> What is the basis of your interest in serving the Bedford community in this capacity and what do you consider your primary qualifications?
I am interested in serving as an Assessor because it’s a great way to use my legal experience to help Bedford in a vital way.
I have the experience and temperament to serve the town well as an Assessor. One of the Assessor’s roles is to review homeowner appeals of their property assessment. It’s work that must be done in a trustworthy manner, fairly using the appraisal techniques that all Massachusetts municipalities must use. As a lawyer, I apply legal standards to case-specific facts all the time. I have also served in positions of public trust at the California and the Massachusetts Attorney General Offices, and in the highest state courts in New York and California, where I reviewed appeals of lower court decisions.
I would enjoy doing similar work on behalf of the town, and that’s why I ask for your vote.
> Mitre corporation, a not-for-profit, makes payment to the town in lieu of taxes. The agreement between Mitre and the Town is reaching its end. What factors would you consider in helping shape a new agreement?
My spouse works for MITRE, so I cannot be involved in shaping or approving Bedford’s new agreement with MITRE.
> The Board of Assessors has encountered significant issues the last few years. What would you do to build trust and transparency to the community at-large?
I understand the need for transparency and trustworthiness in the Assessors. I intend to treat Bedford with the same attention and respect I give to my clients, who I serve with integrity and diligence.
I will build trust in the Board in three ways: First, by fully educating myself for this important role, with the state-mandated courses for Assessors. Second, for the past two years, the Assessors have timely certified the tax rolls. I will strive to continue that forward momentum, and have the tax rolls timely certified during each year of my term. Lastly, Bedford’s assessments are currently done by a well-qualified interim consultant. Notwithstanding his excellent work, I will contribute to Bedford’s efforts to hire a full-time Assessing Director in order to achieve more stability in the Department
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