Littleton Common

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2010-05-07T06:24:00.001-04:00

It is election time!

2010-02-27T13:15:00.004-05:00

Well, it's election season again! With that comes many different thoughts. Our election process is designed to ensure that government is by the people for the people. That is quite true at the local level, but mind-boggling as we work our way up through government. I want to focus on our local election.

One thing we need is greater public interest. That’s not easy with our demanding lives. It is easy to simply observe the local politics. One problem with that is the loss of accountability when the public is not engaged and observing; the other results in more of the same.

Key regulatory races year after year go unchallenged. An example is the Board of Health, an important Board which has a huge impact on the environment, economic development, response to public health emergencies such as H1N1 and more. There was/is a recent controversy over the handling of a popular school principal. Again, another Board with a huge impact on the cost and quality of what we turn out of the Littleton school district. The election process is a process of accountability as well a civic responsibility.

You get it, I know you get it, but I will bet you often think you don’t have the time or are simply too frustrated with politics in general, it’s not for you. True, it’s a very different way of doing things and has a way of demanding your time, effort and often prompts frustration. However, from my experience, it’s been worth it; there is much to be proud of and differences have been made for sure. So, give public service a try you will find it a very unselfish and sometimes rewarding venture.

Now on to my other point… I recently got a call from a potential candidate for selectman, one of our somewhat regularly contested positions. This person was calling to cull my public support and told me that they had the support of all the other board members.

Without question I support the idea of a race , but where I get hung up is with the question of should sitting Selectmen support a candidate? Some people say yes, some no.

Last year, I asked the Board to adopt a policy that kept sitting selectmen out of the political foray. (We all know what happened with that.) We should not be trying to influence successors; that just seems less representative and more dictatorial. On the other hand , we may, by virture of our position, have knowledge of a candidate and know they would serve our Town well. (To be clear, I have supported candidates in the past but as I look back I question if I should going forward while sitting on the Board.) I know from my own personal experience that when that happens, there is both a feeling of obligation and/or a riff to be overcome after the election. I am sure you remember how well a board locked in conflict and mistrust behaves and operates.

Last year was quite a different year; the election was polarized, animosity persisted from the past resulting in an exceptionally demanding election. In that case, sitting politicians were lined up to tout support for a certain candidate. Should that happen? Who is the candidate supposed to please, other politicians or the public? Fortunately, that type of election is not typical at the local level. I have truly not decided if I should publicly endorse the candidate who called me or stay silent. I wish we, the selectmen, could have discussed the merits from a policy perspective, on camera, in front of our constituents, before going one way or another. So, we will see how this plays out. I hope I never see a headline such as “Successor Hand Picked by Board.”

Here you can help me serve you better. Please let me know what you think.

P.S. Choosing philosophically to support candidates or not, I will not support any candidate who does not embrace the Code of Conduct and Ethics policy adopted by the Board. We cannot have an expectation of our appointees or employees that is optional for us. There it is… that accountability thing again!

ANNUAL GREEN FORUM WILL HAPPEN IN THE FALL!

2010-02-27T11:13:00.004-05:00

For the last two years, LittletonCommon.org has sponsored a Green Forum. The event invites timely speakers to present in an informal and social gathering where townspeople and others can interact on the issues at hand.

As you may recall, we’ve held this at the end of the winter season. Last year, the event (not at Littleton Common.org’s hand), developed a political/election season overtone and some people chose not to attend out of fear of looking like they supported my candidacy. And...it got worse from there!

Consequently, we have decided to hold the event in the fall. Our intent is and has always been to provide a forum for public interest in timely and locally influential issues. The Green Forum is a place where friendly dialog is supposed to spark interest and solutions “common” to Littleton. We are committed to maintaining just that and will do that in the fall!

THE BARKING DOG HAS BEEN SILENCED...BUT IT HAD QUITE A BITE!

2010-01-17T09:57:00.009-05:00

As you probably know, the Barking Dog proposal is now history. The matter was closed when the Planning Board issued a second denial based upon the site plan review and no appeal was filed to the last PB decision. To many people, this is a victory and I agree, for the most part.

The process of denial was both a politically charged and legally challenging event, i.e., the primary casualty being the taxpayer who now foots the bill for all of the litigation. In the end, the Town did the right thing and I thank the Planning Board for their painstaking hard work which finally brought this to conclusion.

The point of this posting, however, is not just the Barking Dog, but also to talk a bit about legal fees. No other line item in the budget is challenged more for appropriateness and justification, yet the public is often kept in the dark.

The Board of Selectmen is allowed by law to go into a closed “Executive Session” under MGL Chapter 39, Section 23B to “discuss strategy with respect to litigation.” I hope the need to be in Executive Session here is obvious, as open session hands a distinct advantage to the opposing party.

Therefore we, The Board of Selectmen, are making choices (usually as a response) that ultimately generate legal fees. The members of the Board are always very concerned about running costs of litigation and have to make a choice based on the ultimate benefit to the Town. Sometimes we are in a “no choice” situation when the litigation is based on an action of another Board or Committee such as is the case of the Barking Dog. (By the way, this case cost the Town over $34,000 in legal fees to conclude.) The point is that legal fees are a tough pill to swallow and I am painfully aware of that. We must however look at the so called big picture, toward the future and make choices that are best for the Town because in almost every legal case, precedence will be set.

