2011 Voters’ Guide Candidate Statements

Board of Health

Board of Health – Zac Cataldo

How is your background related to the board position that you are seeking?  Please include any affiliations you have with Westford.

I have served on the Westford Board of Health for the past 11 years, serving as Chairman for the past 5 years.  To be honest, when I was first elected I had very little experience of the many facets of Public and Environmental Health.  I am a licensed Construction Supervisor and I knew about Septic Systems but for the most part, serving on the Board has been “on the Board training” so to speak.

What inspired you to run for this seat and how is your campaign being financed?

I was originally inspired to run because I have a love for public service and felt that I could make a difference and that continues as I run for my fifth term.  I have never raised or spent any money on my campaigns for Board of Health.

What have you done to educate yourself about Board of Health responsibilities?  What other Departments and/or groups do you think the Board of Health will need to work with to carry out those responsibilities?

It seems that since my first year on the Board of Health there has never been a dull moment and through years of dealing with all the different aspects of public health including food inspections, septic systems, beach & pool inspections, beaver dams, piggeries, housing & camp inspections, well contaminations, hazardous spills, nuisances, asphalt plants, staffing and budgets, I continue to learn something new all the time.   We recently worked with the Westford Planning Board to determine whether a proposed asphalt plant was appropriate for town.  Every year we work with the Finance Committee, Selectmen and Town Manager at budget time.  I am proud of the work of our Director Sandy Collins, who organized and manages the Medical Reserve Corps, a volunteer group of medical professionals from Westford & surrounding towns that donate their time and expertise to help out during emergencies and routine health clinics alike.

Board of Health – Michele Pitoniak Crawford

How is your background related to the board position that you are seeking?  Please include any affiliations you have with Westford.

I hope that my professional background brings a bit of a different perspective to the Board and will be a positive contribution to the current members’ strengths. I received my BA in Biological Sciences from Smith College and a Master of Public Health in Environmental Health from Boston University.  I am currently a Senior Consultant for Around the Clock Compliance, Inc. specializing in all aspects of environmental/ occupational health and safety program evaluation, development and management for clients in the life sciences and university research sectors. Prior to my role with ATCC, my work experience included managing environmental health and safety programs for Boston College and Tufts University. I work in the areas of wastewater permitting, hazardous materials (chemical, biological, radiological, asbestos & lead), air quality and noise. My professional registrations include Massachusetts Registered Sanitarian, Massachusetts Certified Health Officer, and Certified Hazardous Materials Manager.

What inspired you to run for this seat and how is your campaign being financed?

I served as the Health Agent for the Town of Westford in 1984 and worked with the Board of Health. In 1998, with three young boys in tow, my husband and I relocated to Westford. We were attracted by the stellar school system, the open spaces, and the great neighborhoods. I have always had an interest in getting involved with the Board of Health, and now that my youngest will be graduating from Westford Academy, I have more free time to give back to the community. In September, I was made aware of the 6 month vacancy in an existing term on the Board. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to get involved. I was appointed to fill the remainder of the position at a joint meeting of the Board of Selectman and the Board of Health in November of 2010.  I have not raised any finances for this campaign.

What have you done to educate yourself about Board of Health responsibilities?  What other Departments and/or groups do you think the Board of Health will need to work with to carry out those responsibilities?

I reviewed all of the Board of Health minutes from the past few years. I had phone interviews with Board members to discuss responsibilities.  Since November, I have had the opportunity to review topics such as Title V variance requests, food sanitation concerns, and air pollution issues related to noise and dust. The Board of Health interacts with most of the other town departments on a routine basis depending upon the issue being considered. Emergency management concerns involve the Fire, Police, and Highway Departments as well as the Town Manager. Land use studies will overlap with the Conservation Committee and Planning Board, and wellness activities may be coordinated with the Senior Center and the School Department. The Board also works closely with Town Counsel to obtain legal interpretations and on enforcement actions.

Board of Selectmen

Board of Selectmen – Kelly J. Ross

How is your background related to the board position that you are seeking?  Please include any affiliations you have with Westford.

