Shrewsbury 2023 Candidate Profile: Kathy McSweeney, 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 McSweeney answered:

Relevant experience

I have served as a Commission on the Shrewsbury Housing Authority for the past 5 years. As a licensed Realtor, I have been selling residential real estate in Central Massachusetts for the past 25 years. During that time, I have helped hundreds of people find suitable housing.

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

I believe everyone has the right to a safe, sanitary, affordable place to call home. That is why I ran for Housing Authority in 2018 and why I am seeking re-election on Tuesday May 2nd.

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

Zoning By Laws play arguably the single most significant role in the creation of housing (or lack thereof). Changing By Laws, both state and local to allow for the creation of ADU’s (Accessory Dwelling Units) also known as in-law apartments and Multifamily Housing by Right would end discrimination against multifamily housing and promote its creation.

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 not. During my 25 years as a Realtor, I have had countless conversations with people about their housing needs and I understand the stress that it can cause when people are in an unstable or uncertain housing situation. I believe this knowledge makes me more empathetic and helps inform my decision-making about housing policy.

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

It may take more than one term, but my goal is to create more housing units. With the passing of the Community Preservation Act and the collaboration with the Community Preservation Committee and the Affordable Housing Trust there are funds available to possibly create more housing without burdening the taxpayers of Shrewsbury.