So let’s go back to the Barking Dog. Now that that matter is closed, it’s a bit easier to speak about it. What went wrong? In a recent discussion at a BOS meeting, our Board members admit that this issue did not attract their attention when it first was presented before the ZBA. That is true of a lot of people. Throughout this controversy, many people with whom I spoke could not imagine that the ZBA would permit such a radical change to this residentially zoned property, to simply bypass the intent of Town zoning bylaws…I wonder how, in view of the fact that the property was already mired into another disputed issue (the placement of a cell tower in the area).

When the matter got to the Planning Board, they apparently had a very different view, considered these two factors, and began the task of straightening things out. As I said, this process cost the Town at least $34,000. Worth it? Yes. Avoidable? YES.

A more open government with checks and balances helps in this situation. The ZBA can sometimes move ahead drawing little public attention. Notifications do meet the minimum criteria, but input may be limited to a single hearing process not covered by any media. Can’t we do better than this? Zoning changes are so important that they require a 2/3 majority vote of Town Meeting.

There is something wrong with an “under the radar circumventing approach” to all of this. At the very least, the ZBA rules need to be changed to reflect the gravity of zoning change precedent. Another is the makeup of the ZBA. It may be nice to have knowledgeable people on that Board, but we need to be very careful when the work they do runs close to conflicts of interest or decisions that could have a financial impact on their business activities. There is one member of the ZBA whose job relates to zoning every day. However that person’s work is done somewhere else, in another community. the point is that the person who works out of town has no conflict of interest and this is ideal. Otherwise great caution through complete recusal and full disclosure should be the rule. "Any doubt then you're out."

We also need public awareness and participation. I became focused on this matter when I got a phone call from a constituent expressing concern. Voters need to stay tuned in and I thank them for that in this case. Keep it up, your efforts helped make the boards aware of the negative impacts of this proposal. Public involvement is a positive thing.

I know that if the Town was my company and a Barking Dog type-of-thing happened, heads would roll. It is not my company and I have no such power, but we do need to work to reform some things, open things up and hold people accountable. We cannot afford another Barking Dog.

Another Déjàvu...again?

2009-12-31T11:21:00.005-05:00

A few months ago, I authored a Déjàvu post…(the feeling of having an experience all over again). In that message, I challenged the issues surrounding the firing of an employee by an “independent” and “autonomous” board. Now here we are, yet again, with a furor related to the future of a popular school principal. Once again, we see a public clamoring for answers and elected officials unable or unwilling to provide them. Behind it all, there are a myriad of laws and philosophies that seem to be adding fuel to the fire. On the local media blog, there are questions, comments and expressed anger driven by the frustration with this situation. As with most non-direct dialog, some local characters seize the opportunity with "keyboard pontification."

Is this healthy debate or divisive rhetoric? Who really knows, but this is America, Land of the Free, so it doesn’t matter. (I must say that I wouldn’t mind going a round or two with a particular character who continues to pontificate.) OK, I won’t, but I want to add some reflecting perspective to the situation.

The School Committee is a popularly elected Board and they are responsible for general oversight of the school district. This Board hires the Superintendent, who in turn makes staff and operational policy decisions. Some staff issues such as certain personnel administration issues are protected from the general public view by law. Items of general finance, strategy, philosophy and policy are public and thereby subject to any level of scrutiny and inquiry by the residents. The blend-line of these is where the conflict heats up. Apparently, the person whose contract will not be renewed has generally pleased the public, but not the Superintendent. The Superintendent has decided it’s time to part ways with this person; The School Committee backs that decision, but the public still demands to know why.

My questions are about what should be public and what should not. If the Principal does not fit the current philosophies and policies of the Superintendent, then that should be aired with something like “We are shifting our operational philosophies; this person no longer is the best choice”, or... “Our expectations, our goals, etc. are not mutually agreeable.”

To me, that thinking is public and open, score one for the involved voters. If the School Committee won’t honor that, then the voters already know what to do about that (and from the scuttlebutt out there, it appears they are planning on exercising that right).

On the other hand, it’s possible that the problem could be personal issues or matters held as confidential by law. With that is the threat of litigation, so mum is the word from the School Committee. Score one for the School Committee. (I think where this gets curious is the fact that there is no word about disciplinary actions which would trigger confidentiality.) Rather, what we’re talking about is a decision not to renew or re-negotiate a contract. That seems to me to be an area where more information should be forthcoming rather than less. Who scores that point? Nobody, it’s just there.

I could go on and on; truthfully, I know very little about this conflict. I don’t have any more information than the general public. Ah, but the School Committee is autonomous so they bear no responsibility to share that information, right?

