John VanScoyoc Is Running For Brookline Select Board: Profile

BROOKLINE, MA — With less than two weeks before Annual Town Election, Brookline voters are beginning to cast ballots by mail for Select Board members and Town Meeting members.

There are three people running for two openings on the Select Board, including current board member Heather Hamilton who is running to keep her seat. Eric Hyett and Town Meeting member John VanScoyoc are vying for the seat left empty by Select Board Member Ben Franco

VanScoyoc, 71, lives with his wife Barbara in Precinct 13, which he represents as a Town Meeting member, and together they raised two children and now have three grandchildren.

He's got a bachelors' degree from Yale and is retired from a career in TV news production at NECN/NBC10 Boston and WGBH-TV, where he was mainly focused on newsroom management. He was also an editor of the Brookline Chronicle Citizen newspaper group in 1980's.

VanScoyoc has been an Advisory Committee chair in the past, and he was recently appointed to serve on the committee again, though he's stepped aside to run for Select Board.

In March, the Select Board voted to postpone the municipal election from May 5 to June 9. Town Meeting is also being rescheduled from May 19 - 21 to June 23 - 25, and may include an option for Town Meeting members to participate and vote remotely.

We asked all Brookline Select Board Candidates the same questions and here's what VanScoyoc had to say:

Campaign website

www.johnvanscoyoc.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

To prioritize maintenance of Brookline's public education, public safety, public libraries, parks and public works services while enhancing revenues via commercial development so that Town Hall can afford to address new challenges such as climate change and affordable housing goals.
The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Is Brookline's traditional Town Meeting form of government equipped to meet the increasingly complex demands of new challenges such as climate change and the high cost and short supply of housing. I believe Brookline residents should be given the opportunity to vote on a proposal for charter change.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My extensive experience in Town government and my knowledge of the issues gained from regular monitoring of and reporting on Town Hall affairs. This sets me apart from two newcomer opponents who lack such a record. (This does not apply to the incumbent Heather Hamilton, whose experience and record of service are well known.)

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community?

I consider myself to be in a contest for the vacant seat on the Select Board -- formerly held for six years by Ben Franco, who has endorsed me.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I was one of the leaders in the Spend Smart campaign that spared Brookline the unwise pursuit of a $90 Million 9th school that isn't currently needed, as subsequent enrollment forecasts have shown. (I also kept my promise to support a new Driscoll School, which is needed.) I know when to say "No" to unnecessary spending so that we can tackle the priority projects and get them done.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

See above.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Stay focused and listen and learn from others.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I'm excited about the opportunity to serve Brookline in a time of new challenges. I wish to be part of a pro-active Select Board that sets an example for other communities with decisive action on challenges such as climate change.

Watch VanScoyoc in the Brookline CAN Candidate Forum last week:

And here, State Rep. Tommy Vitolo interviewed all three candidates here's his interview with VanScoyoc:

And the League of Women Voters' forum: