A frank talk with Kathy Fagan, candidate for Board of Selectmen

Dear fellow Milton resident:

I am running for reelection to the Board of Selectmen, and I would appreciate your vote on Tuesday, April 27th.

My opponent is a one-issue candidate.  He can only win if he distorts my position on that issue.  I’m sending you this letter to set the record straight on that issue.

The issue concerns the Governor Stoughton Land (a/k/a the Town's “Poor Farm").  My opponent claims that I support creating high-density housing on the site, which happens to abut his own Indian Cliffs neighborhood.

His claim is 100 percent false.  Let me say that again: 100 percent false.

I oppose introducing large/high-density housing ANYWHERE in Milton. The pressures that such housing would place on our existing public services (including police, fire, DPW, and schools) would far outweigh the taxes generated, or other good served.       

Yes, we have to figure out what happens next to the Town Farm.  Yes, the Trustees of that property—the Town’s Selectmen—have a legal obligation to fulfill the terms of the trust, including “helping the poor of Milton.”  We’ve done so for centuries.  And as a town, we’ll find a way to continue to do so.

But playing politics and distorting other people’s positions is not the way.

Warmly,


Kathy Fagan

Dear Friends:                                                                              

This month, I announced my intention to campaign for a second term to the Milton Board of Selectman.

I’ve been truly honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve the residents of Milton, the fifth best small town in America (CNN Money Magazine) and climbing!

I am proud of the leadership role I have played in the significant accomplishments that have taken place in my first term as your selectman, including:

• Despite a down economy, managed the town’s budget in a balanced and fiscally responsible way to enable Milton to achieve a strong and stable AA bond rating, saving taxpayers thousands of dollars each year in lower interest and financing costs.
• Worked with the Milton Library Trustees, the Milton Library Foundation and town leaders to complete and celebrate the opening of the beautifully restored and renovated Milton Public Library, a tremendous asset for all generations of Milton residents.
• Provided strong support to our public schools and other vital town services, in part by working hard for the Invest in Milton campaign, which helped save the jobs of dozens of school teachers, police officers, and firefighters in the current fiscal year.
• Advocated for Milton’s first wind turbine, which last month received the unanimous support of Town Meeting and once operational later this year, will generate clean renewable energy and save approximately $7.6 million for Milton’s taxpayers.
• Supported and welcomed many new small businesses to Milton, including two new full service restaurants in East Milton and Lower Mills.
• Updated the Milton Town website and brought user friendly technology into town hall to help residents pay bills on-line.
• Saved thousands of dollars through bulk energy purchasing and better accounting of cash payments.
• Ensured that every resident’s ideas and opinions are respected and that Board of Selectmen meetings are conducted with civility and courtesy.

Warmly,