If and when this type of situation happens under the jurisdiction of the Selectmen, here is how I hope we would handle it: I would not be comfortable simply citing confidentiality laws as a way to be absolved from the public’s interest or right to know. I suspect that when we say ,“legal counsel has advised us to say nothing” we put ourselves in a bad spot. I hope our Board would work to diffuse the mystery of such matters by remaining as open as possible.

The School Committee has a policy that states only the Chair speaks for the Committee; this adds even more mystery. I would never support such a policy on our Board; it’s less open and seems less representative.

As a Selectmen, I would hope that the mangers we hire manage the situation with an amicable solution before it turns into a public may lay. (That’s why we hire professionals.) I hope our Board holds those professionals accountable and while we need to support them, that backing must be contingent upon accountability. Each time our Board heads off in a certain direction on the many issues that are presented, there are people who come forward with questions. Good! We do much better than previous Boards at listening and that has given us credibility that I hope will be recognized when a matter of public vs. private debate surfaces.

All in all, we must remain steadfast with the fact we are the serving the citizens, we are not powerful but simply empowered, and that the voter has the right to judge us. The voters in the above case, the other Déjàvu cases I have written about and, heck, even my own case as Fire Chief, don’t necessarily have all the information when they form an opinion, but they do have three things: the absolute right to speak out, the money our government needs to operate and the power of the vote.

OVERLAY PLANNING - PLAN FORWARD

2009-12-15T06:53:00.004-05:00

I was recently approached by a resident as I was helping a farmer friend with Christmas trees. He began by remarking on my performance as a selectman and went on to ask me about the overlay planning. This person was still confused about the overlay and much to my surprise, remarked that if I was comfortable with it, he would be, too. That was a nice compliment, but I would prefer that he reached a conclusion on his own. I want people to form an educated opinion on this. It’s not any one person’s overlay plan, it’s ours. My job is to help facilitate the planning so that the Town can vote on it. As the conversation continued, I tried to summarize why I think it is a good idea.

Growth is inevitable, but we have to plan for it. We have seen the Common grow in a bit of a haphazard way and most people are not satisfied with what has happened. We have seen pressure to rezone other areas in order to singularly meet the needs of a landowner. That’s not community planning. We’ve seen underutilization of some properties and that stagnates our local economy and consequently the tax base that we need to fuel our community. We’ve heard from some about “sure cure” high cost remedies like starting with a multi-million dollar sewer system. But wait! What is it we want to sewer? Who does that serve? Is there a “net” gain? Yes there are still issues to be worked out.

Economic development is not a goal which is instantly achieved. We have seen some fast-track action in other communities which demoralize the community character. It doesn’t have to be that way and that is why I support overlay planning. To date, our dialog has produced many common visions and goals and while they may not be the type of thing that developers dream of, I believe they will ultimately reflect a balance; the proverbial win/win.

I think it is safe to say that doing nothing, hoping things stay the same, is neither possible or desirable. We have had a few surprises that way, which is the point. Who thought we would end up with a large car dealership? Instead of reeling back in shock when something like that happens, let’s commit to “forward” planning. To me, overlay planning is doing just that.

So, from that conversation, one thing remains clear. We have yet to produce a level of understanding of this planning process that will pass muster with the townspeople. So, those involved in the planning must persevere and continue, planning as openly as possible. I urge citizens to take an interest, be involved. The net product will not be that of the Planning Board, Selectmen or developer visions, it will be yours, it will be ours, it will be Littleton’s. Let’s plan forward, then when we look back we might like what we see.

ETHICS TRAINING...IT'S A GOOD THING!

2009-09-28T18:09:00.008-04:00

Good news for all town officials and residents! There have been some changes in the Conflict of Interest Law which all public employees are subject to; the State has mandated that each public official read the information on the website; take the "test" and certify with the Town Clerk that they have complied with this requirement. This IS good news for us, and for you. It can be a daunting task to keep up with the Law, but it is a requirment and now there is much more accountability for compliance. I have completed the training from the Ethics website, (see the text of my certificate below) and I hope every public official does the same. Accountability, ethics and knowledge, what more can you ask of your public officials?

The new Conflict of Interest Law becomes effective Sept 29, 2009. Within 30 days of that, each government member (elected, appointed, volunteer) must:

· Certify with the town clerk that they have received a copy of the new Conflict of Interest law
· Take training from the State Ethics web site, and certify with the clerk.
· Town must appoint a senior level employee to become the liaison with the State Ethic Commission.

STATE ETHICS COMMISSION RECEIPT
Conflict of Interest Law Online Training Program
was completed by: Alexander S McCurdy on Sunday, September 27, 2009
Thank you for completing the State Ethics Commission’s online training program.
It is important to keep in mind that information provided in the online training
program is general in nature and is not an exhaustive review of the conflict of
interest law. The Commission staff also regularly offers free educational seminars
at its Boston office, Room 619, One Ashburton Place. Please contact the
Commission at 617-371-9500 if you are interested in attending one of these
sessions or sponsoring an educational seminar at your facility.
The State Ethics Commission provides free, confidential legal advice about how the
law applies in a particular situation. We encourage you to seek legal advice from
the Commission at 617-371-9500 and/or your agency’s legal counsel if you face a
potential conflict of interest. Your agency may have additional restrictions which
regulate your conduct.
For additional information about the Ethics Commission and the conflict of interest
law, please visit www.mass.gov/ethics.
Educational material about the application of the conflict of interest law can be
found at http://www.mass.gov/ethics/educational_materials.html
A summary of the conflict of interest law can be found in The Top Ten Rules State
Employees Need to Know About the Conflict of Interest Law.

