Dear Wilmington Residents,
I would like to start this statement off by thanking Robert Hayes for the opportunity he has provided us in getting out our message. This has been a long election season and I look forward to its culmination on Saturday night. Before you head out to the polls some things you need to consider are what the town will be facing over the next few years and who will look out for your interests. We have two large threats to our town and our tax rate coming down the road. First, the 333 Andover St. proposal, 62.5 acres with a potential of up to 680 units if Article 53 is passes. Second, 201 Lowell St. (Textron) Approximately 62 acres with a potential of 670 units. Finally due to the fact that the Butters Row bridge may be rebuilt into a two lane bridge, this opens up many possibilities in that area beyond the already approved 50 units along Main St. Keep in mind we also have about 70 units at the old Walpole Woodworkers site already approved and waiting to be built. Check the math, with the zoning bylaw allowing this high density building. This is a massive influx of building and new residents to town and I will ask you if you believe any of this will target the residents that need housing from our town such as seniors? We the people need a representative that will look out for the tax paying public.
In the 40 plus years I’ve been in Wilmington, I don’t ever remember a selectman’s race with such a drastic difference in choice. I’ve been speaking about a desperate need of change in Wilmington’s direction and after talking to the amount of residents this campaign has allowed me to, I believe that is the will of the people as well. Residents are clearly at the end of their ropes with a select few making decisions that end up costing all of us our hard-earned money. While I will admit, taxes are a necessity, I believe the government coming to the people for a “raise” every year is excessive given that new construction and property improvements are consistently being undertaken raising the town’s revenue stream. It’s about time residents are represented fairly, by someone who cares about them. Smart spending and accountability within departments are key to giving the taxpayers a break from rising taxes, however, there are bigger problems we face.
I don’t have to point out the source of many of the town’s problems, you have consistently reminded me about the excessive growth in town. You have told me you moved here from places like Somerville, Everett, Revere, etc…. to escape the city lifestyle and replace it with a small town community with trees, open space, less traffic and neighbors who weren’t close enough to see into the kitchen. It’s clear to all, the direction we are moving in is a direction where millionaire developers will develop every bit of open space, earning themselves large paychecks, along with those in the real estate and legal fields. They will make this money off the backs of the taxpayers who will be forced to endure higher taxes, further overrides and debt exclusions to pay for additional school buildings and larger municipal offices, as well as additional personnel and equipment. I understand a town cannot be prevented from expanding, however, I want expansion to benefit the residents and and the town, not the real estate community. The type and amount of development I just pointed out does not benefit our community in any way.
During this election, I have been surprised at one very open fact. In past elections, the establishment candidate was quietly supported and a bit of effort was needed to uncover the true backers of candidates. This election, the true backers were right out in the open seemingly flaunting to the residents that they have a candidate in the race. I have stated many times to look at locations of my opponent’s signs, many of which are commercial properties of a large developer, along with properties owned by real estate professionals. This is why I was not surprised to find out on Wednesday that a resident posted information on a town social media page showing that my opponent is the vice president of an active real estate firm (according to the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s Office) that has a corporate office only 15 miles from town. To be fair to my opponent, he claims this was an old corporation, however, state records show filings from 2017 which was only days before he announced he was running in this election. The second troubling aspect is that on March 16, 2018, a $500.00 donation was made by the president of this corporation, whom lives in Saugus, to my opponent’s campaign. This omission may be a simple meaningless non issue, however, it should have been disclosed to the voters. With the potential of 1,000 to 2,000 units to be sold, being an owner of a firm involved in real estate sales along with a 500 dollar contribution certainly peaks my suspicion, and I hope it peaks yours.
When I decide who will receive my vote on election day, I take into consideration trustworthiness and with whom the individual may owe special considerations. I’ve been honest from the beginning, I was not going to take money from donors because I only want to answer to the man in the mirror. I never took a penny from anyone and many offered. From the beginning of my campaign I have been honest with residents about my employment and that I run a small business in town, I omitted no facts because I want the voters to decide what my motive for running is. My motive is simply that I’m tired of being left holding the bag for decisions that are made by others that have no basis in reality, That is it. I will be free and clear to represent the people, and that’s exactly what I want to do. Per campaign finance records, my opponent has taken donations from four of the sitting selectmen, and family members of the the force behind the Detox and Global proposal’s. Is there any question in your mind as to where his loyalty will be placed?
This election is a defining time in our town’s history. We will face challenges in the coming years, As a community we are at a crossroads and you have a candidate in me who will be more than willing to be an advocate for the taxpayers. I will not back the status quo and I will not be swayed by money or threats. I will tell you the truth, regardless if it hurts and I will work for transparency and moral decency in our government. I come with no conflicts or owed favors. I ask you to consider changing the direction our town is heading. We will do great things together, but I need your vote to accomplish the goals I believe we should have.
Thank you,
Robert Fasulo
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