously served on the Board of Selectmen, she was also the President of the Selectmen’s Association for the state of Massachusetts, which adds to her experience as an incredibly seasoned candidate. Dabbling in state government, Gardner was on both the Solid Waste and Hazardous Safety Councils for ten years, driven by her ardor for nature preservation. Afterwards, Gardner formed her own consulting firm called Applied Geographics, with which she was able to help many different communities such as women, a group whom she has consistently been concerned about throughout her career. “One of the [projects we did] that meant quite a bit to me was our project on Cape Cod, where we worked with Silent Spring Institute, looking at the environmental impacts on 2,600 women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer,” Gardner comments. By combining her passions for supporting other women and the environment, she was able to create a successful project which aided thousands. Gardner’s environmental passions have been something she has possessed throughout her career. This interest of hers annexed yet another title to her list: president of the Acton Garden Club, where she has shown a consistent dedication to preserving Acton flora. “After traveling to Malaysia and Bucharest, I had developed blood clots and decided to come back to Acton, where I was able to continue my interest in nature through the garden club.” Gardner plans on continuing to reduce litter, carbon emissions, and preserving native species should she be reelected for the board.
On a global scale, Gardner is a strong advocate for fighting climate change and has participated in nature-related clubs and organizations for this reason. If chosen again for the Board, Gardner hopes to continue planting trees in the town’s historic districts and having more electric car chargers to encourage clean energy usage. She feels that this, along with Acton residents’ efforts to reduce carbon emissions and environmental damage, will set the town’s trajectory towards a cleaner future. In terms of housing, Gardner wishes to solve the town crisis by building more homes and subsequently reducing house prices. She tells The Spectrum, “I understand that there has been some concern about protecting open spaces and wildlife, but I do feel that there is a need for more homes.” Ideally, Gardner hopes to make housing as affordable as possible while preserving the nature and seclusion of the wildlife trails that Acton has to offer. She also plans on following through with the construction of a fire station in North Acton, which was approved in September. Because many Acton residents live in this part of town, mainly in the Avalon apartment complex, there is a need for a better distribution of essential facilities to reduce any potential fire damages. Her affordable plans for the car chargers the fire station will add their funding to the residency tax.
In short, with her past experience in political leadership roles and involvement and success in providing for many different communities, Gardner feels prepared to take charge once more on the Board of Selectmen to make Acton continue its growth and advancement as a town.
Jim Snyder-Grant
BY KATHERINE LEE '23
In the words of Jim Snyder-Grant, one of four candidates running, the Board of Selectmen is there to “learn, listen, and then make decisions based on what [they’ve] heard.”
Snyder-Grant has lived in Acton for twenty-seven years and currently resides in the Half Moon Hill neighborhood. His hyphenated last name has an interesting background; he and his wife “smushed” together their last names to create a unified surname. His political experience includes serving on the Acton Land Stewardship Committee, taking leadership roles on the Acton Conservation Trust, and being the 2020 Acton Vice-Chair. He narrowly lost in his first bid for the Board of Selectman last spring. His major priorities and goals for our town focus around inclusion in local government, small businesses in Acton, and climate change.
Regarding inclusion in town government, he highlighted two major issues he would address. The first is getting more voices heard. He noticed that “the same people show up at public meetings and town meetings,” and unfortunately, it isn’t a large crowd. Snyder-Grant explains that through his campaign experience, he’s come to realize that there are a “lot of people with really great ideas who care about the town, but haven’t found a way to get their voices heard.” If elected, he would work on incorporating these voices and their ideas into the town’s plans.
To further increase inclusivity, Snyder-Grant is also focusing on transparency within town government. To him, there’s a lot of actions that Acton could take to open the government to its residents, such as ensuring that meetings are open and posted, so that people can attend on a regular basis. Furthermore, files could be more easily accessed, and the town could disclose “emails that were written or conversations that were had” between board members. However, he notes that not just accessibility that should be improved, but approachability as well. Snyder-Grant himself says that it isn’t a problem for him to talk to town staff and ask questions, though he realizes that his level of comfort comes from experience and his familiarity with the type of the people in town government. He knows that not everyone experiences the same amount of inclusivity, so he strives to make sure more people feel encouraged to ask. The Spectrum asked him if this priority extended to younger folks of the town, including us students at AB. His message was clear: while pursuing our own passions, there’s a way for us to get involved in town. Certain Acton committees and boards are currently working on issues that could use our help. He urges us to “seek out people on those boards...talk about what’s up, what’s being done [and] what’s not being done.”
