WILMINGTON, MA — Selectman Candidate Greg Bendel was recently asked the following questions by Wilmington Apple — What grade would you give to Town Manager Jeff Hull’s performance? Why? Any areas of improvement? What grade would you give to the current Board of Selectmen’s performance? Why? Any areas of improvement? How do you see yourself fitting in with the current Board?
Below is Bendel’s response, in his own words:
I believe that the town is moving in the right direction. I would give both the Town Manager and the current Board of Selectmen very high marks. Having been to many Selectmen meetings over the past ten years, I have witnessed this group of people work together to get things done for the residents of Wilmington. Although they have not always agreed on all of the issues, this Board has always found a way to work together and to do what’s best for the Town. I have been impressed by the Board’s ability to be respectful of each other and their willingness to listen to each others positions on the issues.
If elected, I would look forward to working with each member of the Board and engaging in productive conversations that are beneficial to our residents. I would also look forward to getting to know and working with the Town Manager and other Town Administrators. I am pleased to see that town has made several import initiatives a priority in this years budget such as a 4% increase in our school department’s budget and allocation of funds supporting social/ behavioral health issues and the prevention and reduction of substance abuse. According to the Center for Disease Control’s March 14th report, more than 1 in 7 American children have a mental, behavioral or developmental disorder. We need to be cognizant of this statistic and others regarding mental health issues when making decisions going forward.
Having grown up here, I know Wilmington is a great place to live, work and raise a family. I am ready for the challenge of working with others to make sure that Wilmington remains an affordable and wonderful place to live. I will continue doing my best to earn the vote of residents on Saturday, April 23rd. For more information please Like Greg Bendel for Selectman on Facebook.
Thank you,
Greg Bendel
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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