Your "About Me" is all well and good however. Why is there no background as in Where you grew up, went to school, What education back ground you have to support your aspirations of being a selectman ?
I have some video's in my vlog/blog section that goes more in depth into my background. To summarize, I am the youngest of 6, born just outside of Park City Utah. I was considered a "Corporate brat" as my father worked in the private sector defense industry. I lived in 12 states before the 7th grade, Which is when we moved to Pepperell. His job here kept us settled until 10th grade, I went to Varnum Brook (Middle School back then), and NMRHS. Not being able to graduate here killed me but I came back out East for College. I attended Franklin Pierce University and studied Marketing and Public Relations.
I have been with my better half since I was 18, we have 4 children, 18, 15, 11, and 9. With a bonus addition we were lucky enough to foster who is now 20.
As far as work history, I helped my husband start his Flooring company, which he has run for over 20 years, I worked in the healthcare sector clinically and as a Marketing Director before becoming the Community Education Director and Public Relations Specialist for the Groton-Dunstable Regional School District. Once I was furloughed from the school in 2020 I jumped head first into my passion for home renovations and started my own business Huntington Precision LLC, Renovations to resell, quickly turned to renovations to hold. I now manage my properties and take great pride in providing homes. Recently I was named "2023 break through investor of the year" which was a national award from my investment networking group Connected Investors. This is mainly because of my "green building" philosophy emphasized on reduce, reuse in construction. Serving Pepperell is second nature. I've been on multiple boards/trusts/committees and was instrumental in starting multiple Non profits in town.
As far as utilizing my life skills in the select board seat, that stems from Motherhood, business ownership and my love for my first and forever community. Specifically I offer fiscal responsibility, transparency, and community engagement. Hope this helps!
What are your specific ideas, & strategic vision for the town?
The management culture at Town Hall is not conducive to collaboration and open communication and this has gotten in the way of progress. Not welcoming community input - ignoring small businesses' concerns about Rail Road Square improvements is a great example - Town Hall appears to act first and ask for forgiveness later. As a Select Person, I will advocate for our community's values, I will support input from the community, our Town Boards, departments, and committees, and I will work for an open, collaborative environment at Town Hall.
The Master Plan created a strategic vision for the town, and now we have to implement it. But that costs money. So far, the Planning Board has received the lion's share of resources; the Town's budget line to implement the Plan has always been meager. The Master Plan Implementation Team is defunct. The Planning Board and Select Board reviewed the Master Plan about a year ago but very few people knew about the meeting. I have always supported affordable housing and senior housing; I'm very comfortable with budgets and will be looking for ways to reduce town costs, and promoting planning to balance growth and costs.
"Enough is enough" implies something is wrong, so what are you complaining about specifically?
“Enough is enough”. For starters, enough of the overrides. In years past Select Board members would actively work with the School Committee, and other Town departments going line by line to examine costs. I want to go back to that. There has to be fiscal oversight at the highest level, not just delegated to Fin Comm or the Town Administrator.
What does being a community advocate mean to you?
First and foremost, I believe the duty of a Select Board is to work for its constituents. A Select Board is an elected governing body that the Town Administration answers to, not the other way around.
Secondly, a culture of open communication supports engagement. I support more residents volunteering for town committees and boards, master plans, and ad hoc working groups. A diversity of opinions should be encouraged and respected.
Third, I want accountability. For example, I will add my voice to those who want the State to fully fund its mandates to our public schools, instead of taxpayers taking up the slack. I will hold private businesses and organizations currently receiving Tax Increment Financing (TIFs) and other town inducements to produce as promised. I will be a voice for the community and advocate for transparency and accountability
What are your specific ideas, & strategic vision for the town?
The management culture at Town Hall is not conducive to collaboration and open communication and this has gotten in the way of progress. Not welcoming community input - ignoring small businesses' concerns about Rail Road Square improvements is a great example - Town Hall appears to act first and ask for forgiveness later. As a Select Person, I will advocate for our community's values, I will support input from the community, our Town Boards, departments, and committees, and I will work for an open, collaborative environment at Town Hall.
The Master Plan created a strategic vision for the town, and now we have to implement it. But that costs money. So far, the Planning Board has received the lion's share of resources; the Town's budget line to implement the Plan has always been meager. The Master Plan Implementation Team is defunct. The Planning Board and Select Board reviewed the Master Plan about a year ago but very few people knew about the meeting. I have always supported affordable housing and senior housing; I'm very comfortable with budgets and will be looking for ways to reduce town costs, and promoting planning to balance growth and costs.