Now, onto the elephant in the room: the effects of COVID-19 in Acton, primarily on small businesses. When asked about his plans to aid these stores or restaurants should a similar crisis occur in the future, he quickly pointed out a few solutions. For example, he noted that paying for a liquor license in Massachusetts is expensive, but “restaurants that have licenses… haven’t been able to sell liquor.” With the current economic crisis, reducing licensing costs will help relieve small businesses of financial stress, especially with the many closed stores and decreased foot traffic. Another example of making it easier for businesses to adapt is “drastically simplifying the permitting process for signage, which would, for example, allow restaurants to advertise that they’re open for delivery. Further, Snyder-Grant argues that instead of waiting for change, each of us should actively support our town, such as by supporting our restaurants through takeout or delivery.
Snyder-Grant also seeks long-term solutions for small retail businesses who are currently struggling to compete with the booming online shopping industry, especially now during the pandemic. He comments that successful businesses “tend to be the ones that are providing experiences and services” that can’t be replaced by online shopping. Those are the services that these shops must develop if they’re to stay in business, and Snyder-Grant believes the town government could take a few steps to ease the process. The current procedure for registering a new business establishment could benefit from “specific short checklists” for which departments to visit and what forms to fill out. By adding them in, the town “sends a message that Acton is ready for businesses… by giving [owners] a path to figuring out how to do it.” This is important because the “percentage of our town income that comes from businesses is relatively small… our development pattern has been to become a suburb.” He noticed that nearly three quarters of the town gets up in the morning only to leave town all day. There’s a lack of “social cohesion [and] people getting to know… [or] support each other,” so Snyder-Grant finds Acton would greatly benefit from “trying to understand how to recover and how to be a town.” In other words, Acton shouldn’t be just a suburb; it needs to be a community.
Finally, Snyder-Grant covered his future plans for addressing climate change and Acton’s previous efforts on the issue. He notes “Acton is moving in the right direction,” but due to the absence of established goals for reducing contributing factors, such as fossil fuel usage within municipal or school operations, “the pace is painfully slow and totally inappropriate to the scale of the crisis.” Snyder-Grant mentioned two solutions. First, new construction projects, powered by fossil fuels, are exacerbating the problem. Many towns in Massachusetts have already implemented many regulations, such as reducing access to natural gas, and it's time Acton does the same. Second, Snyder-Grant wants to increase the availability of car chargers in town. If we look around, we can see how quickly these electric cars are being adopted. Snyder-Grant wants Acton to quickly respond to the shift. One possibility is “requiring a certain percentage or number of electric car chargers” for businesses and public facilities. Although there’s a related warrant article in the next town meeting, he finds the piece of legislation inadequate and the charger requirement too low. The same goes for new housing: “New multifamily housing needs to be ready for cartridges and it needs to be wired” so that any electric car owners can use them with ease.
Jim Snyder-Grant has a vision for Acton, and with him elected, he promises increased transparency and inclusion in town government, supporting our small businesses in the short-term and long, and taking action to help reduce climate change. Though many of his priorities are shared by other candidates, it’s his individual characteristics that differentiate him from others. These include his experiences, from being a leader within his own neighborhood, to taking on leadership positions for Acton, as well as his ability to work with every person. As a knowledgeable and promising candidate, Snyder-Grant has big ideas for this town.
For more information on Jim, visit his website.
Snyder-Grant has lived in Acton for twenty-seven years and currently resides in the Half Moon Hill neighborhood. His hyphenated last name has an interesting background; he and his wife “smushed” together their last names to create a unified surname. His political experience includes serving on the Acton Land Stewardship Committee, taking leadership roles on the Acton Conservation Trust, and being the 2020 Acton Vice-Chair. He narrowly lost in his first bid for the Board of Selectman last spring. His major priorities and goals for our town focus around inclusion in local government, small businesses in Acton, and climate change.
Regarding inclusion in town government, he highlighted two major issues he would address. The first is getting more voices heard. He noticed that “the same people show up at public meetings and town meetings,” and unfortunately, it isn’t a large crowd. Snyder-Grant explains that through his campaign experience, he’s come to realize that there are a “lot of people with really great ideas who care about the town, but haven’t found a way to get their voices heard.” If elected, he would work on incorporating these voices and their ideas into the town’s plans.