It really is a good thing!

Dejavu...all over again!

2009-09-16T10:58:00.009-04:00

Déjàvu…it’s the feeling of having an experience all over again, but not really. Well, the faces have changed, but I, (we) have indeed seen this before. I am talking about the recent firing of Bev Cyr, the Administrative Assistant for the Board of Health.

Some of my colleagues might not agree with my statement, but that’s a frame of mind thing and we get to disagree on that. Nonetheless, I (we) have been here before.

I have been blessed with meeting many really good people in this Town; people of honor, courage who stand tall for their beliefs; people committed to holding their public officials to the highest of standards. Bev is such a person. She lives (sometimes at her own personal peril) these standards. At this meeting on August 25th, Bev was terminated from the job she loves. I want to extend my appreciation and thanks to her; she was a professional, hard working employee and was a warm welcoming face in the townhouse.

Anytime we see this type of incident, we need to ask why? You, the voters, need to ask why? What was at the core? Was it sound management, a power struggle or something in between? Were the action of public officials truly rooted in the public’s best interest or was there underling personal or political connotation?

I hope everyone knows that government is unlike the private sector; public officials have a higher standard to uphold. Their actions are subject to public scrutiny by virtue of who and what they are and who they represent: you.

Regretfully, a person has lost their job in a very public fashion. From my perspective, I want to take the opportunity to better understand why and how we can prevent this sort of thing in the future. I want to look at reforms that give you, the public, a heightened level of confidence. I invite comments from both sides of the issue. I hope they can be enlightening in two ways: What went wrong with the system and what can we do to prevent “Déjà vu all over again."

As always, the Moderator will not allow personal attacks, so let’s discuss this logically and sensibly.

BOS Goals Finalized and Adopted

2009-08-29T19:18:00.004-04:00

The Board of Selectmen goals were finalized and adopted on August 10th. Click on the link to read them and thank you for your continued support and comments relating to our goals! I look forward to your participation at our meetings; you're helping to shape our Town's future.

JULY 23 OVERLAY DISTRICT MEETING

2009-07-25T06:20:00.006-04:00

The July 23 Overlay District joint meeting with the Planning Board and Board of Selectmen was attended by about thirty residents. Please read the linked article below for some of the details of the meeting. I will be updating you with more information shortly!

JULY 23 OVERLAY MEETING: PLEASE ATTEND!

2009-07-22T07:41:00.012-04:00

The awaited second meeting of the Zoning Overlay Proposal is this Thursday, July 23 at 8:00 pm in Room 103 of the Town Offices. The topics of discussion are:

- Review results of land use polling
- Goals for Areas A, B and C
- Review results of visual preferencing polling
- Decision by boards regarding next steps/activities
- Discuss boundaries of the district (s)
- MAPC presentation based on input
- Next steps: set meeting date

The three potential overlay district areas are:
Draft Sub-areas:
A - existing Business village area
B - IBM west to Beaver Brook Road
C - From east of Village to Powers Road

***CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO SEE THE POLLING RESULTS AND BE SURE TO ATTEND!***

BOARD OF SELECTMEN 2010 GOALS

2009-07-18T07:56:00.006-04:00

The Board of Selectmen has begun to establish goals for the upcoming year. Click on the "link " below for our preliminary list; we will be discussing these again at our next meeting on July 27th. This is an opportune time for you to weigh in with your thoughts and what we can possibly do for Littleton. Thanks!

SEEKING YOUR COMMENTS FROM THE JUNE 17TH OVERLAY MEETING

2009-06-30T19:55:00.002-04:00

It's great that so many of you attended this forum; please write in and give further comments. For those of you who did not attend, there's a lot of information (including the draft designated areas) available on our Town's website. The next meeting is July 23 (Planning Board meeting). I will publish more details as I get them for you.

PLANNING THE FUTURE OF LITTLETON

2009-06-14T11:51:00.006-04:00

Overlay Zoning Planning Forum

Wednesday, June 17th, 7:00 p.m.

Littleton Middle School

On Wednesday evening, June 17^th, we begin the formal, public phase of a strategy designed to shape the future of what is generally considered the Common. This effort, known as the Common Overlay Zone Planning, is a unique opportunity for us all. It’s unique in that it represents the most significant, proactive planning effort undertaken for many years; actually since the development of the Master Plan. This has been a long time coming!

What makes this unique is that the Townspeople have an opportunity to craft the look and feel they want in certain areas, what is allowable, what is not and how to achieve the vision. In the past, we had been reacting to what was in the mind of developers; their particular economics and desires. The result, I think most will agree, has not been entirely satisfactory; the process in the past has been misunderstood. (For a refresher, go to the photo album on this site to stroll through our Common.) Well, Littletonians, now is the time to take control. A lull in the economy has our Planning Board in a position to get ahead of this issue and they and the BOS are committed to doing just that. However, the results will clearly be reflective of the quality of public involvement and input.

