Politics

Norwell is graced by plenty of people who are willing to "take one for the team" and serve the town. It's one of the reasons we have such a great place to live, work, and play. Candidates Night is a forum designed to let those who are running for public office tell you why you should vote for them. Join the show on Tuesday, March 2, at 7PM in the Osborne Room at Town Hall, or catch it on community cable.

Name: Amy Koch Office Seeking: School Committee Member

Address: 27 Shrine Rd , Norwell , MA 02061 Length of Residency: 15 years

Phone: 781-829-9629

Relevant Experience (including educational, vocational, professional):

Education: Smith College; BA Government

Volunteer Involvement:
� Past Chair, Current Vice Chair Norwell School Committee 2007- present

� Director, School Partnerships, STEP Education, MA

� NHS Boosters, member and volunteer

� Treasurer for SOS (Save our Schools), a Ballot Initiative Committee formed and dissolved in 2006.

Professional:
My husband and I founded and operate ServiceSense, a mystery shopping and consulting business serving restaurant, hospitality and retail customers nationally. From my work experience, I bring expertise in listening to customers and translating customer needs into best practices for my clients. As a small business owner, I bring hands on experience to running a business.

Major Issues confronting Town:

Juggling limited resources to accommodate our growing population of school aged children and senior citizens.
Our Schools are straining under the pressures of rising enrollments, increased State imposed academic standards, rising Special Education costs, and decreasing State aid.
Since 2001, School enrollment has grown by 16%. Yet, during that time we have cut programs, positions and seen class sizes escalate.
FY �11 will bring further cuts in positions in each school and in school administration. At this time, we are forecasting a minimum of 10 positions eliminated.

I am running for the office of School Committee because:

The schools are what brought our family to Norwell 15 years ago, and they have been the focus of my volunteer efforts since our 11th grade son entered the system. I have worked hard over the past three years on School Committee and I am prepared to continue to commit the time, energy and creative thinking required to protect what Norwell has worked so hard to create in our high performing school system.

Name: Paul M. Foulsham Office seeking: Highway Surveyor/Director of Lands & Natural Resources

Relevant Experience (including educational, vocational, professional): 27 years of service to the Town. Originally hired in January 1983 for the Tree & Grounds Department. Promoted to Tree & Grounds Foreman in 1986 and became Director in 1987. In October of 1991, I was appointed Acting Highway Surveyor. In March of 1992 I was elected Highway Surveyor/Director of Lands & Natural Resources (a first in Norwell�s history) and have held this position ever since.

I posses a Commonwealth of MA Department of Food & Agriculture Pesticides license (required in the job description). A Commercial Drivers License (C.D.L.) all endorsements, a US Department of Labor Construction Safety Card obtained threw OSHA, a Hoisting Engineer License, and a Certificate from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General for completion of the Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official Program (MCPPO). Receiving this certificate demonstrates my commitment to cost effective, ethical, and modern public purchasing. This is one of the many seminars & courses I have attended where I am continually enhancing my education in job-related fields obtaining C.E.U.�s (Continuing Education Units), C.P.E.�s (Continuing Professional Education), and P.D.P.�s (Professional Development Points).

I am a member of the American Public Works Association, Mass. Highway Association, Plymouth County Highway Association (where I serve on the Executive Board for Plymouth County Highway), Mass. Tree Wardens Association, Southeastern Mass. Tree Wardens Association, Permanent Drainage Study Committee, and Athletic Field Study Committee.

I have dealt with budget matters, fiscal problems, supervising 10-50 employees/contractors, and most importantly, State & Federal reimbursements for Chapter 90, Commonwealth of MA Chapter 30B Procurement Laws in contracting & bidding procedures, Grants, MEMA reimbursements, and FEMA reimbursements.

Major issues confronting the Town: The most serious issue confronting Norwell, as with all cities & towns across the country is the dwindling of resources from the Federal, State, and Local levels. The Town�s infrastructure is the main priority of this office, which covers roads, drainage, athletic field�s etc. Maintaining these areas is difficult due to these dwindling budgets, limited manpower and un-funded mandates. Until such time of the economy rebounding, we are all forced to �tighten our belts� and concentrate on maintaining what we currently own. The new Storm Water Phase II Regulations which limit the amount of pollutants into our water re-charge areas, while vastly improving water quality, will change the way we approach drainage issues in the future. Solutions will be addressed through experience and continued education.

