WILMINGTON, MA — Selectmen candidates Joseph Lavino, Greg Bendel, Kevin Caira and Tom Miller were 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 are their responses, in their own words:
Joseph Lavino
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to these questions. Let me preface by stating that due to the compressed timeframe, in which I have had the opportunity to observe the function of Wilmington town government, my comments will be limited to recent events.
In general, I have had many years of experience in assessing performance, coaching and providing feedback to individuals. I believe these experiences will serve the Board of Selectmen well. When assessing performance, I feel it is critical to take a 3 pronged approach: 1) subjective, first-hand observation of the desired or un-desired behaviors, 2) objective, measurable performance metrics compared to clearly articulated and defined goals, and lastly 3) third party feedback on the individual.
Based on my observations at Board of Selectmen meetings, Mr. Hull presents himself as a man of integrity, intellect and principle. From an objective standpoint, I believe the increase in “free cash” is a testament to prudent fiscal responsibility and the driving of initiatives to move Wilmington forward as a leader in the State of Massachusetts is a position I am strongly aligned with. I believe I would collaborate well with Mr. Hull as a Selectman.
With any public official, there is a degree of public scrutiny and constructive criticism that is expected to be received. As a corporate attorney, it is a daily occurrence for me to frame tough arguments and receive scrutiny on all my decision making. As such, I have developed a “thick skin” over time and am constantly reminded that I am held accountable for every action taken whether large or small. I feel this is critical for a Selectman and I feel I bring that to the table as a candidate, above and beyond my competitors. Although I appreciate Mr. Hull’s performance and attributes, Mr. Hull is certainly not exempt from receiving constructive feedback, as he well knows along with the rest of the Selectmen. I believe an area of opportunity was in the approach and response taken to theft problems at Wildwood Cemetery. Mr. Hull’s response as quoted in the May 12, 2015 article in the Wilmington Apple was “I don’t think there is any easy answer. To the extent that people are interested in offering ideas, we’re willing to listen, but I don’t see any easy answer.. To some measure, our hands are tied. There is no easy solution.” Although I agree that an easy solution does not exist, nonetheless, there is a solution. No solution to an issue is easy. With perseverance, process and adherence to guiding principles, a solution will reveal itself.
In regards to the observed performance of the Selectmen, they too are people of integrity and great skill. I appreciate their dedication and caring for the town and people of Wilmington. I also appreciate the knowledge they bring to the Board and there is no doubt as to their intent to serve the town of Wilmington. It takes a special kind of person to dedicate your time to the community and for that they should all be commended. That being said, and without naming names or specific events, there were 2 observed behaviors that I am not aligned with and as Selectman, absolutely pledge to never demonstrate.
On one occasion, an innovative and outside the box solution was vocalized in public session by one of the Selectmen to address an issue that was important to many people throughout town. The solution was thoughtful, utilized the law and was attainable. In my observation, when the solution was presented, it was clearly visible to me sitting in the audience that the other Board members, including the Town Manager, were hearing this solution for the first time and appeared to be caught off guard. Although the proposed solution was great, as a layperson sitting in the audience, this was perceived as a communication gap and gave the appearance that the Board was not on the same page. As candidate for Selectman, I would bring communication, transparency and collaboration, as vital competencies which I practice every day, to the Board. I’m well aware that there are and will be disagreements amongst the Board members, however, the method of airing those disagreements is critical and I bring an enhanced sensitivity to the perception of the public based on the behaviors and tactics taken by the Selectmen.
On another occasion, a prospective licensee and their attorney presented in front of the Board seeking a license approval. To my surprise, one of the Board members, in public session, openly referred to the attorney as a “friend” on multiple occasions throughout the transaction. I don’t believe there is any place for this in town government. Although Wilmington is a close knit, family friendly community, I believe the Selectmen need to give the perception, at all times, of impartiality. Furthermore, the Selectmen must conduct themselves in an impartial fashion and must never let personal relationships influence decision making by the Board. As a candidate for Selectman, I am a blank slate. I have no legal conflicts of interest whatsoever that may affect the outcome of a vote due to a recusal. I have no perceived conflicts of interest. I have no friends and family influencing my decision making. I have no biases and no preconceived opinions without the facts. As a Wilmington newcomer, this is a distinct and substantial advantage over my competitors, who are all life-long residents. Seeing a Selectman referencing a friend in public session does not give me confidence as a “non-friend” that I will get an equal and fair shake. As Selectman, I will represent all the residents of Wilmington equally, whether you were born here or just moved in.
On a lighter note, I feel that my years of experience in working with cross functional groups, partnering across boundaries, working with legislators, and influencing regulators are all key components that should give the voters comfort that I will work in a very collaborative, effective and professional manner with the remaining Selectmen.
Thank you for the opportunity to present my opinions. For more info, please “like” my Facebook page or message me at http://www.facebook.com/LavinoForWilmington or call my cell at 781-801-0607.
Greg Bendel
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
Kevin Caira
It would be presumptuous of me to “grade” Jeff Hull’s performance as Wilmington’s Town Manager. It would also be unfair to subject any employee to an evaluation by a “prospective” employee. What I can tell you is that my interactions with Mr. Hull have always been professional and cordial. As the Vice Chairman of the Yentile Farm Development Committee, I have been in many meetings with Mr. Hull and other members of the Town’s senior staff. I have come away from all of these encounters impressed by their expertise and their commitment and dedication to their jobs.
As a resident of the Town, I have been impressed with the tenor of the Board’s dialogue. They have demonstrated that five individuals with diverse viewpoints can engage in civil discourse. It is important that the Board of Selectmen conduct the Town’s business in a manner that reflects positively on the Town and I believe that this Board has done that.
The success of any Board or Committee is based on each member’s willingness to respect the views and positions of their colleagues. No one person has a monopoly on good ideas. I have served on and chaired dozens of committees over the past three decades. I served four years as President of the largest Italian American organization in the Commonwealth and I am currently President of the Sons of Italy’s National Commission on Social Justice. I know what it takes to forge consensus among people of diverse viewpoints. As a member of the Board of Selectmen I will be tolerant, civil and above all principled. I invite anyone to talk to members of the Sons of Italy, the Yentile Farm Development Committee, the Wildcat Athletic Alumni and Friends Association or any of the many other Wilmington based groups that I have been privileged to serve. I am confident that you will learn that I treat people with respect and that I conduct myself in a way that reflects my upbringing. I intend to be a strong independent voice on the Board of Selectmen which is what we should expect from each of our Selectmen. Residents can be assured that every decision that I make will be what I believe is in the best interest of the Town of Wilmington.
Tom Miller
Wilmington Apple has not received a response from candidate Tom Miller. In fairness to all candidates, response deadlines will be strictly enforced.
Wilmington Apple will run any press releases, announcements, endorsements, letters to the editor, etc. — that are submitted by any Selectmen candidate or campaign between now and April 23 . Wilmington Apple has informed all candidates of this fact.
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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