My position on this has been consistent (but somewhat overshadowed during the grandstanding of some during the past election). Let me reiterate: I support the overlay work. I see it as a tool to take control of development and get what we want in the Common area. I do not support a piece by piece developer initiated approach with its associated political trappings. That’s why we’re in the position we now are; reacting to separate proposals as they arise. There is indeed a better way.

I seek economic development that will create a net increase in tax revenue (revenue that is greater than the cost of services it prompts). I believe the overlay can create consistency, fairness and enhancements to our Common and tax base. As many of you know, I am an avid supporter of preserving farmlands (particularly “prime” arable areas as determined by the USDA) and local farmers as they are our heritage and part of Littleton’s unique identity. Farmland is becoming more and more valuable in our changing world and once it becomes parking lots, foundations and septic systems, it’s gone forever. Solid planning, community benefit, preservation and economic development - all can co-exist. It can happen because of this comprehensive, proactive planning. If we fail to plan, we already know that there are developers waiting in the wings to continue laying the tracks for sprawling the Eastward Express to meet the Westbound Acton Express. It is my strong and educated opinion that the time is now to plan, or suffer some undesirable consequences.

On the 17^th, we will hear from development interests, preservation interests, green interests, small or large business interests and those who seek tax revenue generation; we’ll all come together. Each will try to persuade the planning effort and that is exactly why citizens need to take notice and become involved NOW. There will be additional opportunities for refinement over the next few months and your ongoing interest is important then, too.

What do we want? A sense of community, culture, heritage, flavor? Tax revenues? Preservation of farmland and open space? Commercial recreational facilities? Commercial amenities that serve Littleton residents well? We have a rare opportunity to craft a plan which includes some of everything! Please be there. Attend this kick-off and the subsequent BOS and Planning Board meetings and a Town Meeting later in the fall. Now is the time to help us help you!

IS TRUST IMPORTANT?

2009-06-07T10:04:00.005-04:00

At the time of this writing, the Statehouse and its particular hallmark of politicians is again making headlines as another former house speaker is indicted. Before I go any further, I want to make it clear that I don’t believe all our Representatives and Senators are cast from this mold; in fact, many are quite to the contrary.

Part of the problem here emanates from trust: 1) confidence in and reliance on good qualities, especially fairness, truth, honor or ability; 2) the position of somebody who is expected by others to behave responsibly or honorably. Does this sound like what we want and should expect from our officials??? It should. Sadly, we’ve almost become complacent with our expectations. We distrust instead and in many cases for good reason. Nowhere in public service are expectations lower than those of our politicians. I ask, is this the fault of the politicians, political system or citizens? My point is that it should be the responsibility of the citizen to demand trustworthy representation (deserving of trust, or able to be trusted). If we demand that our politicians act with the same trustworthiness as let’s say, nurses, soldiers or firefighters, where would we be? Certainly better off!

This is not easy because varying expectations for solutions and a dislike or fear of more taxes and the public imbedded sense of skepticism presents all politicians with a daunting challenge. We politicians have to be popular within the constituency or we are politicians no more. We also need money and support to run campaigns and with that comes the wheeling, dealing and alliances. This is why I say it’s the citizens who must force a change.

Littleton has recently made a choice. I campaigned on a platform of service, openness, responsibility and trustworthiness as the foundation of approaching all the issues. My opponent campaigned on alliances and “connections” and spent a bit more spinning his time making promises that people wanted to hear.

I hope that in the next three years we can continue to build what a majority of you decided you want. Part of that is transparency, truthfulness and yes, trust. In 2008, the Selectmen adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics. Incredibly, there are some Boards and Committees who will not support it. You can join me in insisting they do.

Also, in the last three years, I have been a proponent of disclosure for any situation where a potential conflict of interest, self–interest or alliance obligation could cloud a deliberative process. Some still resist that, too. (Thankfully, none on the current Board of Selectmen.) For several years, two of us on the BOS have tried to get more meetings televised for you on cable so you can see how we conduct the Town’s business and see how we behave. Some of our local officials disagree with that. I was once rudely confronted at what was supposed to be an open/public meeting as to why I was there, this person summarized what I was doing as a “disgrace” and that I wasn’t invited. WE ARE ALL INVITED! We should demand that our public officials act respectfully.

I know that in the next three years, I will continue this push. I ask for your help. It’s time that special and personal interests exited Littleton and the sense of public responsibility marches forward. I thank all of you who share this vision and encourage those who have not been of this ilk to join in. The future of Littleton awaits our good choices. And let me say again: WE ARE ALL INVITED.

Note: There are many issues ahead including planning the overlay zoning, state revenue freefall, school aid, economic development and the preservation of services. Please take an interest now when the campaign regale (entertain or amuse by telling stories) has subsided. This is when we get things accomplished on your behalf.

