Westborough – The town of Westborough will be holding its Annual Town Election Tuesday, March 4. There are no contested races this year.
The Community Advocate has invited candidates for the Board of Selectmen and School Committee to state their opinions on several issues in their own words. Ian Johnson is an incumbent running for Board of Selectmen. Responses from candidates for the School Committee will be printed in the Feb. 28 issue.
Ian Johnson – candidate for Board of Selectmen – ?Ian is a lifelong resident of Westborough, graduating from Westborough High School in 1985.? Ian received a bachelor of arts degree in economics and political science from Eckerd College and a master of science degree in finance from Boston College.? He currently works as a senior vice president/chief operating officer for the Global Institutional Solutions division of Fidelity Investments.? He is married to Maureen and has a 10-year- old son, Liam, and a 4-year- old Black Lab, Ellie.
What specific career or personal experience in your past do you feel prepares you for this position and why?? Serving the past three years on the Board of Selectmen, including a year as vice chairman and a year as chairman, has been the best preparation for another term on the board. Even as I complete my first term, I am still learning new things nearly every single day.? Most importantly, I'se learned to listen to the residents and make sure that they are involved in the key decisions facing Westborough.
If you could eliminate Proposition 2-1/2 would you?? Why or why not? ?I would not eliminate Proposition 2-1/2 as I believe it has helped drive fiscal discipline within municipalities.?? It also has mechanisms built in to allow for overrides if the majority of residents feel that is necessary to properly operate the town.? Even with Proposition 2-1/2 in place, the number one issue I hear from Westborough residents is that our taxes are too high.? Without this law in effect, I fear that our taxes would be even higher.
What do you think is the most significant problem facing your community?? What do you think should be done short-term and long-term to change it?? I believe the most significant problem facing Westborough is the ability to provide the services the residents desire at a cost that is reasonable.? I feel that the town has worked hard to control costs while also continuing to look at ways to generate revenue to offset resident's taxes.? These measures need to continue, with the future development of the State Hospital site being a great example of an opportunity for the town to creatively think of ways to increase revenues that far exceed the costs.
What person in your life has had the most impact on you and why?? I would have to say that my son has the most impact on me.? First and foremost, he keeps me grounded every single day.? He doesn's allow me to think that being a selectman makes me better than anyone else.? He also reminds me to think of the impact today's decisions may have on his generation and their ability and desire to reside in Westborough.? I strongly believe that thinking in this way makes me a better selectman and, more importantly, a better person.
