What do you hope to achieve as a member of the Select Board?
I hope to earn the trust of the people of Shutesbury, to focus on the substantive issues that affect us all – especially rising costs and dwindling revenues – and to help guide the town toward sustainable solutions that we devise together.
How would you describe your approach to leadership?
In my view, the most important aspects of leadership are listening and collaboration. Serving on the Finance Committee, I’ve learned and come to truly appreciate the contributions of the many people, paid and unpaid, who make this town work. I want to create more opportunities for those contributions to be shared. And I want to encourage residents’ input and suggestions on what would make a better Shutesbury.
What are your qualifications?
Serving on the Finance Committee for ten years has been the best possible training – I’ve learned so much about the real nuts and bolts of the town! Professionally, working internationally has taught me to look at the larger picture, to see my work as part of a much larger system. Also management and problem solving have been major components of my work, and I would bring those skills to my role as a member of the Select Board.
Why is your experience serving on the Finance Committee valuable to this role?
Everything involves money one way or another: salaries for town employees, capital investments, the school, essential equipment and services. Balancing budgets has shown me our town has a wide range of competing expectations for services, commercial development, and tax rates and we can deliver agreeable results by collaborating effectively with town members, committees, and departments.
Our strategy and approach during Regional School negotiations has netted Shutesbury a fair share of the annual budget. The experience gained from this approach can be used to lower costs elsewhere.
What is your view on clear cutting for solar?
I moved to Shutesbury over 15 years ago, primarily due to the nature and character of this town. I don’t want to see any activities that threaten this nature or character.
My expectation is that the town will look to and trust committees such as the Energy and Climate Action, Conservation Commission, and Planning Board to formulate proposals that can be supported by the town at large. The Selectboard should be expected to support this process.
The most promising green/renewable projects under discussion today may involve geothermal and/or solar specific to municipal buildings. There are many opportunities and ideas worthy of exploration.
Do YOU have a question for Jim? He wants to hear from you!
Email him at jpwalton1211@gmail.com