OVERLAY ZONING PUBLIC FORUM: JUNE 17TH

2009-06-03T05:46:00.018-04:00

Littleton Common Overlay District Forum

Here's the information for the upcoming forum: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 Public Forum. UPDATED - The Planning Board and Board of Selectmen will host a Littleton Common Overlay District Public Forum on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 from 7 to 9 PM at the Littleton Middle School, 55 Russell Street. The forum will be led by Mark Racicot of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to begin setting the stage for creating a potential overlay district for Littleton Common, the nearby properties to the west, including those owned by IBM and Cisco, as well as possibly areas to the east of the existing business district. Mr. Racicot will be using a PowerPoint Visual Preference Tool that MAPC has successfully used in Bedford, Millis and other communities in preparation for discussions of mixed use bylaws.

The Town requested assistance from MAPC to prepare a draft of a mixed-use bylaw for the three subareas of the potential overlay district, which would allow for a special permit review process to allow for retail, office and residential construction within the designated area (although not all uses would necessarily be allowed in all three areas). A public forum regarding the potential overlay district is now scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, 2009 from 7 to 9 PM at the Littleton Middle School. The Planning Board will also host a follow-up meeting to be held on Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 8 PM.

Input received from the public, along with the materials presented at the public forum, will be available on this webpage after the forum so that those who could not attend may be able to provide continuing input to the town Boards. Questions? Please contact Planning Administrator/Permit Coordinator Maren Toohill at toohill@littletonma.org

I've had many questions on this topic; "What IS an overlay district?"..."Why do we need one?"..."Is this just for businesses?"..."How does this affect us, the taxpayer?"..."Will this change the character of our Town?"

I am urging you to attend this VERY IMPORTANT meeting; get your questions answered, state your vision and make a difference toward the future of Littleton.

Please click on "link" right here for some basic information on overlay zoning.

SEE YOU ON JUNE 17TH!

A Tale of Two Littletons

2009-05-19T17:58:00.005-04:00

Littleton has once again set itself apart with its particular brand of politics with a close, one-on-one election that drew about 30% of the voters in what would otherwise might have been a “sleeper” election year.

It was clear that this campaign had two very different styles: the campaign of politics and the campaign of service. Sides were drawn and feelings ran strong. Nothing occurred in this election that would have lessened the rivalry between my opponent and me or our respective supporters, just like three years ago. That was the unfortunate part. By the way, when you clear away all the political posturing, the fact of the matter is that we weren't so far apart on the issues. The biggest difference was really the philosophies by which we will conduct our service to the public.
One thing that was troubling to me was written endorsement of some public officials. "The Gang of 20 "we dubbed it in the McCurdy Campaign circles. I want to be clear, it wasn’t troubling because of who they supported, but for its potential implications as we move ahead. It almost creates our own version of "party lines" here in Littleton. I can assure you that I don't care whose side you were on then; this is about now and now is the time to go forward and work together. After all, isn’t that what the whole election process is about?

If there are some who harbor ill feelings, I hope you can put them aside with the greater good in mind. I certainly have. I hope my opponent will call me with the customary congratulations conversation. This would go a long way in reassuring everyone the animosity will be set aside, on both sides.

There is much to do in getting the zoning overlay education and dialog moving and adopted; implementing the Code of Conduct & Ethics among the various committees; working on a comprehensive re-vamping of our capital planning and the study of our infrastructure needs. (And, yes, that does include the role that sewering might play in the future.) There is also work to be done to find new economic development opportunities. The list is long, the challenges daunting. There are two ways to best ensure we do the right things on behalf of the Town. One is that is work together no matter where you made camp and the second that we conduct ourselves openly, respectfully and reflectively. As always, I welcome the input and counsel of everyone, including those who campaigned for my opponent. That was then and this is now. We all love this Town so let’s get to work!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

2009-05-10T06:14:00.007-04:00

...
From the Moderator and your devoted readers...Congratulations on your victory!

Think this is what he'd say?

2009-05-05T15:18:00.013-04:00

"The Army mule is a horse of another color." McCurdy said. "We are saddled with problems. We must depend upon unbridled ferocity as we take the bit in our teeth and hopefully gallop to victory. Whoa... enough of that."

THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL - VISIT WWW.VOTEMCCURDY.ORG

2009-04-10T20:33:00.011-04:00

Note: Please check on the comments section of this post to see some text referred to in the Independent; at times, they have to cut some of that out, so take a look.

My website, VoteMcCurdy.org comes back to life! As you know, Littleton is in the heat of another election season. I am the focal point of a challenge by Paul Glavey. I welcome the opportunity because it helps get the numerous issues into the view of citizens.

Unlike my opponent, I will not try to scare you with words of looming "storm clouds", reclaiming something supposedly lost. That is political harangue and spin. I see something far more positive in that we are moving forward, issues are being addressed through open meetings. Citizens have been empowered, economic development is not the lure of "chocolate candy"; our outreach is real. We have increased our governmental efficiency and transparency, captured the previously elusive financial picture, assisted our elderly population. We have risen even in the toughest of financial times. I see a hopeful future and to me it's a breath of fresh air when compared to the senseless and contemptuous power struggles of the past. We finally have a government focused solely on befitting its people. But we have much more to do!

