Patch Candidate Profiles: Jeffrey Miles Hubbard, Hamilton Board of Selectmen

HAMILTON-WENHAM, MA – When you vote on Thursday, April 6, at the annual town election, know your candidates. Patch is gathering these Q&As for those running for open seats on the Hamilton Board of Selectmen.

Name, as it will appear on the ballot: Jeffrey Miles Hubbard

Age: 53

Hometown: Pawling NY

Position running for: Selectman

Education: Washington and Lee University BA

Work history: Realtor at By the Sea Sotheby’s International Realty

Volunteer history: Youth soccer and basketball coach, Community

Preservation Committee member, Eastern Essex Veteran’s Affairs Board

Member, BOS liaison/Finance Committee, HW Touchdown Club Board member

Have you run before? If so, when?: I have been a Selectman for 2 terms (6 years), this will be my third term.

Why did you decide to run?: The high cost of property taxes. Property tax costs in Hamilton have had an adverse affect on all of our property values. I recently showed a young family a home in Hamilton listed at about $1.6 million, property taxes are $30,000. We then looked at a $1.6 million property in Manchester by the Sea, taxes are nearly half at $17,000. That’s a difference of about $1,000/month. I believe that with smart spending Hamilton can maintain level property tax costs for a several year period.

What do you hope to accomplish in this position?: Continue to advocate for stronger fiscal performance, standards, and accountability. Based on the FY2018 budget request, Hamilton’s town operating costs have climbed $1.5 million since 2016. I will also continue to advocate for policy driven decisions based on the collective knowledge of the community, especially and including the minority view. Follow existing laws, provide transparent, truthful and full information to allow for informed decision making.

What should constituents know about you?: One of my favorite events in town is the Essex County Trail Association’s annual ECTAtholon. A running, mountain biking, kayaking and horse back riding relay race. I have done three legs, but would like to add the horse back riding leg some day to complete all 4 legs!

Image via Jeffrey Hubbard