Bob Jefferies Says He Worked for the NRA in Patch Chat

Election Day is next Tuesday here in Westford, and here are some recaps of our live chats here in Patch this week with incumbent Selectmen Andrea Peraner-Sweet and Bob Jefferies.

You can check out the full transcript of what Peraner-Sweet said here and what Jefferies said here.

Also, don't forget to submit your letter to the editor! There's no deadline on Westford Patch. Well, maybe Wednesday......

Gun Control

Peraner-Sweet noted a recent discussion on 60 Minutes where parents from Newton, CT asked if everyone was being done to keep their community safe, and that was the discussion she saw in the Article 30 debate, although she believes the delivery of the message went wrong.

She also noted that the Second Amendment is not an unfettered right.

Jefferies, often seen as the main architect of Article 30, was given multiple gun related questions including those on the First Amendment versus the Second Amendment (he believes neither has primacy), his knowledge of guns (noting once he worked for the NRA as a consultant), and class A licenses (he still wanted to allow the Chief of Police to issue them, saying the proposal would be on extended magazines)

Privatizing Government Services

Both candidates believed that there were certain places where it was appropriate, including situations where public/private partnerships are best.

Peraner-Sweet specifically said that the role of government is to provide for public safety, public education and to promote the public good, and went on to say that privatization would not save the town money when it came to schools.

FY '15

There was much talk of looming deficits and a potential override, both in discussions before this Town Meeting and possible next Spring's Town Meeting.

However, both candidates said it's far too soon to make predictions, indicating that things such as meals/hotel tax revenues as well as health insurance costs may change between now and the time next spring when a recommendation is required.

Town Staff

Both candidates noted the cuts asked of town staff, with Peraner-Sweet hoping they can be adequately compensated in upcoming collective bargaining negotiations to maintain the superior service they provide and noting that many town employees are also Westford taxpayers, so there is not an "us vs. them" mentality.

Jefferies also noted what he sees as a failure to properly fund state aid when it comes to the potentially looming budget crisis.

Schools

Peraner-Sweet applauded Westford schools in her responses regarding the subject, and said study and time would be needed when it comes to possible school closures due to student populations.

Jefferies fielded questions relating to increased positions for the Westford Academy Mandarin language program and a proposed district technology coordinator, saying both are under the purview of the School Committee, not the Selectmen.

Their Second Vote

Both candidates declined to say who will get their second vote for the Board.