"Enough is enough" implies something is wrong, so what are you complaining about specifically?
“Enough is enough”. For starters, enough of the overrides. In years past Select Board members would actively work with the School Committee, and other Town departments going line by line to examine costs. I want to go back to that. There has to be fiscal oversight at the highest level, not just delegated to Fin Comm or the Town Administrator.
What does being a community advocate mean to you?
First and foremost, I believe the duty of a Select Board is to work for its constituents. A Select Board is an elected governing body that the Town Administration answers to, not the other way around.
Secondly, a culture of open communication supports engagement. I support more residents volunteering for town committees and boards, master plans, and ad hoc working groups. A diversity of opinions should be encouraged and respected.
Third, I want accountability. For example, I will add my voice to those who want the State to fully fund its mandates to our public schools, instead of taxpayers taking up the slack. I will hold private businesses and organizations currently receiving Tax Increment Financing (TIFs) and other town inducements to produce as promised. I will be a voice for the community and advocate for transparency and accountability
How will you balance growing the town while keeping its small town charm?
Prior to any zoning changes and large scale residential development projects that Town Hall brings to residents for a vote, we need detailed information. The town needs to communicate openly and provide in-depth impact analyses. The town lacks comprehensive planning, and definitely lacks effective communication. Residents deserve to be included, well informed, heard, and valued when it comes to the future of their community.
Please clarify as I maybe understanding this wrong. You say ok to an override but then if it goes through. You say enough is enough?
Unfortunately under the current management, there is a need for an override. Once I’m elected, I plan to fight for affordability and accountability every step of the way.
What does attracting “family-centric business” mean?
Massachusetts has been recognized as the best place to raise a family by the New York Post, highlighting its family-friendly environment. Pepperell is the type of community they describe when speaking of Massachusetts small town character. We can keep that tight knit community feel by enticing family-centric businesses to consider Pepperell a viable option for their business. We can offer tax incentives like Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Much like Pepperell already offers to industrial based corporations'. These businesses provide essential services, create jobs, and boost the local economy. By offering incentives, Pepperell can strengthen its reputation as a family-friendly town, benefiting both the economy and the community.
How will you balance growing the town while keeping its small town charm?
Prior to any zoning changes and large scale residential development projects that Town Hall brings to residents for a vote, we need detailed information. The town needs to communicate openly and provide in-depth impact analysis. The town seems to lack planning, and definitely lacks in communication. Residents deserve to be included, well informed, heard, and valued when it comes to the future of their community. It is the Select Boards job to advocate for the needs of the residents, Not the needs of the Town Administration.
Please clarify as I maybe understanding this wrong. You say ok to an override but then if it goes through. You say enough is enough?
Unfortunately under the current management, there is a need for an override. Once I’m elected, I plan to fight for affordability and accountability every step of the way.
Will the Community Engagement Night (CEN) be a debate or will you receive 3 questions beforehand and then read the answers ?
I believe it is customary to be given questions beforehand which both candidates
answer accordingly. Very similar to the proposed debate that you and your sister offered, however, this event is public not private which is why, as an advocate for transparency, I politely declined your offer.
What is your position on tax revenue from businesses in town? Are you in favor of giving tax breaks for business owners?
With our business tax revenue sitting just over 6% of collections,. I think it is imperative we grow our business base. Especially when businesses do not require the services that residential parcels impact. I am pro business when paired with proper planning. Harvard MA has recently completed their Ayer Rd Business growth plan. If you provide me your email I can forward you a copy.
This is an in depth analysis and action plan to help grow Harvard's business base.
One way to do this is by utilizing Tax Increment Financing (TIF). These have been provided to corporations in the past, some corporations in town are still benefiting from them.
That said, If those corps are not holding up to the promise made to get the TIF, then I will work towards relinquishing the benefit. All companies/organizations receiving subsidies or reduced tax incentives need to be held accountable for the promises they have made.
I would like to see the TIF incentive used to attract businesses that provide essential services, create jobs, and boost the local economy. By attracting service based, family centric businesses, Pepperell can strengthen its reputation as the family-friendly town that it is.
