Race Heats up for...Sewer Commissioner
Last week, I heard Greg Agnew was planning to run for Sewer Commissioner...then, this morning, I saw Jason Lee's Facebook status and had to go check for myself. Sure enough, as Jim Connors took out papers today, the position has now become the most hotly-contested race on the ballot.
School Committee is not far behind, as 4 candidates vie for 2 positions. The current list of potential candidates who have pulled papers can be found here.
So what does a sewer commissioner do? Well, according the Town Charter:
SECTION 3. Sewer Commission
4-3-1 A board of sewer commissioners of three members shall be elected for three year overlapping terms.
Members may receive such compensation as may be appropriated by the town meeting.
4-3-2 The board of sewer commissioners shall be responsible for the development of general goals and long
term plans for the town’s sewer system and shall also establish the fees, user charges or rates necessary to
fully fund the sewer system operations.
Comments
My Decision not to Run
Dear Friends and Residents,
Over the past few weeks, I had learned, after speaking with Sewer Commissioner David White, that he was vacating his post and would not seek re-election. Immediately, I had thought of pulling papers for that position and seeking the nomination for the April 27, 2010 election.
Since then, Westwood residents Jason Lee and Jim Connors have pulled papers as well, seeking the same position.
Although I am qualified for the position of Sewer Commissioner, having worked extensively with the NRWA (Neponset River Water Association), the MWRA (Massachusetts Water Resource Authority), and having named the "Purgatory Pass" Stream in Lowell Woods, I have decided not to run for Sewer Commissioner in the upcoming election cycle.
Family obligations, and time commitments to my new job, have made it apparent that running for elected office in 2010 is not the right choice for me, or the residents of Westwood. I would not have time to truly focus on showcasing my experience to the voters, nor would I have time to dedicate myself to the race.
Although this position may not be one of recent contention and relative importance to most voters, it most certainly is. Please pay close attention to these two candidates, and make an informed choice in the April election. Relative "experience" on other Commissions and Boards in town does not translate to the highly specific role of Sewer Commissioner.
I thank all of those who encouraged me to run for office during this cycle, and for the outpouring of support I had received over the past few weeks. I would like everyone to know that my passion for Service in Public Office has not wavered, and I will be back very soon, seeking to represent those who desire leadership centered around true representation and transparency.
Best Wishes,
Greg Agnew
781-326-8944