I am currently completing my third year on the Board of Selectmen, including a year as chairman. Prior to that, I served on the Finance Committee for six years, including three years as chairman. During my terms on these committees, I also served on a variety of related boards, committees, and task forces, including acting as the chairman of both the Long Range Fiscal Policy Committee in 2007 and the Roudenbush RFP Evaluation Task Force in 2010.

I have a detailed knowledge of the workings of the town and the issues we are facing, as well as an understanding of the importance of collaboration among selectmen, town boards, town employees, and citizens.

What inspired you to run for this seat and how is your campaign being financed?

I am running for the Board of Selectmen to preserve what we all love about this town. We have one of the best public education systems in the nation. Our town departments have a record of excellence, and they are constantly finding ways to improve. We have acres of open space and miles of trails. We are also fortunate to have many, many dedicated volunteers who provide hours of service to Westford as members of boards, committees, and organizations, and I consider it a privilege to be one of them.

With regard to campaign finances, I intend to run a low-budget campaign using leftover supplies, such as yard signs, from my 2008 campaign. If additional resources are required, I will seek contributions from Westford residents.

What strategic issues do you see the Town facing over the next five years?

In my opinion, the most important issue facing Westford now and for the foreseeable future is budget management. We have seen significant reductions in state aid in recent years. We are expecting another cut in the upcoming year, and we can only expect gradual improvement at best in the next few years.

There are many critical issues facing the town, including managing growth and development, protecting our neighborhoods, providing affordable housing, preserving open space, maintaining our buildings and roads, and providing quality public education and town services. They all require money. I will continue to be an advocate for responsible budgets that reflect Westford’s priorities.

Board of Selectmen – Valerie A. Wormell

How is your background related to the board position that you are seeking?  Please include any affiliations you have with Westford.

My education and professional career is chemical engineering, receiving a B.S from Miami University, being employed by Procter & Gamble and W.R. Grace. I have an interest in environmental protection and will be adept at implementing storm water management mandates cost effectively.

As a young adult, I lived all over the country and experienced many forms of government from city councils to county commissioners to grange meetings. I attended sessions, first as a curiosity, but it grew into a lifelong interest. Open Town Meeting is a gift.  No other form of self-government brings policy decision making closer to residents.

Living in Westford for 20 years, happily married, raising two children, you quickly become involved in the community.  Volunteering is an important aspect of our culture. I am a communicant of St. Catherine’s and served PTO’s, youth sports organizations, the League of Women Voters, Republican Town Committee and numerous town committees.

What inspired you to run for this seat and how is your campaign being financed?

A number of factors influenced my decision to run for office in 2005. I had a positive experience working with business leaders and Town officials on the Tax Classification Study Committee.  At the same time, I was an observer for the League of Women Voters when perchlorate releases first became known.  I had an interest in water protection and a background to make a contribution toward solving this problem.  At the time, I knew nothing about local campaigns.  I just had the will.

Ask anyone who has run for public office and they will tell you, the worst task in a campaign is to fundraise.  It is especially difficult in today’s economy. I sent letters to past supporters who responded generously.

What strategic issues do you see the Town facing over the next five years?

Westford’s strategic direction is laid out in the Comprehensive Master Plan.  Two issues, which need to be addressed in the next five years, are maintaining our assets and infrastructure within our means and redefining our sense of place.

Planned maintenance and scheduled capital replacement will reduce the need to ask taxpayers to incur debt, except in extraordinary circumstances. I am working with residents and staff on Capital Planning, Public Works Initiative, Energy and Unaccepted Roads to further this objective.

The slow economy affords us time to redefine our sense of place.  The selectmen need to support the Planning Board and residents in amending zoning bylaws while commercial construction is at ebb. Issues of cell tower siting and signs need to be addressed and new opportunities, such as expedited permitting and transfer of development rights, explored to build a sustainable commercial tax base and protect open space.  Now is the time!

Housing Authority

Housing Authority – Carol Engel

How is your background related to the board position that you are seeking?  Please include any affiliations you have with Westford.

My background related to the board position that I am seeking is only the fact that I am running unopposed for the fourth time.

What inspired you to run for this seat and how is your campaign being financed?

