Sisitsky Seeking Re-Election to Framingham Selectmen

By Charlie Sisitsky

I am excited to announce my candidacy for reelection to the Board of Selectmen. Throughout my six terms on the Board, I have served with many dedicated people having a variety of interests and ideas. I worked cooperatively with all of them to build consensus and to work for the best interest of the Town and I am proud of our accomplishments.

Despite challenging financial crises of many communities throughout the country, Framingham has weathered the storm, due in part to strong financial planning policies of the Board of Selectmen, cautious budgeting and the concerted efforts from a solid team of experienced, dedicated municipal professionals and volunteers. We have succeeded in maintaining excellent and reliable municipal services. The Board was able to accomplish this and at the same time provide relief to taxpayers by proposing to only increase the tax levy by just over half of the maximum allowed under Proposition 2 ½. This policy was implemented two fiscal years ago during my current term and was the first time since Proposition 2 ½ took effect in 1980 that Framingham had ever crafted a budget to enable such a reduction in the amount of taxes collected.

The Board’s sound financial policies and reserves have also enabled the Town to maintain a very favorable bond rating. This translates into lower borrowing costs for our significant infrastructure improvements and leaves more funds available for other pressing needs. The Selectmen’s well-balanced priorities have produced strong support for our school system and I am especially proud of my efforts to help rebuild the school district. I am dedicated to maintaining and enhancing its excellent reputation.

As a parent of four Framingham public school graduates and a long-time PTO volunteer, I know what having excellent schools, teachers and educational services mean to our children, our property values and image as a town.

My nearly 40 years of experience as a professional, public sector executive has helped the Board of Selectmen make good decisions and deliver the best, most reliable and efficient services.

The Board’s vision has led to a long term agreement to keep TJX in Framingham for many years to come. Our enthusiastic, results-driven town manager, who the Board hired 3 ½ years ago has brought a strong business perspective to the job. We have partnered with the Planning Board to recodify the zoning by-law and update the central business district zoning to facilitate and encourage new investment. The Board worked closely and cooperatively with the developer of Danforth Green to bring much needed new housing and tax revenue at an old gravel pit in the northeast part of town.

My work with the Traffic and Roadway Safety Committee resulted in a town-wide traffic calming policy that has already been successfully implemented in several neighborhoods.

Likewise, my work on the water and sewer utility bill abatement committee has given relief to many homeowners who experienced high bills.

I am currently the Chair of the Board of Selectmen and have served in that position a number of times including last year and have always run meetings in a professional, efficient and respectful manner.

I am proud of the fact that we operate in an open and transparent environment and that everyone is given an opportunity to speak their mind. The successes that I and my colleagues have achieved require hard work, leadership, experience and dedication. I bring these qualities to the table day after day, year after year.

Serving as your Selectman has been a privilege and an honor that I take very seriously and with your support, I will continue to work on your behalf for the best interests of Framingham. I respectfully ask for your vote on March 29.

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Editor’s Note: Framingham Patch, via its election guidelines, allows each candidate the opportunity to announce their candidacy.