If you offer a TIF, how do you plan on making up the tax revenue you gave to them?
TIF’s are short term incentives that eventually pay off in spades by providing essential services, create jobs, and boost the local economy. both services, and revenue.
Someone has to pay more Or cut services? You have mentioned Recreation fees increasing as a problem. Do you think the over ride will help recreation?
Check out my latest Rec video in the my blog section. Rec is an example of a town organization that could be making money. Potential revenue could help make capital improvements to the Community Center and future recreational field development if the revenue was dedicated to that effort. Right now, our youth sports groups fund raise tens of thousands of dollars annually to field improvements so the Town doesn't have to shoulder those costs. These volunteer organizations provide much needed and valued service to the community. What we need is a long-term sustainable strategy instead of going to the town for additional tax payer dollars or charging exorbitant fees to volunteer sports organizations. And the Town Administration's attitude must change from the current view that team sports are a financial "drain"on the community. This is a disservice to our youth and it is a viewpoint I will not accept or allow if I am elected to the Select Board.
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I would like to hear your position on the fees the town is planning on imposing on the various youth sports organizations in town. Pepperell Youth Baseball maintains the baseball fields but the town is now looking to charge us upwards of 15k for the use of the fields.
I am fully aware of the situation that you are referencing, as I was in attendance as a representative of the Pepperell Softball organization. (PYS is not affiliated with my campaign)
There is a lot to unpack here. I will do my best to summarize. (This situation is a perfect example why open transparency and fact based communication is desperately).
Recently the Town Administrator and Recreation Administrator mishandled an increase in field fees to local recreational sports groups. The first meeting - which did not follow Open Meeting protocols and was not video taped - was supposed to be our annual “boxing ring” where all organizations fight for claim over Pepperell's limited field spaces. However, that was overshadowed by a bombshell announced by the Recreation Admin: an egregious increase in field usage fees.
The Recreation Admin stated that, working closely with the Town administrator, data showed sports organizations were a financial drain on the town not accounted for in the budget. The proposed field fee increases intended to offset the financial drain would have bankrupted the sports groups.
The single attendee from the Recreation Commission was not privy to the field increases being so steep. Attendees questioned the data and information regarding the town's budget.The Rec Commission member and sports organizations insisted on more data to back up the Town Administration's claims. We asked for postponement to another date as we wanted the Town Administrator to join us with more substantive data in a recorded Open Meeting.
It took weeks to receive the requested data and, when examined, it was easily refutable.
The second meeting was conducted under Open Meeting law (you can see it on Pepperell Community Media) in which we were
able to reach a better solution. In the past, the Town allowed sports organizations to produce receipts that went towards capital improvements to reduce the amount collected by the Recreation Dept. Unfortunately, the Town has done away with that option. However, after some pushback, a compromise was reached. The Town increased the fees but also agreed that the collected fees will remain in the Recreation Revolving Account (RRA) and not be absorbed into the General Fund. The RRA funds are to be saved for future field improvements.
Now we can work together towards future field planning/development.
I have continued to advocate for the Recreation department to increase programming to help subsidize the community's needs. I have even personally met with the Recreation Admin and outlined action plans for activities like, “field trip Fridays”, “Stay and play” camps, and half day/late start activities as ways the Recreation department can generate revenue without having to increase taxes. A little open transparency and accountability goes a long way in community development.
The town lacks money to assist affordable housing growth so would you agree to sell the town owned senior center land to a developer and let them build affordable housing?
This option has not been discussed by the Trust and should be. That said, to reach Safe
Harbor status with the State we need 10% of our housing stock to be deed restricted as "affordable housing". We currently have over 40 units whose deed restrictions are expiring, reducing our current number of affordable units.
Under 44T the Trust can utilize available ARPA funds, - $200,000, - which must be spent by fiscal year's end. We are now up against the clock risking losing the $200,000. I have been advocating for the Trust and community to get this process under way and save the housing stock we have while we have the funds to do it.
Are you pro growth and development for more tax revenue or are you a rural open space farm town that needs tax overrides to pay the bills?