Please visit my web site at www.votemccurdy.org and continue to read here with over 7400 hits! I am your Selectman and ask that you provide me the honor of serving you another three years. Please Vote May 9th!

FARMLAND FORUM - APRIL 28

2009-04-08T17:57:00.003-04:00

The Littleton Conservation Trust is holding their Annual Ed Bell Forum on Tuesday evening, April 28 at 7:00 at Indian Hill Music Center, 36 King Street. The guest speaker is Cris Coffin, New England Director, American Farmland Trust. Please be sure to come to this free and informative night.

THANK YOU ALL - SECOND ANNUAL GREEN FORUM

2009-03-30T09:13:00.002-04:00

The Second Annual “Green Forum” was a success - "Preserving Farmland in these Tough Economic Times." Farmers, local selectmen, planners, advocacy groups and interested citizens all came together for what turned into an informative and fun night. There is still much to do to integrate the preservation of farmlands into our overall economic development strategies. However, through the testimony of our experts, we now know it makes for a valuable tool to add in our planning toolbox.

I want to thank Senator Eldridge, Representatives Arcerio, Commissioner Petersen, Chris Chisolm and Jamie Cruz for their enlightening remarks, dedication and support.

I want to thank the local businesses who not only made this event possible but gave it elements of fun and class. Your community spirit is outstanding, your donations remarkable in these tough economic times. Those organizations and businesses are Agway, Cataldo’s Nursery, Ed’s Weenies, Fallon’s Liquor Store, Gary’s Farm, Green Sanctuary Task Force, Harmony Horse Stables, Littleton Conservation Trust, Littleton Town Democratic Committee, Lombardo’s Loam & Gravel, Pet Thingz, Red Oak Renovations, Spring Brook Farm and Springdell Farm. Indian Hill and North Middlesex Savings, your sustaining force in community spirit is amazing.

Foremost I want to thank the group of volunteers who helped organize the whole event, set up and clean up at the end. Janet Dutcher, Julie Lucas, Linda Cantillon, Bev Cyr, Jane Chrisfield, Jodee Coke and Jamie Cruz - you are the best of the best!

This event was specifically kept free of any political identity. This was not a candidate event, but a community event. I only wish that my opponent and his supporters would have refrained from labeling it as a political event. This event was in the works well over a year ago when we started planning for the first “green” event. I hope to hold the third such event next year. I wish that everyone could have accepted it for what it was and set aside some of the politically based acrimony. Had they embraced this event they soon would have realized the value of the information and the resultant networking. Had they embraced community spirit over politics they would have been better equipped to serve. Our community and our relationships with neighboring communities has improved. These benefits know no political bounds.

Nonetheless it was a successful night and we look forward to next year!

THE HEARTBEAT OF LITTLETON: OUR COMMON

2009-03-17T20:56:00.005-04:00

We have to make deliberate and wise choices to restore and craft a new a “Common Strategy” which is reflective of the needs of our community for the years ahead.

I don’t believe this can be done with the ideas from yesteryear. Rather, it should be a blend of the general planning efforts guidance such as the Master Plan, combined with a new level of thinking, all taking in the factors of today. The Board has moved in this direction and has updated its level of thinking. This is and will be reaping very positive results.

Today, the Board of Selectman is diligently planning economic development that includes all aspects of the Common, including the look, feel as well as the overall desired town character the Common will signify. Of course, reaping the advantages of economic development is very important, but not to the detriment of the Town. We have chosen the front door, an up-front and open minded, inclusive and consensus approach; we want what you want.

What many people don’t see yet is how much effort is being put into this. Rather than a single study (centered around infrastructure), we are now putting an unprecedented number of resources together to create an integrated planning effort. We are meeting jointly on a regular basis with the Planning Board and other key boards and committees; we are being open and transparent in our efforts, we are even coupling this effort with a comprehensive review of our sign bylaw and we are talking with our neighbors. New faces are joining in to freshen the mix. After all, this heartbeat of Littleton is part of your Littleton. I have gone into this without pre-conceived notions and plan to reap the benefit of our planning effort as my guide going forward.

This hard work is also being facilitated by the professionals and planners we have put in place and empowered over the last three years. These professionals have been able to secure grant funding and support from the State; to widen the view that includes new traffic studies and zoning overlay scenarios that will give the townspeople choices on how to go forward with our Common Strategy. We have saved the Town money in the process and we are producing results. In-depth detail can be found on the Town’s official website for all to see. (BTW, Littleton’s website itself is now award winning in dispersing information to the public.) We’ve come a very, very long way in the last three years!

All too often, “campaign rhetoric” touts a change in strategy…promising a quick fix, enticing voters who want to see something done. Often a campaign strategy points fingers and blames the incumbent. However there is no quick fix, no magic bullet. This planning effort that we are on now is comprehensive and well thought out. It has been far removed from “political razzle dazzle.” But when campaign rhetoric starts to fly, know this: We are getting it done like never before!

