[Editor’s note: This spring, Southborough voters will be able to choose among three candidates for two on the Select Board. To help you make that decision, each candidate is invited to submit one letter to readers promoting their campaign.
As in past years, you may use comments to endorse the candidate. No mudslinging allowed here.]
To the Editor:
My name is Sam Stivers. I’m running for election to the Select Board in the upcoming May 12 election. I appreciate this opportunity to describe why a vote for me is a vote for a better Southborough.
I’ve lived in Southborough for almost 30 years. I’ve spent most of this time working as a Town government volunteer. In addition to serving on the Select Board, I’ve also been a member of a number of other Town committees, including the Advisory Committee, the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Master Plan Committee. I attend or view a number of Town committee meetings every week, and through this I stay informed about a wide range of Town activities. My “day job” background includes experience as a teacher, as a business strategy consultant and as a manager in health care companies.
Why Am I Running For Election to the Select Board?
- I care a lot about Southborough’s future.
- My experience from my six years on the Select Board and other Town committees, my business experience, my management skills, and my detailed understanding of Town government prepare me to deal effectively with the financial and programmatic challenges that Town government must address in the coming years.
What issues will I focus on as a Select Board member?
- Financial Oversight. I believe in vigilant oversight of Southborough’s $70+ million annual budget—particularly as this can help us deal with the increasing pressure on the Town’s residential property taxpayers.
There is appropriate concern about our increasing residential property taxes. A primary cause of this is our ongoing shift toward more reliance on residential, versus commercial, real estate tax revenue. This is creating, and unless we proactively deal with this, will continue to create, significant increasing pressure on residential property taxpayers. The most effective, long-term, solution to this issue is to increase commercial development along Route 9. Our current Select Board is working to address this, and I can be an effective contributor to this process.
- Housing Opportunities. I support creation of more housing options for residents—particularly more affordable housing for our young families and our seniors.
With my experience on the Zoning Board and the Affordable Housing Trust, I have a detailed understanding of our zoning bylaws and our housing situation. I can work with other Town boards (such as the Planning Board and the Affordable Housing Trust) to support creation of more housing options, and particularly more affordable housing options, for our residents.
- Longer-Term Planning. I recognize the value of longer-term planning for the Town’s future infrastructure and services needs.
Our Master Plan process confirmed that our residents support a wide variety of projects such as: (i) improved recreation facilities; (ii) an expanded Senior Center; (iii) an enhanced network of trails and sidewalks, including more connections between different parts of our Town; and (iv) an expanded Library. We will need to plan and manage carefully to balance the many desirable projects against our limited financial and other resources. My business experience with planning and financial management prepares me to be an effective participant in this balancing process.
Why vote for me?
My track record as a Select Board member and an Advisory Committee Member confirms that I can find solutions for difficult issues, and that I can work with my Select Board colleagues and others to deliver results.
I ask for your vote on Tuesday, May 12th.
For more information, please feel free to contact me by phone at (508) 303-3396 or by email at sam@samstivers.com.
Thank you,
Sam Stivers
Candidate for Election to the Select Board