To further increase inclusivity, Snyder-Grant is also focusing on transparency within town government. To him, there’s a lot of actions that Acton could take to open the government to its residents, such as ensuring that meetings are open and posted, so that people can attend on a regular basis. Furthermore, files could be more easily accessed, and the town could disclose “emails that were written or conversations that were had” between board members. However, he notes that not just accessibility that should be improved, but approachability as well. Snyder-Grant himself says that it isn’t a problem for him to talk to town staff and ask questions, though he realizes that his level of comfort comes from experience and his familiarity with the type of the people in town government. He knows that not everyone experiences the same amount of inclusivity, so he strives to make sure more people feel encouraged to ask. The Spectrum asked him if this priority extended to younger folks of the town, including us students at AB. His message was clear: while pursuing our own passions, there’s a way for us to get involved in town. Certain Acton committees and boards are currently working on issues that could use our help. He urges us to “seek out people on those boards...talk about what’s up, what’s being done [and] what’s not being done.”
Now, onto the elephant in the room: the effects of COVID-19 in Acton, primarily on small businesses. When asked about his plans to aid these stores or restaurants should a similar crisis occur in the future, he quickly pointed out a few solutions. For example, he noted that paying for a liquor license in Massachusetts is expensive, but “restaurants that have licenses… haven’t been able to sell liquor.” With the current economic crisis, reducing licensing costs will help relieve small businesses of financial stress, especially with the many closed stores and decreased foot traffic. Another example of making it easier for businesses to adapt is “drastically simplifying the permitting process for signage, which would, for example, allow restaurants to advertise that they’re open for delivery. Further, Snyder-Grant argues that instead of waiting for change, each of us should actively support our town, such as by supporting our restaurants through takeout or delivery.
Snyder-Grant also seeks long-term solutions for small retail businesses who are currently struggling to compete with the booming online shopping industry, especially now during the pandemic. He comments that successful businesses “tend to be the ones that are providing experiences and services” that can’t be replaced by online shopping. Those are the services that these shops must develop if they’re to stay in business, and Snyder-Grant believes the town government could take a few steps to ease the process. The current procedure for registering a new business establishment could benefit from “specific short checklists” for which departments to visit and what forms to fill out. By adding them in, the town “sends a message that Acton is ready for businesses… by giving [owners] a path to figuring out how to do it.” This is important because the “percentage of our town income that comes from businesses is relatively small… our development pattern has been to become a suburb.” He noticed that nearly three quarters of the town gets up in the morning only to leave town all day. There’s a lack of “social cohesion [and] people getting to know… [or] support each other,” so Snyder-Grant finds Acton would greatly benefit from “trying to understand how to recover and how to be a town.” In other words, Acton shouldn’t be just a suburb; it needs to be a community.
Finally, Snyder-Grant covered his future plans for addressing climate change and Acton’s previous efforts on the issue. He notes “Acton is moving in the right direction,” but due to the absence of established goals for reducing contributing factors, such as fossil fuel usage within municipal or school operations, “the pace is painfully slow and totally inappropriate to the scale of the crisis.” Snyder-Grant mentioned two solutions. First, new construction projects, powered by fossil fuels, are exacerbating the problem. Many towns in Massachusetts have already implemented many regulations, such as reducing access to natural gas, and it's time Acton does the same. Second, Snyder-Grant wants to increase the availability of car chargers in town. If we look around, we can see how quickly these electric cars are being adopted. Snyder-Grant wants Acton to quickly respond to the shift. One possibility is “requiring a certain percentage or number of electric car chargers” for businesses and public facilities. Although there’s a related warrant article in the next town meeting, he finds the piece of legislation inadequate and the charger requirement too low. The same goes for new housing: “New multifamily housing needs to be ready for cartridges and it needs to be wired” so that any electric car owners can use them with ease.
Jim Snyder-Grant has a vision for Acton, and with him elected, he promises increased transparency and inclusion in town government, supporting our small businesses in the short-term and long, and taking action to help reduce climate change. Though many of his priorities are shared by other candidates, it’s his individual characteristics that differentiate him from others. These include his experiences, from being a leader within his own neighborhood, to taking on leadership positions for Acton, as well as his ability to work with every person. As a knowledgeable and promising candidate, Snyder-Grant has big ideas for this town.
For more information on Jim, visit his website.
Conclusion
BY MICHAEL CHENG '20, MAY HONG '23, KATHERINE LEE '23, ADITYA RAMAN '23
Although there are more pressing matters at the moment than a local Selectman race, the Board of Selectmen will play a vital role in managing the town’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the differing visions of the candidates will shape the town in the long run, on issues such as development, fossil fuels and accountability. Getting involved this election season is one of many ways to help your hopes for the town come to fruition by making an impact in local government.
