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April 29, 2009 - 8:34am

Experience as a candidate's platform is an overused cliche and a clever deception

by Jason Lee

Journal entry: My personal campaign experience.

Over the past two campaigns I've heard other candidates make reference to experience. They reference town politics as the basis of their experience if you ask for clarity. Vote for EXPERIENCE. We hear these three words so often they've become meaningless to the general public. Has it become some other language understood by few?

Here is my personal interpretation of experience. Any argument based on experience doesn’t hold water. Each candidate brings personal and business experiences with them. Some good and some neutral. Regardless of the individual experience, you can not discount the collective experience, wisdom and direction of the ENTIRE 5 Person Planning Board or any other elected board. You are discounting the impact of the other members on the board by stressing a candidate’s individual experience.

My background in commercial development, technology consulting, and legislative lobbying allows for a deep and fresh perspective. I've managed large and small teams with project budgets in the $10+ millions. Daily interaction with Fortune 500 C-Level executives have fine tuned my long and short term strategic thinking. I've traversed the deep and intertwined political circuit on Beacon Hill. I represented a large body of small and independent business owners affording me the opportunity to understand the impact of their contribution to the local economy.

But yet, some believe I don't have the experience for a "VOLUNTEER" position on a town board. We can not continue to run a town in the ways of old politics. Even our current President of the United States has embraced change and a new way of governing. Good or bad, he is willing to make a difference by embracing the potential and a means of efficiency. We need people with clear long and short term vision for the town - with the BEST INTEREST of the town.

Especially now more than ever, we need people that are passionate and dedicated to improve the town. We do not need individuals going with the motion, being a puppet or simply "acting" on the will of the people. Which people are we referring to in Westwood? There will always be two sides on any issue in Westwood. There is no will of the people. That's simply politics.

I have kept my promise after every campaign to continue my best effort to be involved. I am committed, pasionate and dedicated to every appointed or elected position. I will continue to move forward with the Economic Development Advisory Board, Housing Authority, WestCAT and other committees.

I have no hidden agenda or ulterior motive. I am active simply as a resident concerned with the same fundamental issues facing all of us in Westwood.

/JL

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March 3, 2009 - 2:10pm

Welcome Steve Rafsky to the race - Planning Board is now getting interesting.

by Jason Lee

I have always been a proponent for volunteerism. In fact, I've been encouraging residents of Westwood to get more involved at all levels.

Therefore, I am excited to see a third candidate jump into the fray for the Planning Board.  The third potential candidate just pulled papers and I certainly welcome Mr. Steve Rafsky to the race.

More exciting than the candidate - all three candidates are from Precinct 4.  It's only last year we had two candidates from Precinct 4 running for Selectmen.  There's a statement coming from Precinct 4 - we want to get and be involved in town decisions!

In an uncontested race, the incumbent and other candidates are neither questioned nor challenged by the residents of the town.  We now have the opportunity to question and challenge each candidates positions and issues past and future.  Thus allowing the residents of Westwood to better make an educated vote.

Therefore, I welcome the third candidate and congratulate Mr. Steve Rafsky for running and volunteering his time.

/JL

February 27, 2009 - 8:55am

It's official - Jason Lee running for Planning Board

by Jason Lee

I am seeking your support to spread the word and lead us to a successful campaign.  I have been very involved with the Town of Westwood this past year.  I am a Director for the Economic Development Advisory Board, member of Westwood Cable Access TV and have worked with many of the committees to implement rules and regulations regarding our new off-premise alcohol licenses.

My background lends well to the current and future development and growth in Westwood.  I am currently developing a commercial project that has been awarded a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) just outside of I-495.  In fact, the first ever TIF package awarded by the town that won by a narrow 3 votes at town meeting.

I understand the demands of being on the Planning Board as well as any board or committee.  I have consistently attended town and committee meetings and understand the state of affairs for Westwood.  I am strategic, forward thinking and always have the best interest of the town and its residents.

I know what it takes to be on the Planning Board.  I am asking for your support.

But wait there’s more!  There are currently two candidates for two seats on the Planning Board.  Doing the math, the ideal situation would be no other candidates pulling papers by the magical deadline of March 10th.  However, as an over the top Type A personality, I like to be organized and proactive.  So in the event there are more candidates in the next week, I am preparing you to hold signs, campaign and if possible donate.

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