I am running for the Office of Highway Surveyor/Director of Lands & Natural Resources because: I believe my years of experience benefits the Town. This position involves long hard hours during snowstorms, hurricanes, heavy rains/flooding etc. and the ability to get the job done within a limited budget. I have enjoyed this job. I continue to further my education to better myself, which benefits you, and I am properly licensed to execute all the duties involved in the job. I consider myself an investment of the Town with 27 years of experience, and I would like to see the investment work for the Town.

When working for the Town and being a Department head for 23 years, one gets a sense of how the Town works, what is expected of these departments, the internal workings of Town government, and the day to day operations.

It is my goal to see to it that the Towns infrastructure and public safety remain a top priority.

Education and experience: Member of Norwell�s Board of Water Commissioners since 1975. Lifelong resident, graduated Norwell HS 1959. Northeastern University BS Chemical Engineering 1964. Worked in food processing, research & development, with Kraft/General Foods, and Brady Enterprises. President since 1979 St. Ours & Co., a small company that manufactures and distributes seafood related products.

Major issues: Norwell provides all its water from wells within the town. There is no other option for the foreseeable future. As land is developed for housing and other uses, demand for water increases and less land is available for water supply. We need to protect the resources we have, and explore for potential new sources. As the system ages, some components of wells and pumping equipment lose efficiency, others need frequent repair. It is important to manage and budget for this so our system is modern, operates dependably, and we do not one day have a dinosaur. The Commonwealth monitors our pumping figures (groundwater withdrawal) and is making some noise about placing limits. The thinking is that aquifers cross town lines and one community�s pumping affects another�s; and, excessive pumping, especially in summer, can negatively impact streams and wildlife. We need to work with the community to be sure we are all practicing conservation in our use of water, and work with the state to be sure they are using good science and do not make unreasonable impositions.

I am running for the Board of Water Commissioners because it is a pleasure to serve the community in a way that suits my background and interests, allowing me to contribute meaningfully and participate in the government of this wonderful Town.

Name:__Kevin Jones_______ Office Seeking: _Planning Board
Address:_25 Captain Vinal Way____ Campaign Officers:___None_______
Phone:_(781)659-1578__________ __ Length of Residency:__7 years

SUNY Buffalo, B.A. 1986; Suffolk University Law School, J.D. 1993;
Marshfield Planning Board 1995-2000; Charter Commission, Marshfield 2002-2003;
Route 3 Widening Citizens Advisory Committee 2001-2003
Norwell Capital Budget Committee 2010
Norwell Planning Board 2008- present

MCPPO: MA. Certified Public Purchasing Officer for Design and Construction Contracting

I have 20 years of experience in construction and design projects. Examples of projects include Large Scale Utility Relocations on Causeway Street in Boston, Greenbush Train Line Grade Crossings in Cohasset & Scituate, and Construction of Green Pond Bridge in Falmouth to name a few. I started working in the private industry and came to the municipal side a few years ago. With strong abilities and a proven track record in all phases of development, design and construction, my experience and background are a solid fit for the Planning Board and will benefit the Town of Norwell.

Town Engineer, Scituate, MA � currently dealing with planning issues including reviews of subdivision plans on a regular basis.

My experience in the construction industry on large scale projects has included infrastructure updates such as water distribution systems, asphalt roadways, electric distribution, sidewalks, and guardrail. These items are all factors that are considered during a review of a subdivision. As a member of the Planning Board, my background makes me well-suited to evaluate the viability of a project as well as identify potential dangers to the public.

One of the most important issues facing the Town of Norwell is the issue of 40B affordable housing. I believe that the Planning Board needs to develop a plan to effectively combat these hostile invasions by contractors into Norwell, and also establish a plan to allow for growth that would include affordable housing in a controlled manner � by the Town�s rules and regulations as opposed to State mandates. Being open-minded, I would work with other committees to help create a framework to meet the goals required by law and allow for smart growth while maintaining the quaintness that draws people to our Town. These changes will not happen overnight: however, working together we can make inroads that will be beneficial to the people of Norwell.

As a member of Norwell�s Pathway Committee, I have been donating my time to help create a pathway system that will connect the schools and playing fields. The Pathway Committee�s mission is to develop and implement a master plan for connectivity in Town. The Town recently hired an engineering firm to design the first phase of this project and is looking to fund construction for Phase I. Providing a safe place for families to walk and ride bikes is very important to the Town and is a benefit that we will enjoy for years to come.

I am running for the office of Planning because: My extensive experience in construction/civil engineering/municipal government makes me uniquely qualified to make a positive impact on the Planning Board which will make Norwell a better place to call home.

I grew up in Braintree and attended Brown University. Following graduation, and before attending Suffolk University Law School, I played professional basketball overseas. I have been practicing law for more than 13 years. Currently I am Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at a large financial services firm.

