Town candidates debate the issues Election is April 2 at Town Hall
Published on March 27th, 2002
STONEHAM, MA–Candidates for town offices debated on March 20, giving Stoneham voters something to think about before the April 2 election.
The Chamber of Commerce and League of Women Voters organized the event, which began with a paid dinner and was followed by a debate, free and open to all. Unfortunately, the evening turned out to be a dime novel’s dark and stormy night; heavy snow meant a light turnout. But around 30 people attended, many asking questions, and the event was taped and aired on public access cable television.
Candidates from the three contested races — Housing Authority, Planning Board and Selectmen — addressed the crowd as well as School Committee candidate Cheryl Walsh who is one of two people running for two spots.
Housing Authority candidate Edward Pinato was alone at the candidate’s table. His opponent, Elizabeth Parise did not attend. But both Planning Board candidates, Chuck DeCoste and Gus Niewenhous, and both candidates for Selectmen, Darin Leahy and Charles Smith, were present.
Each office had its turn at the table. The press asked questions first and then the audience. All questions had to be addressed to both candidates, and candidates alternated going first. Candidates had the opportunity to rebut comments made by their opponents, and candidates gave brief concluding statements.
The responses and statements made by the candidates are synthesized below. All precincts vote at Town Hall on Tuesday, April 2. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Housing Authority
Edward Pinato said he always wanted to run for the Housing Authority, but one of his friends would beat him to it. This time he made the first move.
He doesn’t have any big plans for the Authority, but he said he’s a good listener and a fast learner.
Pinato is a U.S. Navy veteran, a retired Stoneham Police officer and a lifelong Stoneham resident.
In response to a question about allowing pets in public housing Pinato displayed know-ledge of housing regulations by quoting the 40 pound pet limit.
Although he didn’t get specific, Pinato also said Stoneham needs more public housing. He lauded the work of the Housing Authority and Executive Director Joanne Graves and asked voters to put him on the team.
School Committee
Cheryl Walsh, like Pinato, is a first time candidate. She is a former special education teacher, who left teaching to focus on raising two daughters, and she is the Central School PTL President.
She and David Sheils, who did not attend, are the only candidates running for two spots on the School Committee. But Walsh wanted to speak with the voters.
Opening questions from the press focused on the budget. The schools are facing a $650,000 gap in what they say they need and what the Town will give them. Walsh said she wants to look at some of the ideas mentioned by the School Committee, including putting off new textbook adoption. She said the schools must investigate the suggestions of the strategic plan, such as funding a grant writer to bring in the hundreds of thousands of dollars available in the educational grant universe.
Walsh also proposed involving local businesses and alumni and looking at other creative ways to increase revenue.
She said an override of Proposition 2 1/2’s property tax cap should not be the first choice or second choice, but a last resort.
Walsh acknowledged that new revenue might not be enough to close budget gaps and said she favored Superintendent Joseph Connelly’s approach to making cuts as far removed as possible from the classroom. She also agreed with a comment from the audience that a substantial part of the budget is out of the School Committee’s hands, citing utilities, health insurance and state mandated special education costs.
Walsh said she likes what Stoneham High is doing to help kids prepare for the MCAS tests but said more focus might be needed in math.
As to the growing violence at Stoneham High, Walsh said peer mediation might help young people to settle their disputes in a more peaceful and constructive manner.
Walsh said she has the time and experience and is ready and willing to help educate the children of Stoneham.
Planning Board
The candidates for Planning Board have a lot in common. Niewenhous is the Chairman of the Planning Board and a former Board of Appeals Chairman. DeCoste is a former Board of Appeals Chairman. Niewenhous works as a healthcare administrator, and DeCoste is a small business owner. Both men have public service and business experience, but voters must elect one.
The first topic of discussion was adding residential units above businesses along Main Street in the Central Business District. Preliminary plans to add 14 units above McDonough’s and 14 above Highland Printing make this a hot topic.
Niewenhous went first, saying no one in his right mind could say whether there is enough parking for this housing until a study is completed. He said he’s keeping an open mind.
DeCoste agreed that the study was the most prudent way to proceed but was more confident that there might be enough space if new restriction are added to the municipal lots, sections of permit parking for example.
Talking about the former BRMC property, Niewenhous said allowing housing to go up instead of offices would be a mistake because of the drain of resources on the Town. DeCoste agreed in part but suggested a hotel or assisted living facilities as other options.
Both candidates agreed that the Planning Board should pay attention to the Visioning Committee Report drafted under former Community Development Director Steve Sad-wick and that pursuing comprehensive long term planning is important for Stoneham.
Getting specific, Niewenhous suggested the use of cluster zoning in which new homes are placed on smaller than regulation lots but share a dedicated open space. And DeCoste recommended an overhaul of the sign bylaw to improve the aesthetics of the downtown area.
DeCoste said if elected he will work together with the town departments to make critical changes in town bylaws.
Niewenhous said if re-elected he will continue to keep the Board open to input from the community and businesses and try “to keep it in town,” meaning to make zoning decisions that can withstand appeals to the courts.
Selectmen
Incumbent Darin Leahy and Charles Smith spoke most about the budget and public safety.
Both candidates agreed that Stoneham needs a new fire station and enough staff to send eight firefighters out the door on each call.
Leahy added that people should support an upcoming early retirement bill because new recruits cost less than veterans.
Both candidates said an override of Prop 2 1/2 is not imminent. Smith said the Town can find the money. Leahy said Stoneham has $1.2 million in reserves and has budgeted raises for municipal and school employees. You can’t increase property taxes when you’re raising town salaries, Leahy said.
Leahy spoke of economic development, citing the office building that replaced Mann Chemical and the day care center at the old box factory site as examples of positive change and new tax revenue. He said the Loves Building may be next.
Smith added that Selectmen must pay closer attention to the Gutierrez project on the former BRMC property.
Both candidates are in favor of going after linkage from developers.
Leahy added that Gutierrez will give the town $600,000 if the proposed office park is built.
The candidates disagreed about police staffing. Smith said he wants to find money to put an officer on duty in each precinct plus a floater. That would be eight officers. Leahy said Stoneham can only afford to put three men on the street. The pie only has so many pieces, Leahy said.
Talking about the last Special Town Meeting, Smith said Town Clerk John Hanright did a great job coordinating the whole affair. Leahy said the size of the meeting raises questions about the adequacy of the open town meeting format. He called for a charter commission to reexamine town government.
In conclusion Smith said he wants to bring a sense of teamwork to the Board. He called himself “the voice of the people” and said he has no biases, just the best interests of Stoneham in mind.
Leahy said he has been an active participant in Stoneham government for years, attending every Town Meeting since 1996. He said he thinks he has made a positive difference as a Selectman and wants to continue this effort. Leahy added that the phone company mistakenly left his number out of the book when he moved recently within Stoneham. The Selectmen’s Office at 781-279-2680 will give out his home number.
Now remember to vote!
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