It's important for a candidate running for re-election to show the voters why he/she deserves to be re-elected. I offer the following as a testimony to my commitment to Tyngsboro. My stand on the issues are definitely the result of my family values. The record that follows will tell you who is Kevin O'Connor.

My first test as a selectman came on May 22, 2000. The Blue Moon requested that their 60-day suspension be reconsidered. The suspension was for sale of a controlled substance in the establishment. I made the Motion to deny the request. My Motion carried 3-2. Two former Selectmen voted to reconsider.

June 19, 2000 - I made the Motion to grant a special permit to The New Elementary School. The Motion carried 5-0. Schoolis open!

The Sewer Dept. was the only town dept. not physically in the new town hall complex. They had an office at Westech Park, with a lease, which was about to expire on Aug. 31, 2000. There was room for them in the town hall, so I made a Motion not to extend the lease and asked the Sewer Commissioners to move in. My Motion carried 4-1 and the Sewer Commissioners resigned.

Sycamore Networks gave an informational presentation to the Board of Selectmen about their plans for a five building campus on Westford Road. Unfortunately, the economic spiral changed their plans to relocate to Tyngsboro. We aggressively pursued other businesses with success. Smoky Bones, Carrabbas, Applewood Plaza, and Progress Park.

The Community Preservation Act was presented to the Board of Selectmen by Town Planner, Mark Whitehead on Jan. 8, 2001, Jan. 22, 2001 with a vote taken on March 12, 2001. I was proud to 2nd the Motion to place the article before the residents at the Special Town Meeting. The Motion carried 3-2. Two former Selectmen voted against the Motion. The CPA is probably one of the most successful programs instituted in the Town in many years!

Greene Property - The Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to purchase this 75.9-acre parcel of open space off of Scribner Road. The price of 1.4 million dollars was taken from the stabilization fund and did not go on the tax rate. I was proud to vote in favor of this land acquisition, placing these 75 acres in our land bank for future generations.

Open Space and Recreation Plan - On August 6, 2001, I voted in favor to create the Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee. Through their diligence and dedicated work, Tyngsboro has a plan to be proud! This plan was accepted by The Executive Office of
Environmental Affairs, approved through September 2007. It is important for leaders of this community to protect our land for future residents.

Carrabbas and Maxamillians - I voted to support their petition to ask the legislature for a liquor license to be issued to them. Town Meeting agreed and both businesses are now thriving on Middlesex Road. Both are strong tax based businesses and are the kinds of business that I'm promoting for Tyngsboro. Two former Selectmen voted against Maxamillians liquor license.

Matthews Adult Entertainment - Prior to my being elected to the Board of Selectmen, Matthews brought suit against the Town to allow them the right to change from a restaurant to an Adult Entertainment Business. The Town said no and the suit began. Town Meeting unanimously voted to instruct the Selectmen to vigorously defend the Town in this lawsuit. Town Meeting has spoken twice on this issue and I totally support the Town's lawsuit.

O'Conley's Pub - On August 22, 2000, the ABCC held a hearing in their Boston office to determine if their was a violation to certain provisions of Mass General Laws. A decision was reached on June 6, 2001 suspending the liquor license for 21 days. The violations that were found, related to permitting gambling, possession and sale of New Hampshire cigarettes without a license. On June 26, 2001 the ABCC accepted $5,178.39 in lieu of the 21-day suspension. The Board of Selectmen held a show cause hearing on November 05, 2001 to see if the Board will renew the Automatic Amusement Licenses. After lengthy testimony, I motioned to suspend the Amusement License for 1 year but I couldn't get a 2nd to that Motion. The Board ultimately voted for a 21-day suspension, 3 in favor, 2 opposed. I voted against the Motion because it wasn't tough enough. Two former Selectmen voted the more lenient penalty. To have a liquor license in Tyngsboro is a privilege! I have set a high standard with these licenses.

Chapter 40B Affordable Housing - I support the Town reaching its State mandated 10% of housing stock set aside as affordable. Merrimac Landing & Maple Ridge both came before the Tyngsborough Community Housing Partnership, of which I serve with Selectmen Lemoine and Nicosia. Together we worked with the developers to shape the projects to suit the Town's needs. Further, we instituted more than 20 conditions which we believe will protect the rural character of the community, as well as mitigate the strain on town services. I'm proud of my stand on this very important issue.

Recreation Committee - Tony Saracco and his committee needed to expand. The Board of Selectmen voted to increase the size of the committee and town meeting agreed. We now have an expanded committee with a very aggressive work load. We are representing all areas of athletics, boys & girls, as well as passive recreation. Our goal is to also alleviate the parking issues in ourneighborhoods, such as Bridge Meadow. Also, to give our neighborhoods a say in what affect their back yard. Money spent on sport activity is what Tyngsboro must do for our youth.

Master Plan Committee - This committee is well on its way to completing their goal. They are all a hard working dedicated group, shaping Tyngsboro for generations to come. I totally support the committee in this very important undertaking.

Taxes - When I was first elected to the Board of Selectmen May 9, 2000, the tax rate was $19.80 per thousand. It is today, $16.51 per thousand. I'm not going to tell you that I made this difference of $3.29 per thousand! I will tell you that I have been a conservative voice on the Board of Selectmen and I will continue to be. We are a Town Meeting form of Government that I support. It is the residents who vote at Town Meeting who determine our tax structure. It is simply, money in, money out. Tyngsboro is a "bedroom community" by design. In the late 1950's & early 1960, the town fathers set Tyngsboro's zoning predominately residential. Very little area was and is set aside for business. We are, what we are. Tyngsboro today is what attracted you to move here. It is my intention to keep as much open space as possible for future generations, while at the same time, attract the right businesses for the little remaining land set aside for that purpose.

The above record is intended to show my stand on the issues. I have accomplished much more than this in my last three years but I don't want to write a novel. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. I pride myself in being available seven days a week.

Thank you.

 

Committee to Re-Elect Kevin OConnor, Selectman, 11 Axletree Rd., Tyngsboro, MA 01879