Despite the pandemic, residents can still engage in the June 2nd election. The Acton town website has a stream of updates on the situation, and the town is encouraging voters to use mail-in ballots, which can be requested by emailing a signed form to the town clerk. However, because of the unique format of this year’s election, Acton has given the option to submit ballots early, and the form can be accessed from the town website. Registered US citizens living in Acton that are 18 years old by election day are eligible to vote. If you fit the requirements, it is highly encouraged that you participate and help transform Acton into your envisioned future.
In recent years, the Board has become increasingly interested in interacting with the Acton-Boxborough student body. The candidates all have different ideas about how students could engage with local government.
Joan Gardener suggested that students get involved in the town’s various committees. “There’s a lot of opportunities on various committees. I am a liaison to the Water Resource Advisory Committee. And once in a while, we have had a student come from AB and sit in on the meetings… there's the Conservation Commission, Recreation Commission—there are a number of committees that students might be interested in.”
Terra Freidrichs suggested that students find an area they are passionate about, and then reach out to elders and existing committees that are working on those issues for support. “First, decide what you want to do… And then you talk to somebody like me who has done a lot and say, how can I get that done? Then we lay out three possible paths, and you can go talk to some elders and see which one they like. They might know politically… which is the favored way to get something done. But I think the first step is to try and decide what's important to you.”
Jim Snyder-Grant recommended something similar. “People have to follow their passions. [F]or people that care, for example, about climate change, there are certain committees and boards that are working on those issues. I would encourage people to seek out people on those boards like a Green Advisory Board and talk about what's up, what's being done, what's not being done, and be able to offer their thoughts on what their priorities are.”
Beverly Cornell suggested that the BOS could visit the high school to give students a behind-the-scenes look at the functioning of town government, and then take questions from students. “If they're interested in town government. I'm sure there's a way to bring us together.”
This election will help to shape the present priorities and future vision of the town, particularly in the face of a looming financial crunch. But shaping the town doesn’t end in an election, and candidates unanimously recommend getting involved on a regular basis.
For a list of Acton’s boards and committees, see here. For meetings, forums and other events, visit the calendar here. Much of these events are currently being held on Zoom and streamed on Youtube. By law, the public is invited to all committee meetings.
The above does not include other community organizations, including, but not limited to Green Acton and the Acton chapter of the League of Women Voters.
Despite the pandemic, residents can still engage in the June 2nd election. The Acton town website has a stream of updates on the situation, and the town is encouraging voters to use mail-in ballots, which can be requested by emailing a signed form to the town clerk. However, because of the unique format of this year’s election, Acton has given the option to submit ballots early, and the form can be accessed from the town website. Registered US citizens living in Acton that are 18 years old by election day are eligible to vote. If you fit the requirements, it is highly encouraged that you participate and help transform Acton into your envisioned future.
In recent years, the Board has become increasingly interested in interacting with the Acton-Boxborough student body. The candidates all have different ideas about how students could engage with local government.
Joan Gardener suggested that students get involved in the town’s various committees. “There’s a lot of opportunities on various committees. I am a liaison to the Water Resource Advisory Committee. And once in a while, we have had a student come from AB and sit in on the meetings… there's the Conservation Commission, Recreation Commission—there are a number of committees that students might be interested in.”
Terra Freidrichs suggested that students find an area they are passionate about, and then reach out to elders and existing committees that are working on those issues for support. “First, decide what you want to do… And then you talk to somebody like me who has done a lot and say, how can I get that done? Then we lay out three possible paths, and you can go talk to some elders and see which one they like. They might know politically… which is the favored way to get something done. But I think the first step is to try and decide what's important to you.”
Jim Snyder-Grant recommended something similar. “People have to follow their passions. [F]or people that care, for example, about climate change, there are certain committees and boards that are working on those issues. I would encourage people to seek out people on those boards like a Green Advisory Board and talk about what's up, what's being done, what's not being done, and be able to offer their thoughts on what their priorities are.”
Beverly Cornell suggested that the BOS could visit the high school to give students a behind-the-scenes look at the functioning of town government, and then take questions from students. “If they're interested in town government. I'm sure there's a way to bring us together.”
This election will help to shape the present priorities and future vision of the town, particularly in the face of a looming financial crunch. But shaping the town doesn’t end in an election, and candidates unanimously recommend getting involved on a regular basis.
For a list of Acton’s boards and committees, see here. For meetings, forums and other events, visit the calendar here. Much of these events are currently being held on Zoom and streamed on Youtube. By law, the public is invited to all committee meetings.
The above does not include other community organizations, including, but not limited to Green Acton and the Acton chapter of the League of Women Voters.