I am in favor of well thought out plans for growth and development that include detailed impact analyses. That said, expanding residential growth alone will not fix the town's monetary issues. Costly town services can exceed anticipated revenue becoming a net zero or net loss leading to more overrides. To date, there has been little planning for revenue streams other than residential development. Chuck Walkovich has a wealth of information, with his background in C suite corporate management and his time on the finance committee. Tony Beattie is extremely knowledgeable in the benefits of open space and conservation. I feel I am a good blend of the two. I offer a balance which creates a collaboration towards real progress.
Do you think we can do nothing and survive? Ideas and plans are nowhere to be seen in this race.
Uniting the current Select board is imperative and a great start in the development of Pepperell’s future. A vote for me, would restore balance and stability so real action can begin.
If two out of three towns say no to an override then what happens? Does it mean the school budget is defeated and the District must lower the amount requested?
The consequences of a “no” vote has not been publicly discussed. From what I've heard discussed during the Townsend meeting was that there would be lots of staff layoffs resulting in 30-35 kids per classroom. There would also be cuts to un-mandated educational programs. All together, saying "no" would be devastating to our children's education.
Of the approximately $3 million request, about $2 million is for the School District and $1 million for the Town. What cuts to Town Services will happen if the override fails to pass is, at this time, unclear.
If two towns vote “yes” and Pepperell votes “no” the District still gets its funding. Pepperell will have to pay its portion via cuts to services and personnel, and the general fund.
The specifics of what the Town might trim have not been disclosed and should have been by now - a prime example of the lack of transparency and communication between town hall and residents.
I still don’t see how you will balance revenues, so we don’t need to tax overrides. Are you voting yes or no on the tax override and why?
Yes, I am voting for this current override. The lack of fiscal oversight has put us in quite a predicament.
This override is merely a starting point. Once elected, I fully intend on following the path successful Select Board members practiced before me. This path includes understanding the School budget as I fully intend on being an advocate for quality public education in Pepperell.
After viewing Mark Mathews interview with Buzzkillers he stated, and I quote:
"We have the lowest cost per pupil in all the area's regional schools, I'm not particularly proud of that, um, we should be trying to help our students".
This statement is simply not true. At our current $18,598 per pupil rate we are a
moderately priced regional school system.. For example; Wachusett is $16, 387. We once shared a superintendent with Quabbin which is at $17.976. Ayer/Shirley comes in at $18,782. Groton- Dunstable regional school district is one of the top achieving districts in the state and is currently at $19,392 which is closer to the
number we will be after the override.
For Mark Mathews to say we are the lowest means he was misinformed or disengaged.
Either way, we deserve better from our leadership.
Open space farm town direction appears to be your preference and this needs to be financially sustainable so how will you make ends meet with revenue?
I value the "small town feel" of Pepperell and I'm not in the minority as many residents have moved here from congested towns for that very reason.
That said, there is room for growth BUT growth needs to be planned. Planning must include impact analyses (not just fiscal) such as traffic, build-out visualizations, and the capacity of town services like water and sewer.
Planning can go south pretty quickly if we don't have competent leadership.
For example, we all wanted the Nashua Rd senior housing project to happen. That project has collapsed because the only bid the Town received was from a company called CHOICES which asked the Town to contribute $1million to make the project happen. A complete non-starter.
Finally, as a small business owner, I would like to see a plan for commercial development. Earlier, I mentioned Harvard's planning for Ayer Road - why can't we do something similar?
Do you support the mission of the Fitzpatrick Collaborative?
As Co-founder of the organization I wholeheartedly support the original business plan that was used when we bid for the Town’s RFP request. Unfortunately, not long after we signed the public private partnership agreement, my co-founder and I disagreed on how to meet the promises we had made to the town. These promises include but are not limited to; full self-sustainability including enough revenue to address the much needed repairs. To elaborate, my co-founder no longer wanted to seek out large Anchor tenants as a viable solution to meet our goals. Knowing programming as I do from being the Community Education Director at Groton-Dunstable Regional School District, I didn't see my co-founder's new direction as sustainable. We had a fundamentally different approach on how to move forward. Programs alone - without the existence of large anchor tenants to offset costs - does not seem like a viable business plan. The current organization now seems to rely heavily on tax subsidies for maintenance and repairs but the Town of Pepperell never intended to continue subsidizing a private organization.
It was concerning when, in 2023, The Fitz Collaborative exposed the Town to risk and violated the current management agreement by failing to obtain state licensing for children's summer camps. If this organization would like to enter into another partnership agreement with the town there has to be more oversight and transparency as well as fiscal accountability.
