Rockland Select Board Candidates Discuss Town's Future at Student-Run Forum
Candidates address infrastructure challenges, affordable housing, and economic development as key priorities for Rockland
ROCKLAND - April 2 - Four candidates vying for two open seats on Rockland's Select Board participated in a student-run forum, discussing their visions for the town's future and addressing pressing issues facing the community.
Lori Childs, Steven O'Donnell, Mary Parsons, and Jacqueline Tieso presented their positions on topics ranging from infrastructure needs to affordable housing during the forum hosted by WRPS.
Infrastructure emerged as a central theme throughout the debate, with candidates agreeing that water and sewer capacity issues represent significant barriers to Rockland's growth and development.
"The only way to lower taxes in a meaningful way without cutting services and stopping progress is remediating infrastructure," O'Donnell says. "More development, more buildings means a larger tax base."
O'Donnell emphasizes that expanding sewer capacity is essential for attracting new businesses and residential development, which would spread the tax burden across a larger group.
Childs agrees with O'Donnell's assessment, noting that infrastructure improvements are necessary for future growth. She points to the potential development at Union Point, the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station, as an exciting opportunity for Rockland.
"Union Point is exciting. It's an exciting project," Childs says. "Maybe by the fall, we will have shovels in the ground at Union Point."
Tieso also identifies infrastructure as a critical budget priority but expresses concern about the town's ability to address all issues simultaneously.
"The biggest problem, I think, in terms of a barrier to development is the sewer plant," Tieso says. "I'm concerned about being able to do all of it at once, as critical as that is for being able to pull in more businesses and support them."
Parsons challenges some of the optimism surrounding Union Point development, citing her experience on the Citizen Advisory Committee for the Naval Air Station South Weymouth redevelopment.
"The shovel's not going in in the fall. Water is an issue," Parsons says. "It's going to be years before the MWRA water is here and we have to solve the sewer issue."
The candidates also discuss the prospect of a split tax rate, which would create different rates for residential and commercial properties.
Parsons supports implementing a split tax rate, arguing that residents cannot continue bearing the burden of debt exclusions for town projects.
"I firmly believe that at some point we need to have a split tax rate, because you can't keep asking people to pass debt exclusions," Parsons says.
O'Donnell opposes a split tax rate under current conditions, stating that with business and industrial properties accounting for only 20% of tax levies, raising rates on businesses would drive them away while lowering rates would increase the burden on homeowners.
Tieso takes a middle position, saying she believes Rockland would eventually need to adopt a split tax rate but doesn't think the town is ready yet.
"I do think at some point Rockland would need to adopt a split tax rate. I don't think we're there right now," Tieso says.
Affordable housing represents another significant topic of discussion, particularly regarding the town's efforts to meet the state-mandated threshold of 10% affordable housing stock.
O'Donnell emphasizes the importance of reaching this threshold, noting that once achieved, developers cannot bypass local zoning bylaws. He also works to dispel misconceptions about affordable housing.
"For a family of four to qualify for one of those residences, they need to make $132,300," O'Donnell says. "When you think of affordable housing, that's probably not the number that you think of."
Childs discusses the Shingle Mill development, which she says will include 199 units with 25% designated as affordable housing, helping Rockland reach its 10% requirement.
The candidates also address the proposed new fire station, with all expressing support for the project while acknowledging concerns about the tax impact on residents.
"Personally, I support the firehouse for myself. No pun intended, but it's been on the back burner for 24 years," Childs says.
O'Donnell notes that he voted against the initial fire department proposal but supports the current plan, which features a 21% price reduction from the original proposal.
The debate also touches on public participation at Select Board meetings, with candidates offering different perspectives on allowing residents to speak during meetings.
Tieso strongly supports public comments at meetings, saying it would "go a long way towards fostering more trust between the community and the select board."
Childs prefers one-on-one conversations with residents, citing concerns about open meeting law violations and meeting length.
The candidates conclude with closing statements highlighting their qualifications and visions for Rockland's future.
The election for Rockland Select Board is scheduled for April 12. A sample ballot can be found on the Town’s website here.