STEVE O’LEARY
Select Board candidate
I have seen the Town grow and change over the years and have been an active participant in the evolution. My public service experience and professional background assists in guiding the Board in establishing its goals and priorities as well as providing an historical perspective and understanding during its deliberations.
My professional career has been spent in public service as a Supervisory Bank Examiner for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Banks as well as a former state auditor. I continue to operate a small tax preparation business and previously operated a locally family-owned business and commercial building. I have in depth knowledge of municipal, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations as well as an appreciation for the pressures experienced by small business owners in meeting payroll and staying afloat.
As a husband, son, parent, homeowner and taxpayer, I know the stresses of balancing the household budget when faced with childcare, education, homecare for elderly and infirmed parents. The extracurricular fees and college degrees. Increased insurance premiums, dental, medical, and medication increases. Groceries, home heating and auto fuel cost. Inflation. My wife, Sue, and I have experienced all of these along with the unexpected health scares and surgeries and unanticipated expenses of homeownership and automobiles. I get it. I understand. I bring this along with me to every meeting, to every deliberation, to every Town Meeting.
I have consistently championed quality education while keeping a fair eye on valued Town services. Our constituency is broad. Youth and seniors, veterans and disabled. Residents with mental health needs and addictive behavior. Public safety, public health and environmental. Public works, infrastructure, roads, bridges, public buildings and parks. Water and wastewater. Services are needed, expected and expensive.
There has always been challenges in finding the necessary resources to support the expected level of services. The next few years will pose more challenges than the past, just to maintain current levels, never mind levels and initiatives needed to address identified and under or unaddressed needs and services.
I have developed and fostered many relationships with leaders in surrounding communities as well as state and federal officials which have and will assist in addressing and exploring our needs on a collaborative basis through shared resources for potential cost savings. I will continue to engage with these leaders.
Over the years of public service, I have worked hard to engender a level of trust and credibility with you. The only agenda I have brought to the table is to be your eyes and ears, delve into the details, do the hard work and put in the hours. Listen and hear the differing views, express my opinion and advocate for what I have found to be in the best interest of our community.
When asked to spend more, I want you to be well informed so you can make an informed decision.
The Select Board doesn’t appropriate the money or decide how the money is to be spent. It is you the taxpayers and voters, through Town Meeting and the ballot box that makes those decisions.
I have not always been on the prevailing side of an issue, yet I have never been truly disappointed in the ultimate outcome; we make it work – we work it out.
As in the past, I intend to bring a breadth of knowledge, experience and understanding to the Board. I believe I can continue to assist in building consensus among Board members and other committees, as well as engender voter support to best meet the need of our community. I offer to continue to be of service and ask for your support and vote on Election Day.
Thank You,
Steve O’Leary
NICK MASSE
Select Board candidate
My name is Nick Masse and I am a candidate for North Reading Select Board, for the election on May 7. The Town of North Reading is at an important crossroad – where we need to be united for the future of this Town. My goal is to cherish the Town for its current small town feel, which is the reason so many folks move to this Town, and the reason why so many folks stay in this Town. I will be able to bring fiscal responsibility – by discovering what may be overlapping expenses or wasteful spending, and what may need more attention and investment.
This Town is in a difficult financial position, while simultaneously having several capital improvement projects in need – we need to prioritize and strategize wisely for years to come. My construction project management and financial analyzing experience will bring value to the board by advising/informing the alternatives that can be had, as well as the impacts that come along with each project. My experience will allow this Town to maximize the use of our tax dollars, in an efficient manner. I will bring an independent voice to the Board, and always have the best interest of the North Reading taxpayer in mind.
I am confident I will bring exceptional leadership to our great Town. I kindly ask for your support and your vote on May 7 for the North Reading Select Board. Thank you very much.
Kathryn Manupelli
Select Board Incumbent candidate
Note: Select Board incumbent candidate Kathryn Manupelli opted not to submit a candidate statement.