There is more to do!
For years, we have underutilized our areas zoned for business. The problem extends beyond the Common. We must work to develop a town-wide strategy, a strategy that meets our wants and needs including additional tax revenues. We have drawn IBM to the Common and we are in a position in another area to not only keep another business here but allow it to grow. This too will improve upon tax revenue; this too will help us attract additional economic opportunities.

Working Together
This Town has come together in the last three years and is a place of which I am proud to live in, and yes, very proud to serve in as well. The contemptuous divisions which were so prevalent in the past have almost disappeared; trust is restored; a touch of government humility keeps us focused on serving you, all of you, as best we can. The last three years have been a metamorphosis of sorts for our citizens and our Town employees alike.

Need proof? Try a walk around Town Hall. There is a positive and optimistic feel there despite this being worst of economic times. The teamwork, the mission and the responsiveness of our professionals prove how working together, out in the open, with a broad consensus has taken us so far in the last three years. You are all finally getting the respect you deserve. You are our bosses; this is your community. We have been given the awesome responsibility of the care and upkeep on your behalf.

As of this writing, no opponent has handed in their nomination papers. That does not lessen my sense of responsibility to you, my commitment to openness or my great enthusiasm about our community…far from it. I will continue to attend many board meetings, solicit feedback and seek ways to reach you, to know what you want. Opponent or not, I’ll be out there seeking your feedback and hopefully your approval of my work. I have made a career of service to others. Yet even today, the importance of that service humbles me under the greatness of our people and our country.

I ask for and look forward to seeking your vote of approval for another three years of service to you!

SECOND ANNUAL LITTLETONCOMMON GREEN FORUM!

2009-02-17T15:19:00.004-05:00

Second Annual Littletoncommon.org Forum
Saturday, March 28th 7:00 p.m., Indian Hill Music Center
Preserving Farmland and Promoting Agriculture in these Tough Economic Times
(Click on COMMENTS below for more details.) AND, PLEASE CLINK ON "LINK" TO READ AN INTERESTING ARTICLE ABOUT THE ECONOMICS OF PRESERVING LAND.
I have always said that public officials should be reaching out to the public, a diverse public, one that provides perspective from all sides. As part of this effort I, or better yet we, have created a this blog site with the intent of looking at an array of issues facing our Town and town politics. We have now have well over 6,000 visits since the inception of Littletoncommon.org!

Last year, this outreach expanded with our first Green Forum. Our Town Administrator Keith Bergman presented The Climate Project©. The house was packed, connections were made and the exchange of ideas flourished in this combination social and educational event. The event raised the awareness and our commitment to seek environmentally friendly ways to go forward.

I am happy to say that we are doing it again! This year, the forum has been scheduled for Saturday evening, March 28th at 7:00 p.m. at Indian Hill Music Center in Littleton. The topic this year will look at Preserving Local Farmland and Promoting Agriculture even in Tough Economic Times. In attendance will be State Senator Jamie Eldridge, State Representative Jim Arciero, the Commissioner of the Department of Agricultural Resources, Doug Petersen,our Regional Planner of the Department of Agricultural Resources, Chris Chisholm, our Selectmen and many others. There will be brief presentations designed to engage discussion and this will be followed by a light fared "meet and greet" social event.

As you may know, the Board of Selectmen has established a goal of preserving some farmland; this goal has not yet been realized. Farmlands have served as the backbone of Littleton throughout its history, yet we have no plan to include its preservation for the future. I believe that agriculture should be an integrated part of our community planning efforts, part of our economic development strategies and a thread in our community fabric. Obviously, we cannot pour all of our efforts into the preservation of farmlands any more than we can narrowly focus on, let’s say, supporting the future of IBM in our community. (Anybody remember Digital?) However, we should look at keeping our local farm stands, hayfields, dairy cows and other agriculture in production, alive and well. We aren’t able to economically compare farming to that of commercial development and corporate ventures, but then again where would we be without the enjoyment of fresh milk, eggs and produce? The benefits are far-reaching and a dollar value cannot be tagged to this!

Economic development is not just about seeking new tax revenues. This community has made this clear in our zoning bylaws and our master plan. Economic development needs to reflect the broad based needs of the community and the desire of its residents. I am a firm believer in a diverse economic development strategy that ensures we follow our community goals. I am in favor of tasteful development; that which reflects the vision of our whole community, not a town that looks like the younger brother of our easterly connector route.

Where would we be if all our farms were supplanted by office buildings, chain stores and car dealerships? Our future, or more correctly the quality of our future, requires a balanced approach. We don’t need to look far to see what happens to a community or neighborhood character when development after development of strip malls pop up. We need not look far to see our own failures. I hope we will not be looking back and saying our failure to preserve key gateway pieces of agricultural land has changed our community character in a less than desirable way.

It will be impossible to go back.

I am a believer in generating revenue in a way by which we can all be happy to call Littleton home. Please attend this unique forum about our heritage. I look forward to seeing many of you there!

CLICK UNDER COMMENTS BELOW HERE TO SEE MORE DETAILS OF THE EVENT.