Prior to moving to Norwell in 1999, I was a member of Weymouth�s Representative Town Meeting. In Norwell, I have been a long-time volunteer in the community as a youth baseball and basketball coach and active participant in Town Meeting.

The economic and fiscal reverberations of the �Great Recession� obviously have either caused, or contributed to, virtually every major issue facing the town. It is important to note, however, that the Moderator�s role is simply to manage the town meeting process, not attempt to influence policy. As a result, I believe the issues addressed in the Moderator�s race should focus on procedural rather than substantive issues.

1. I want to ensure that Town Meeting debate is (i) informative; (ii) efficient; and (iii) respectful. Town Meeting is our community�s sole legislative session. As a result, it is imperative that all voters at Town Meeting have the opportunity to fully and fairly express their opinions in a vibrant �marketplace of ideas.� Of course, the time available for debate is not unlimited. As a result, it is important that the Moderator has the judgment to sense when the �silent majority� believes it has received all of the relevant information and is ready to vote. Beyond its legal duties, I believe Town Meeting also serves an extremely important role in fostering Norwell�s sense of community. If elected, I�ll work to preserve an atmosphere in which all members of the community are welcomed to work with their neighbors to shape our community�s future.

2. I want to increase the voters� understanding of, and participation in, Town Meeting. The Moderator election provides the town with an opportunity to inject new ideas and new energy into town government. The Moderator is an ambassador for our unique form of direct democracy. To make Town Meeting more understandable to our residents, and encourage more people to attend, I will establish a presence for the Moderator�s office on the town�s website and create a Guide to Town Meeting.

351 Mt. Blue Street Campaign Officers: Nancy McBride (Chair); Bruce Graham (Treasurer)

I have lived in Norwell for 23 years and have been an active member of the community, volunteering in town government and other aspects of the community. I strongly believe in community service and have held appointed positions in the Town of Norwell since 1989. I have served on Conservation Commission (1991 to present), Master Plan Committee (2000-2004), Community Preservation Committee (2002- present), Salt Usage Committee (1991 to 1995), Government Study Committee (1989-1992), Cable TV Committee (2010). I received my BA in Biology from Northeastern University and an MS in Microbiology from the University of Rhode Island. Professionally, I am a Principal and Vice President of GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc, an environmental and geotechnical engineering company headquartered in Norwood, MA. I am an experienced manager with a history of setting and meeting budgets, managing staff, and collaborating with people with different interests and priorities.

Without question, the most significant issue facing Norwell is our ability to continue providing necessary services that we want and need at a cost which residents can afford. We face reductions in state funding levels, increases in healthcare and retirement costs, and the need to maintain the quality of important town services. We need to face these challenges by establishing appropriate spending levels which are within our means now while we take steps to increase future revenue from non-residential sources. Norwell also faces aging infrastructure (especially buildings and roads) and the ongoing threat of 40B development proposals which are out of character with the Town.

These issues and others are harder to address due to the mistrust both within the Town government and between residents and town officials. I will bring a new perspective to the BOS by emphasizing communication and cooperation with the other parts of Town government. Deliberations must be conducted, and decisions made by Town officials, with open communication. Collaboration and openly seeking opinions from the employees and volunteers must be a starting point when addressing major issues affecting the residents.

Norwell has been my home for over 2 decades and I want to help our town be the best it can be.

In the current fiscal climate, we have difficult choices to make about how necessary services in this Town are delivered. To face those challenges, we need to work together. I have a record of working cooperatively with other boards and committees and reaching consensus to benefit the Town. I want to continue that effort on the BOS.

Kathryn Mudgett, Candidate for Library Trustee
21 Satuit Meadow Lane
(781) 659-9330
Norwell Resident: 1985 to present

Current Position:
Associate Professor of Humanities
Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Education and Licensure:
Ph.D., Literature
Juris Doctorate, Law
Member, Massachusetts Bar, 1985 to present
Member, Federal Bar, 1986 to present

Community Service:
Norwell Conservation Commissioner, 1995 to present

The major issue facing our town is the same one confronting every town in Massachusetts: the ability to maintain the quality and character of our town in the face of funding shortages and budget constraints.

As a teacher, I understand the importance of education and the major role libraries play not only in student learning but in lifelong learning. My hope as a library trustee is not only to save the Norwell Public Library from closure, but also to maintain its funding at a level where all town citizens can continue to have access to its educational and cultural riches. Libraries are not expendable institutions; they are reflections of our character, our culture, and our humanity.

2010 candidates for Town election - March 13

Address: 498 Mt. Blue Street Phone: 781-659-5818 Length of Residency: 12 yrs