Agriculture tourism and ecotourism are mentioned in town conversations and do you see any merit in these ideas and how would you get funding to develop them when the town doesn’t have any economic development funds available?
Pepperell has an active agricultural community. If the Ag Commission sees agriculture tourism and ecotourism as a way to help grow their businesses I would not be opposed to that. Maker Farm on Bancroft Street is a prime example of a thriving business that utilizes open spaces to attract residents from surrounding towns. Over Easter weekend I was able to attend their egg hunt that drew over 400 families to Pepperell. They provide events like this on a regular basis. I recently took a survey from an equestrian farm that would like to utilize horses as a way of tutoring math. I think those are great innovative ways to draw tourism and benefit from the economic stimulation it brings. I would encourage any Pepperell business that wants to experience growth, to do just that.
How can the Collaborative and the recreation committee cooperate and succeed?
The Collaborative and the Town's Recreation Committee are two separate entities with different missions and different funding. My concern is not with the Collaborative which is a private 501(c)3; rather, I support the Town's Rec Commission and would like to see added programming.
As a parent, it's upsetting that during Christmas breaks, February/April breaks, early release and late starts we often haven't a child's camp or "stay and play" activity available.
During February break the Rec department took a first step and offered a group discount rate at a local ski mountain. It wasn’t a field trip or anything, but I was happy to see the effort. If the Pepperell Recreation Commission would start offering programming during times parents are searching for activities, we could help offset the costs of field maintenance and better plan for future recreational growth.
Who is facing reality and giving us a workable solution?
Seeing as how my opponent has had three years to develop a workable solution, perhaps it is time to give someone else a shot. I am very transparent and have offered multiple ways to answer questions and provide information.
Are you pro growth and development for more tax revenue or are you a rural open space farm town that needs tax overrides to pay the bills?
I am in favor of well thought out plans for growth and development that include detailed impact analysis. That said, I do not feel that increasing residential growth alone will fix the town's monetary issues as it will also increase the town's services and become a net zero or negative impact.Leading to more overrides. To date, There has been little planning for revenue streams other than residential development. Chuck Walkovich has a wealth of information, with his background in C suite corporate management and his time on the finance committee. Tony Bettie is extremely knowledgeable in the benefits of open space and conservation. I feel I am a good blend of the two. I offer a balance which creates a collaboration towards real progress.
do you think we can do nothing and survive? Ideas and plans are nowhere to be seen in this race
Uniting the current Select board is imperative and a great start in the development of Pepperell’s future.
Pepperell gets minimal state aid for the town and for the schools. Can you explain why and how you will grow our state aid to help the tax payers and I don’t mean grant writing
My plan is to be an advocate for Pepperell. Adding pressure to Margeret Scarsdale and Ed Kennedy to do their job and work collaboratively with the school committee during the budding process to help trim the fat. This has been accomplished by others in the past and should remain as a prerequisite for the Selectboard position.
What is your answer to our public safety needs?
There is a current at-hawk public safety committee that I have been following closely and shows promise. It is unfortunate that the previous public safety committee was told by the town administrator and Select board chair to “build to need, not to budget”. The proposal ballooned and left us at square one after spending $2,000,000 on the projected project. This is a shining example of how more fiscal oversight is needed to remain within the restraints of our community.
How about Affordable housing you are on that committee but don’t seem to want affordable housing can you explain the dichotomy of thinking?
I am not on the committee but I am on the Trust, along with Mark Mathews. I joined because affordable housing is something that I am in fact very passionate about. The trust started in September, from the first meeting and throughout the 4 meetings that we have had, Mark Mathews has given the trust multiple different “budgets” ranging from between $200,000-$300,000 in the first meeting. $0 budget in the third, to $50,000 in the 4th meeting. The lack of accurate information has made developing an action plan next to impossible. Now that the town has access to $200,000 of ARPA funds set aside for affordable housing, The Nashua Rd project has fallen apart and I have been advocating for the funds to be turned over to the trust so that we can utilize it prior to losing it at year's end. Even if we don’t get a building project in the works we can work with existing affordable housing owners in an attempt to keep the, soon to be expiring, housing stock we have.
