Shrewsbury 2023 Candidate Profile: Anand Sharma, Housing Authority

SHREWSBURY, MA — In 2023, Shrewsbury voters will have two choices in the May 2 election for candidates seeking to serve on the town's public housing authority board.

Town Meeting member Anand Sharma is challenging Shrewsbury Housing Authority board member Kathy McSweeney.

The housing authority board oversees an agency that operates three public housing properties for the elderly — the Shrewsbury Tower, Elizabeth Gardens and Francis Gardens — plus 25 scattered-site units across town for families and people with special needs. The housing authority board generally oversees operations and approves the agency's budget.

To help voters get to know the candidates, Shrewsbury Patch sent them candidate questionnaires. Here's how Sharma answered:

Relevant experience:

I have more than a decade of experience managing family units in MA. I also have experience working with multiple housing authorities in MA.

Why are you running for the housing authority board this year?

I believe it was a natural progression as my involvement within our community increased. I am a Precinct 9 town meeting member and have been involved in various community events in the past.

My real estate experience blended well with the requirements of the housing authority.

Affordable housing is a major issue across the state. What role do you think local governments have in ameliorating the problem?

Local governments play a vital role in increasing affordable housing in their area. By better managing/allocating their available land and financial resources and their unique ability to bring community together, they can increase affordable housing.

Have you ever lived in public housing or used a resource like Section 8? If not, how would you as a board member go about identifying with the needs of housing authority clients?

I have never used public housing or Section 8, but I have lived in conditions similar to that. I was brought up in a small farming family. We had no electricity in our village and no money to fund my education. State government funded my education based upon merit. So, I am familiar with the health and economic conditions facing low income families. I will strive to be in constant touch with our residents and work to improve the quality of their day-to-day life.

What's one thing would you like the housing authority to achieve over the coming term?

I would like to see an increase in affordable housing in Shrewsbury. As you might be aware that the cost of procurement and maintenance is continuously increasing. I am running as I believe my years of financial and operational knowledge in this field will be valuable in managing our resources effectively and thereby saving taxpayers money and increase affordable housing for our residents