Keeping Shrewsbury Affordable:
• With the cost of living on the rise, I pledge to get the most out of every tax dollar raised. By engaging in long-range financial planning, it’s possible to identify cost drivers and create a roadmap to meet the needs of our schools and municipal departments without causing large swings in the tax bill.
• Budgeting for day-to-day operations and larger capital expenses helps to ensure that residents get the services they expect and see the value in how tax dollars are spent.
• I recognize that any increase in fees and taxes can be a hardship. I am dedicated to expanding tax exemptions and strengthening our social safety net so that more residents can get the support they need to live well in our community.
Manage Growth Responsibly:
• Zoning overlay districts that allow for mixed use development spurred commercial growth in underutilized areas by allowing for residential units where they would otherwise be prohibited. Two decades later, it is time to reexamine those overlay zones to ensure that new growth reflects community preferences.
• Growth must be managed in a way that protects existing neighborhoods, does not overburden our infrastructure and does not create crowding in our schools.
• Making the most of our commercial zones helps to reduce the burden on residential taxpayers and enhances affordability. Shrewsbury is on the cusp of achieving safe harbor under Chapter 40B, allowing us to identify zoning changes that will safeguard commercial property from residential development.
Build Trust in Local Government:
• Local government exists to serve the residents. I have worked to improve how and how often the Town communicates with residents and will continue to look for opportunities to gather stakeholder feedback on critical issues before making decisions.
• As we plan for future needs, I will prioritize resident engagement as we contemplate how to address capital projects like the DPW buildings on South Street and the Shrewsbury High School Expansion.
• I’ve fought to extend the 2021 override and am committed to providing appropriate levels of funding for our schools and municipal departments by engaging with the public to understand what people value and can reasonably afford.
• My approach has always been to gather facts, listen to feedback, and build consensus, and that will never change.
.png){kind=logo}