The town is at a financial crossroad and it’s clear where each direction leads us. So where do you plan to take the town ? I’m going to stick with my belief that you and Mr Beattie are of the same mindset which will mean lots of 2 to 1 votes over Mr Walkovich if you are the next member of the Board ? If a rural open space farm town is your direction, explain how you will keep this town affordable for the diversity of incomes that pay the property taxes that pay the bills
You are correct about the financial crossroads, However, I am an individual and bring my own unique solutions and experience to the table. I offer a much needed balance to the Select board and a diverse perspective to problem solving. If you insist on sticking to your belief that I am not the correct choice then that is your choice to make.
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Open minded objective people are waiting for answers from both candidates
I completely agree
In a nutshell, What would be a reason for someone to vote “no” on the override? Increased taxes? I myself would hate to see teacher be let go.
yes the over ride would be increasing property taxes. Because of the current management we are in a position where we have to vote “yes”. Moving forward, I am making affordability and accountability my priority. We can’t keep going like this, it negatively affects too many citizens.
You recently stated that the Recreation Dept in town miss handled an attempt to increase rental fees I have my concerns and would like to inquire what the mismanagement was exactly.
Recently the Rec department hosted an “unofficial” . It was "unofficial because the meeting did not adhere to open meeting laws and was not videotaped. During this meeting the Recreation Admin made it clear that the Town Administrator considered youth sports leagues a drain on resources. The Recreation Administrator went on to express multiple times that there was ZERO (0) dollars in the TOP budget for field maintenance and the goal was for us (sport leagues) to become self-sustaining. As mentioned, there was a number that was given which was supposed to reflect the Towns expenses to maintain the fields. That data lacked merit.
A more detailed analysis of our “drain” was requested. Once more detailed numbers were given they were easily refuted and the ZERO (0) budget previously claimed was proven to be falsely represented. Not only is field care accounted for, The Parks and Rec budgets have substantially increased over the past 4 years. Plus the TA never accounted for the capital improvements that were made to the fields by all organizations. These capital improvements far exceed the rent that was charged.
After some back and forth during the second meeting we did reach a “compromise”, fees will be going up (gradually, at first) and organizations will no longer be able to deduct capital improvements. Fees collected will stay in rec and be allocated for future projects.
Here is the thing, with Both Parks and Rec collecting more in tax revenue as well as more rent from sports organizations, then we (residents and organizations) fully expect more in services. The new model will not likely work in the towns favor, as most of the capital assets that each organization provides will now be on the town to provide.
If they insist on moving forward, then all residents/organizations are fully prepared to hold them accountable for this poorly thought-out planning process. At the end of the day, It will cost more than they are making in rent to accommodate the needs of the community. The commission may really want to rethink this policy.
Luckily, The Rec Admin was trained on how to increase Rec revenue by providing recreational programming, This should help to offset the additional costs of maintaining all the fields themselves without out additional help, other than rent.
Pepperell gets minimal state aid. If two out of three towns say no to an override then what happens? Does it mean the school budget is defeated and the District must lower the amount requested? Can you explain why and how you will grow our state aid to help the tax payers and I don’t mean grant writing
the magnitude of the “no” vote has not been publicly discussed to Pepperell. From what I’m hearing was discussed during the Townsend meeting was lots of layoffs resulting in 30-35 kids a classroom. This would be devastating to our already mediocre school district.
If two towns vote “yes” and Pepperell votes “no” then the school gets their money but Pepperell will have to pay the deficit out of the general fund.
Which means huge cuts. The specifics on what we will loose have not been disclosed. I guess they are waiting for the town meeting to go over the details. (Which has already been pushed back from it’s original date)
This is a prime example of the lack of transparency and communication between town hall and the residents.
Why are you running?
I believe that our town deserves better. Under the current management the need for an override to address our mess is clear, but I want to emphasize that this is merely a starting point. By voting for me, Pepperell can expect a leader who is not only prepared to say "Enough is enough". I am prepared to take the necessary steps towards real progress, affordability and accountability. True change requires a fresh perspective, innovative strategies, and a determination to see plans through to completion.
I am certain you have your reason for not agreeing to a debate, would you be willing to share with the voting public what those reasons are?
The only debate I was offered to participate in was a group that had never hosted a Select Board debate before and had already publicly expressed a bias. The parameters were; the debate was to be held privately, video taped, and they had editing rights. That did not quite work for me. Besides, there has not been a Select board debate held in over 6 years. I'm not going against precedent.