Wayland 2023 Candidate Profile: Philip Parks, Board Of Assessors

WAYLAND, MA — Wayland voters will vote in a competitive race this year that may sound obscure, but is very important.

There are three candidates running for two seats on the Board of Assessors: incumbents Massimo Taurisano and Philip Parks, and challenger Mary-Ann Wohlfarth, Wayland's former assistant assessor.

The Board of Assessors helps the town value property so that it can be taxed to generate revenue for the municipality. Voters have the chance to elect representatives who will play a key role in deciding tax bills each year.

Wayland Patch sent questionnaires to each of the three candidates to help voters get to know them betters. Here's how Parks answered:

Why are you running to retain your seat on the board of assessors in 2023?

I am grateful for the opportunity to run for re-election as a member of the Board of Assessors. And, top of mind for me is taking the responsibility of representing our town very seriously with objectivity, thoughtfulness, empathy to others, and prioritizing governance, transparency, and fairness. We have made a lot of progress over the last three years including hiring a new Director of the Town Assessor's office, improving staffing and capacity for the office responsibilities, and execution our responsibilities fairly, equitably, and on schedule.

Three goals that I would highlight:

• Continue to actively participate as a leader and representative of our town to guide and ensure that all real and personal property assessments are fair, equitable, and current;
• Continue to proactively engage with the Town Assessors Office, staff members, and other Town boards and committees on a regular basis to facilitate operations and problem-solving;
• Improve public awareness, engagement, and participation in town government including getting out to vote, attending public meetings of committees, and engaging in productive dialogue about the most important issues for our town and community.

Can you explain what the board of assessors does and how it affects the public?

The 5-member Board of Assessors and the Wayland Town Assessors Office are responsible for determining fair and equitable valuation of all real estate and real personal property in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59, Section 38. Ultimately, the assessment and valuation processes support a simple math equation that produces the annual tax levy amount in alignment with our town’s budget and spending plans. The tax levy amount is then attributed to residential and commercial property owners – what we all pay in property taxes.

In addition, the Board of Assessors and Assessor’s office also administers programs to evaluate and approve: real estate tax exemptions, real estate tax abatements, excise tax abatements, and other important tax exemptions (for example: circuit breaker credit for seniors, veterans, surviving spouses, low income, blindness). With continued growth of real estate property in our town, we continue to be diligent about generating updated and accurate assessments of property values as well as administering important programs related to exemptions and abatements. Another, key decision that accompanies the tax levy process each year is consideration of a split tax rate (for residential and commercial) and this is voted on by the Board of Selectman based on recommendations from the Board of Assessors.

We are also active throughout the year with the Board of Assessors and Wayland Town Assessors Office staff meeting weekly or biweekly to ensure that we are responsive to incoming requests and required approvals for abatement and tax exemption requests and so that we can proactively manage the town’s assessment and valuation processes month to month.

One of your main jobs is setting property values. How do you as a member fit into that process?

Each Board of Assessors member has a key role in ensuring that properties are assessed with fair and equitable valuations. One of the most important aspects of the annual and ongoing activities are to work week to week, month to month on the cyclical inspections, recent sales, and changes in properties — both residential and commercial.

Individual assessor roles and “fit” are very important in terms of always operating in the town’s best interest, adhering to open meeting law protocols, working well with others, and bringing fairness and equity to all decisions and problem-solving.

Do you think enough people in Wayland participate in the annual tax classification process? If not, do you have any ideas for increasing participation?

This is a great question. No, I believe that not enough people participate. Overall, I wished that more of our neighbors and Wayland community members participated more in town government committee meetings and our town meetings. In addition, I would encourage all to visit the Wayland Town Assessors website to learn more about the tax classification process. Think of this as a “first stop” in gaining a bit more insight into the Assessor’s Office and the Board of Assessors. On this website, you be able to see links to important Massachusetts laws and statutes, helpful links to tax exemption/abatement forms, our agendas and minutes, and more. You will also find email address and contact information for the Town Assessor’s Office staff and the Board of Assessors. If you are particularly motivated to learn more, there is also a link to the official course materials that all members of the Board of Assessors are required to know and understand. If you are curious to attend our meetings, please join us anytime. You can find the meeting dates and times on the website above. And, please feel free to visit the Town Assessors Office in the Wayland Town Building or ask a question via email or during the open comment section of our meeting agendas.