How Can Grafton Attract Businesses?

The five contenders for two seats on the Board of Selectmen answered a series of questions Sunday night during a candidates night hosted by the League of Women Voters.

Candidates John L. Carlson, John B. Dowling, Robert W. Lewis, Daniel Pogorzelski and Bruce W. Spinney III are running for two open seats on the board. Current selectmen Mary Ann Cotton and Christopher LeMay are not seeking re-election.

Throughout the week, Grafton.Patch.com will relay some of their answers.

Today's question: How can Grafton attract businesses to town?

Carlson: With the addition of an assistant town administrator, the town administrator should have more time to get out and attract businesses. But the town is "limited in some respects'' because it is not an industrial community.

Dowling: Find accesible locations for businesses and speed up the permitting process. "Make the bar as low as possible to get them through the door.''

Lewis: The zoning bylaws are complicated and the "community moves faster than the bylaw. We want [businesses] here but we send the message that we don't.''

Pogorzelski: Tax incentives should be considered for businesses that hire local people. "It's all about creating jobs, local jobs for local people.''

Spinney:  The Economic Development Commission needs a point person on the town staff to help attract business "Our permitting process is horrendous.''