WILMINGTON, MA — Selectman Candidate Kevin Caira was recently asked the following questions by Wilmington Apple — Why are you running for Selectmen? Why do you feel you’re qualified for the position?
Below is Caira’s response, in his own words:
I believe that each one of us has an obligation to help our community. That sense of responsibility was instilled in me at a very young age by my parents. I am running for the Board of Selectmen because I believe I can be a positive influence on the direction of our community. My goal is not to reinvent Wilmington but rather to ensure that it continues to grow responsibly, that we maintain its affordability and that the Town adequately provides programs and services for all of our residents.
This year’s election is especially important for our community. We will be replacing two veteran Selectmen, Michael Newhouse and Lou Cimaglia both of whom have worked tirelessly on our behalf. It is critical that we elect individuals who understand municipal government and who have demonstrated by past actions a willingness to give back to the community. I am confident that my experience in government service, both state and municipal, and my years of volunteer activity on behalf of the residents of Wilmington, exemplify what we need in a Selectman.
I know the Town and a great many of its residents. My family moved to Wilmington three years before I was born and along with my sister and three brothers I graduated from Wilmington High School. My wife Cheryl and I chose Wilmington as the place in which we wanted to raise our children, Amy and David, also both graduates of the school system.
My entire family has been immersed in the volunteer network of our community. Currently I serve the Town as Vice Chairman of the Yentile Farm Recreational Development Committee and as Vice Chairman of the Nine Cross Street Fundraising Committee. I am a founding member and Vice Chairman of the Wildcat Athletic Alumni and Friends Association which raises funds for WHS student athletes. Other volunteer activities have included coaching in the Wilmington Little League, Senior League and summer baseball programs. I served as a volunteer basketball coach for the Wilmington Recreation Department and with the department initiated a new basketball program for high school juniors and seniors.
I have been a longtime supporter of the Wilmington Band Parents programs, a member of the Wilmington Knights of Columbus and the former President of the Wilmington Sons of Italy where I spearheaded numerous programs and fundraising drives in support of many important Town initiatives. My organizational and leadership skills have resulted in my election to many prominent positions in the Sons of Italy including that of State President, National Vice President and President of the Commission for Social Justice. I am proud to have been instrumental in securing a grant for Wilmington High School to reestablish the Italian language program as a part of its curriculum.
In 2012 I was hired as the Retirement Administrator for the City of Amesbury. Prior to assuming my current position, I worked 21 years as an administrator for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Retirement System.
About The Questions
During this local election season, Wilmington Apple will ask a question of all the Selectmen candidates each week. Wilmington Apple will run one response per day, Monday through Thursday, with a recap on Friday. Responses are in the candidates’ own words, unedited. Each candidate is given the same question and the same amount of time (approximately one week) to answer. Order of answers will alternate each week.
About The Election
Four candidates — Greg Bendel, Kevin Caira, Joseph Lavino, and Thomas Miller — will be competing for two open 3-year seats on the Wilmington Board of Selectmen. Longtime incumbents Lou Cimaglia and Mike Newhouse are not seeking re-election. The Town Election will be held on Saturday, April 23. Polls will be open from 8am to 8pm.
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