Hudson Candidate Statement – Select Board – Herman Kabakoff

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Hudson Candidate Statement – Select Board – Herman Kabakoff
Herman Kabakoff

Please provide a brief biographical background on yourself. What should voters know about you? 

My wife and I moved to Hudson in 2015 from Acton where we lived for 37 years. We have 2 children who are married and on their own. I served 4 years in the Air Force and have an MBA. I have experience in municipal government. While in Acton I served 17 years on the Finance Committee, two terms on the Select Board and one year on the School Committee. I am currently retired. My career included being an entrepreneur. After I sold my company I worked as a CFO for 30 years before retiring.

Why are you running?

Trying to make a difference, through the system is in my DNA. We have lived in Hudson for over 7 years now, and I feel that I can use my skill set to make a difference here. I am very detail-oriented and analytical. I want to use my experience to help preserve our quality of life while staying within the parameters of Proposition 2 1/2. This sometimes requires making hard decisions. My experience makes me well equipped to make these decisions. I provide a new set of eyes with experience to look at issues.

One of the items on the ballot is a new operations facility for the Department of Public Works. What is your stance on a new facility and why?

I saw the DPW Director’s presentation regarding the Town Meeting Warrant Article. It is apparent that there is a need to address the condition of the storage facility for the equipment. I also note that a portion of the current municipal building is shared with the DPW and the Police Department. DPW administration is in this building. I find it hard to understand how a new/updated storage facility can be so costly. Before I vote at Town Meeting I would like to be convinced that this is the very least amount of money required to safely and adequately store our equipment.

What are the three biggest issues facing Hudson? 

Hudson is the victim of its own success. The vibrant downtown has resulted in downtown parking issues. The business friendly atmosphere has resulted in increased development. Our current Zoning Bylaw is old and sometimes not equipped to control this development. People are looking favorably to Hudson as a good place to live, work and raise a family. This is putting a stress on our school system to fund this increasing enrollment.

If elected, what would you do to address these issues? 

I cannot solve all of these issues in 150 words. I can indicate the approach I would take. First, I support the Warrant Article on the May 1st Town Meeting to review and rewrite the current Zoning Bylaw. The need for doing this was highlighted by the recent proposal associated with the Intel property. We must ensure that new development does not negatively impact our quality of life or cost the community money. The downtown issue has to studied by City Planning professionals who will make recommendations for solutions. School funding has to be a collaborate effort between all Hudson departments. Hiring a professional Grant Writer may be helpful. Educating our children should be the top priority after health and safety.

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