BCAT News

We asked the three candidates for Board of Selectmen the same five questions to give voters a look into why they are running and what they would hope to achieve on the board. 

Here we have the answers from 2-term incumbent Joe Morandi: 

1: Why are you seeking to be elected or re-elected to this position? 

A: I am seeking reelection to the board of selectmen because I truly love this town. I believe we have accomplished a lot and there is much more to do and I would love to be part of it. 

2: What do you hope to accomplish in the next three years? 

A: Within the next three years I would like to find a place for a new police station and also the elementary schools. I would like to keep the taxes at  a minimum for the residence and the business which I think we have done so far.

3: What do you think are the most pressing issues for the board over the next year?

The most important thing for the next year will be our tax rate. How we accomplish it will be up to the board of selectmen with all other boards involved. There has to be a balance between residential and commercial, so the town can move forward and not lose any of its amenities that we have now. 

4: What makes you a strong candidate for the board?

A: I believe I am a strong candidate for a couple of reasons. I personally get to see both sides of the coin on this one residential rate which I pay on my house, and the commercial rate which I pay on a building in town. I also have a small business which allows me to see how it affects Burlington. Commercial taxes affect the cost of Office space and retail space. This is why I believe I am a good candidate for this position.  

5: What would you say to voters to encourage them to vote for you? (open question, answer however you like). 

A: It has been my honor to be the chairman of the board for the last two years. I believe that being a business owner and a landowner in town gives me the foresight of what the businesses are going through. I think that makes me a strong candidate for my reelection. I believe this board has accomplished a lot of wonderful things for the town, new DPW building, new fire station, keeping the tax rate reasonable for the residence and the business community. Along with the rest of the board I think we have done an outstanding job during this pandemic, there have been no layoffs and It has been business as usual as we go through some very hard times. Right now I believe the Board of Selectmen has done an outstanding job and I am honored to be a part of that. I would ask for one of your thoughts on April 10. Yes I do love this town.