Rick’s Priorities
Priority #1
Recommit to a transparent and accountable government that welcomes your involvement.
First and foremost, our elected officials must remember that they represent Nantucket citizens, not the Town Administration. The Select Board should take on a stronger leadership role and hold staff (including Town Counsel) accountable. Our town's decision-making processes need to be open, inclusive, and free from conflicts of interest. The recent lapses in procedural integrity (two Open Meeting Violations cited by the Massachusetts Office of Attorney General) serve as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding these standards. We should welcome and involve citizens in the Town’s decision-making process. Our regulatory boards and commissions (such as the Zoning Board of Appeals and Conservation Commission) must be supported, not undermined. We need a Town administration that reports to a single executive who, in turn, is held accountable by the elected members of the Select Board, as called for in our charter. The increasing reliance on consultants (including two public relations firms) who are managed by Town staff is redundant, costly, and unnecessary. Quite frankly, I think we can, and need, to do better.
Priority #2
Support a healthy island economy, while preserving our historic character and fragile environment.
The proposed Surfside Crossing development, the expansion of the south ramp at the airport, and the proliferation of commercial STRs in our residential neighborhoods are just three examples of this challenge. Increasing the availability of affordable housing is critical, but we can’t reach our affordable-housing goals by relying only on new building and increasing density; that’s why I co-sponsored the Neighborhood First article to convert existing homes into affordable housing, rather than relying solely on new high-density developments.
Priority #3
Keep our financial house in order, being mindful of the impact of new spending on taxpayers.
Taxes for many are up 20% or more, and we have yet to feel the full brunt of capital overrides already passed and not yet borrowed. We still have the landfill, PFAS, Our Island Home, and numerous coastal resilience projects ahead of us, to name a few. The capital overrides on this year’s Warrant are over $42m. Will the increase in homeowner expenses force more of our community members to consider moving off-island? There are hard choices ahead. It won’t be easy.