I am inspired to run again because of the work done and being done by our capable Westford Housing Director, Chris Pude, with the support of the rest of the Board of Commissioners.  When my husband and I were looking for our first home with at least an acre of land the only place we could afford was in Westford.  I do not believe that newlyweds would be that lucky today.

What more can be done to create more affordable housing in Westford?

The Housing Authority has done much to try to increase affordable housing in Westford.

Library Trustees

Library Trustees – Hajo Koester

How is your background related to the board position that you are seeking?  Please include any affiliations you have with Westford.

Town of Westford elected & appointed positions: Member & Treasurer JV Fletcher Library Board of Trustees; Election Officer; Member, Vice Chairman & Chairman NVTSD School Committee; Member & Chairman, Cable Advisory Committee; Member & Vice Chairman, Westford School Committee.

Community Service:  Money Manager, Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley; Board Member, Westford Education Foundation; Board Member & Treasurer, Friends of the JV Fletcher Library; Corporator, Emerson Hospital; Coach, Westford Youth Soccer.

What inspired you to run for this seat and how is your campaign being financed?

I was appointed to fill a vacant seat, was elected when the term for the vacant seat ended, and am now running to be elected for a second full term. I like to continue to help guide the Library successfully through the fiscal crisis and through the transition of the Library’s services into the digital age. I’m not planning to expend funds on the campaign.

What challenges does the library face long-term and what are your ideas in addressing them?

Looking forward we face very difficult fiscal times for the foreseeable future.  It will be a major challenge to continue to provide the excellent level of library services Westford residents have been accustomed to. To meet the challenge the Library continues to restructure and increase efficiencies to reduce cost.  Thankfully the Library’s dedicated staff continues to provide excellent services within budget constraints.  The Library is also fortunate to have the support of an outstanding Friends organization.  The Friends work tirelessly to advocate and raise funds for supplemental services and facility improvements.  The Trustees need to do all they can to support Library staff and Friends.

The march towards the digital age is accelerating with the introduction of E-readers. This among others requires the Trustees to focus on: 1) understanding Westford’s long term services and facility needs; and 2) developing and implementing plans to satisfy the needs.

Library Trustees – Robert D. Price

How is your background related to the board position that you are seeking?  Please include any affiliations you have with Westford.

I’ve served on the Board of Library Trustees for the past 12 years, including three years as its chair.  Over those years, I’ve taken advantage of various seminars offered by the Massachusetts Library Trustees Association and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners to become a better-educated Trustee.  I’ve also attended annual Legislative Breakfasts to lobby our state representatives for increased support of public libraries.

Prior to becoming Trustee, I served for 11 years on the Executive Board of the Friends of the J. V. Fletcher Library.  I’ve also served on the Representative Town Government Study Committee and the Ad Hoc Department of Public Works Planning Committee.  I’m now serving on the Public Works Initiative Committee.

I’m currently the Vice-President of the League of Women Voters of Westford and in that capacity I’ve been hosting the League’s Town Meeting Warrant Review programs on Westford CAT.

What inspired you to run for this seat and how is your campaign being financed?

I would say I’m “prepared” rather than “inspired.”  When my wife, Ann Mahoney, and I moved to Westford 27 years ago, we immediately registered to vote at the Town Clerk’s office and then walked across the street to the Library to get our library cards.  We became members of the Friends of the J. V. Fletcher Library, attended the annual library book sales, and eventually became co-chairs of the Friends’ Book Sale Committee.  After 11 years of sorting books and hauling boxes, we retired.  Since a seat on the Board of Trustees was becoming vacant, I decided to run for that position.

The position of Library Trustee has never been a political one.  Candidates’ love of the Library and support for its services transcends political affiliations and goals.  Personal advocacy for the Library is all that’s required in the way of campaigning, so no financing is needed.

What challenges does the library face long-term and what are your ideas in addressing them?

The biggest challenge the Library faces is lack of space.  By every measurable standard, our Library is under-sized for our population.  There is not enough room for the chairs, work surfaces, computer terminals, quiet study rooms, tutorial rooms, meeting rooms, storage space, and staff offices to meet current needs.  There is also no local history room with the proper security and climate control needed to protect the Library’s oldest records.

