With excitement, energy, and a healthy appreciation of the challenges ahead, I am announcing my candidacy for the Board of Selectmen. I’m asking for your support in the upcoming campaign, and your vote on election day on April 2, 2011.

My campaign for Arlington:

1. Arlington, like most communities in Massachusetts, is working through a very difficult financial time, and some difficult decisions are facing the town. My experience as a member of the Finance Committee and my knowledge of the town budget will help us make wise choices about preserving important services for our residents while protecting taxpayers.We stretched our 5-year plan to cover 6 years, and it is time to write a new plan for the next few years. Unfortunately, the town has thus far been unable to reach an agreement with its employees that controls health care costs. Until we find that agreement we cannot fully preserve our town services for a price we’re willing to pay. Over the next year we’re going to have to decide which services we can do without and which services we’re willing to raise taxes for.
2. Town residents rightly demand good customer service from the town. They want access to services at hours that are convenient and a fast, accurate, and polite response to their request. I believe that we can harness technology to bring better customer service, 24 hours a day, to the town. The town’s online question-and-answer website has been a good start, but it is time to expand that service.
3. Taxpayers expect smart management of their money. The key to smart management is smart measurement. You get what you measure; if you choose the right measuring stick, you’ll get more of what you’re looking for. I plan on working with the Town Manager, other town officials, and town employees to identify key metrics that we should use to measure ourselves.

I’ve been an active volunteer in Arlington government for more than ten years. I’m a current Town Meeting Member, and a past member of the Finance Committee, Information Technology, Power Municipalization, and other committees.

I’m optimistic about Arlington’s future, but energy and optimism are not enough. I bring new ideas, new experience, and a strong work ethic to this campaign.

As the campaign progresses, please visit this website. I will put up regular updates here.  I welcome all questions and comments at dan@dandunn.org.

Sincerely,

Dan Dunn