Wilmington Candidate Profile: Frank West For Select Board

WILMINGTON, MA — The Town of Wilmington's Annual Town Election is on April 22.

The offices on the ballot for this election are: Select Board, School Committee and Wilmington Housing Authority.

A specimen ballot is available online.

Patch is profiling some of the candidates. Here, we learn more about Frank West, who is running against incumbent Gary DePalma and challenger James DeFeo for two open seats on the Select Board. West served on the Select Board from 2002-05. Terms on the Select Board are for three years.

Candidates were sent questionnaires and filled out the answers.

Frank West

Age (as of Election Day)

60

Office sought

Wilmington Select Board

Family

Wife Karen — married 30 years in September. Daughter Colleen, age 27, son Frank Jr., 24.

Education

Master's of Business Administration, Western New England College

Occupation

Owner/broker West Real Estate, 386 Main St., Wilmington, 29 years

Previous or current elected or appointed office

Wilmington Select Board, 2002-2005, Wilmington Historic Commission, 1990-2002

Why are you seeking elective office?

I want to make a difference in our town. We have several major building projects that will shape the vision of Wilmington for many years. I want to see that these projects have the least impact on our residents. Not just our taxes, but to minimize inconvenience as these projects take shape. I also want to create a committee to assess and potentially reuse the buildings soon to be vacated. I have been an advocate for ensuring Wilmington not just maintain, but exceed our 10% affordable housing stock so we are not subject to 40 B housing projects.

Describe the issues that define your campaign platform

I'm a lifelong resident of Wilmington who raised a family here. I want to make sure the new Senior Center and Town Hall/School Administration buildings are built on time and budget with the least inconvenience to the taxpayer. I also will motion the Select Board to establish a Reuse Committee to propose possible updating and reusing, if feasible, our soon-to-be empty buildings.

I support building a new Wildwood School and seeking out the maximum in state aid, grants or (dollars from) other sources. I look forward to hearing about the progress of the Economic Committee's "It Starts Here" campaign and residents' participation in the upcoming National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. I will request the Select Board advertise and fill vacancies on several town committees with qualified candidates.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I was elected and served on the Select Board from 2002-05. I have been an active participant in many open and executive sessions and have first-hand experience in what the position entails. I routinely attend many of the bi-weekly Select Board meetings in person and have spoken on various issues. I also have attended and actively participated in both Annual and Special Town Meetings for many years.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As a former Select Board member, I was accessible to the residents and helped many work through various issues. I was instrumental in initiating the restoration of the West Schoolhouse, now used as the Veterans' Office at minimal cost to the town. I introduced the concept of an annual Town Manager performance review, which is used today.

As a resident, I consistently brought up the concept of an Inclusionary Bylaw to the Select Board to assist in keeping our affordable housing inventory above 10%, which they supported on a warrant article and the voters overwhelmingly approved at Town Meeting. I intend to request our town departments review other ways to create affordable housing initiatives.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I want to thank the community for their support of my candidacy and look forward to serving as a member of the Wilmington Select Board.