To meet this challenge and to determine the best approach to increase the Library’s capacity, the Trustees would like to retain a professional library building consultant to analyze the needs of the community and to make recommendations.  These recommendations may include expanding the building on the present limited site, constructing a new library at a different location, opening a branch library, expanding the bookmobile outreach service, or drastically extending the hours the Library is open.

Moderator

Moderator – Ellen S. Harde

How is your background related to the board position that you are seeking?  Please include any affiliations you have with Westford.

My degree is in Government, and I have been involved in town government and town meeting since moving to Westford 1967. That year, I joined the Westford League of Women Voters, and became the League observer at Selectmen’s meetings. In 1972 I was elected to the Board of Selectman, the first woman to serve on that board. I have served on the Personnel Board, Roudenbush Committee, Recycling Commission and Town Management Study Committee among other town committees.

In 1993, I was honored to be elected Moderator and am seeking my seventh three-year term.

I continue as a member of the Westford League, the Recycling Commission, the Crisafulli School Advisory Committee and the board of directors of the Westford Land Preservation Foundation. Because of my interest in the town’s history, I volunteer as a Westford Museum docent.

What inspired you to run for this seat and how is your campaign being financed?

When my predecessor Bill Kavanagh retired as Moderator in 1993, he asked me to consider running for the seat. Having been an active participant at town meeting, and a fervent believer in the power of the town meeting, I decided to run.

I do not anticipate any expenses associated with my campaign. If there are any, I will pay them myself. I have never had a campaign committee.

What factors should the Moderator take into consideration when appointing Finance Committee members?

The Finance Committee membership should reflect the town as a whole. With that in mind, I look to achieve a balance of fiscal conservatives and liberals, a range of ages, men and women, and long-time as well as newer residents to Westford.

It is important to me that an applicant has been a town meeting goer, so they understand the process and have shown enough interest in the process to take the time to be a part of it.

Planning Board

Planning Board – Katherine M. Hollister

How is your background related to the board position that you are seeking?  Please include any affiliations you have with Westford.

My science background helps me with interpreting the technical information presented to the Board. I have two Master’s Degrees: Electrical Engineering and Biology. I served as chairman of the Comprehensive Master Plan Committee 2006 to 2009, so I am familiar with the policy elements considered by the Board when reviewing applications, such as housing needs, open space, business development, public services, and transportation needs and safety. I also helped write the 2002 Open Space and Recreation Plan. My leadership roles for my neighborhood association, Westford Chorus, and Westford Trail Stewards trained me to be efficient during meetings. Finally, I have attended many, many Westford Planning Board hearings over the past 15 years, so I am familiar with its bylaws, regulations, and meeting style.

What inspired you to run for this seat and how is your campaign being financed?

I believe strongly in individual responsibility, volunteering, and civic duty to help one’s community. The role of the Planning Board in shaping the look and feel of a community has always interested me and my skill sets fit in with its purpose. The vacancy when Andrea Peraner-Sweet resigned came at a good time for me to apply. Funding will be through requests as needed for contributions from Westford residents.

How do you balance new development while maintaining the character of Westford?

People have the right to develop their land; however it should be done such that it is beneficial to the town as well as to the applicant. Our general zoning bylaws and regulations provide a framework for ensuring best practices with respect to roads, stormwater management, protecting natural resources, and other technical aspects of development. Overlay districts and special permits give the Board more latitude in integrating town needs and character into the process. The special permit section of our zoning bylaws list factors that need to be considered. Our Comprehensive Master Plan, Route 110 Master Plan, and other town reports provide the details of Westford’s policy towards development with respect to these factors. Public input into each discussion is also vital so that localized, as well as town-wide, concerns are addressed.

Planning Board – Prasad Vasiraju

How is your background related to the board position that you are seeking?  Please include any affiliations you have with Westford.

I am an engineering manager by profession and have master’s degrees in Computer Science and Business Administration. I am known as a quick learner and a problem solver. I am also a people’s person. I can be an honest broker who will appreciate the viewpoints of all stakeholders and help in the balanced growth of our town.

What inspired you to run for this seat and how is your campaign being financed?

I have been a town resident for over 9 years now and have two daughters attending public schools here. I had been thinking about getting more involved in town affairs and volunteering my time. Serving on a town board seems like an ideal avenue to achieve these objectives. My campaign is operating solely through the volunteer efforts of my friends and well wishers who believe I will be good for the position.

How do you balance new development while maintaining the character of Westford?

A town’s character is a nebulous concept and may mean different things to different people. To me it is defined by the pride residents feel in it and its attractiveness to potential residents. A town also does not exist in isolation and must be a team player in preserving and promoting the larger system it is part of. The master plan provides the basic framework for the town’s growth and the zoning by-laws enforce it.  Proper attention in developing and maintaining these mediums will achieve balanced growth and enhance the town’s character.

School Committee

School Committee – David A. Keele

How is your background related to the board position that you are seeking?  Please include any affiliations you have with Westford.

As an attorney I work with and represent clients who either have problems that need to be solved or are trying to pursue new opportunities, but are not quite sure how to move forward with their ideas.  A School Committee member faces these same challenges regularly. Promoting and implementing new ideas which will benefit our children is a rewarding experience.  Problems, however, will emerge and must be dealt with.  I believe it is critical for a School Committee member to be available to the tax payers to assist with any problems or challenges they may be facing.  Although you can never guarantee that you will be able to solve certain problems or challenges, it is most important that you have the ability to listen and take steps to assist.

What inspired you to run for this seat and how is your campaign being financed?

I was inspired to run for a seat on the School Committee three years ago from my firm belief and passion that life is not a spectator sport, but one that is enjoyed more through participation and giving back.  As a lifelong resident from Westford and a graduate from its school system, I believe it is a privilege to be a member of the School Committee that oversees and guides 5300 children on a daily basis.

I intend to finance my campaign personally, if necessary.

Should the school day or school year be lengthened in order to teach subjects more broadly and/or more deeply?

I am not persuaded by any studies locally, nationally or internationally that it is necessary to extend the school day or lengthen the school year at this time.  Massachusetts and Westford in particular, have some of the best schools in the country.

School Committee – Birgit Erika Kohl

How is your background related to the board position that you are seeking?  Please include any affiliations you have with Westford.

Having just completed my first term on school committee, I’m amazed at how much I’ve learned.  These past three years have taught me much that I will now be able to apply in support of our kids during the next three years.  Prior to becoming a school committee member, I’d been involved in many ways with education.  I’ve taught classes at work and also as a volunteer. I’ve managed a group chartered to provide a handful of courses for other engineers, evaluate the courses, improve them, and report on results.  These experiences have given me insight on a small scale to the challenges of managing an organization devoted to education.  I’ve also led efforts which have given me experience in setting goals, managing schedules and costs, and providing results; experience which also can be useful in overseeing the leadership of an organization which must also provide results on a budget.

What inspired you to run for this seat and how is your campaign being financed?

My mom raised three kids after my father died.  I watched her study in the evenings to gain skills so she could better support us, and I saw her study at night for the citizenship exam so she could become a U.S. citizen.  She stressed to us the importance of education, including that of the college education she’d never had. By getting a degree, I’ve had greater choices in life than would have been available otherwise, and my life has been richer through the knowledge I’ve gained.  I’m passionate about education and the notion that all kids should have the same opportunities I’ve had.  I’ve volunteered in educational settings since before my kids were born, and continue to do so.  Supporting Westford’s schools by serving on the School Committee has been an excellent use of that passion, I believe.  Since the seat is uncontested, I won’t be financing a campaign.

Should the school day or school year be lengthened in order to teach subjects more broadly and/or more deeply?

Increasing the schoolday or schoolyear are two ways to foster breadth and depth in learning, but not necessarily the most cost-effective ways.  Ensuring we have a well developed curriculum can serve this purpose, as can ensuring an efficient and effective use of the classtime already available.  But the greatest influence a School Committee can have on learning, I believe, is supporting great teachers and their ability to ‘connect’ with kids.  I believe Westford currently does well in all these areas, and does so extremely efficiently.  Would added schooltime be efficient?  In our best interests?  Longer schooldays leave less time for sports and other activities.  They also leave less time for the self-directed study time that is homework.  I’d be willing to consider added schooltime as a way to add breadth and depth in learning, but I’m not convinced it would turn out to be the wisest use of our dollars.