My announcement of candidacy for the Burlington Board of Selectmen

I would usually not post something like this on my blog. I figured that anyone who does not get the Daily Times Chronicle or the Burlington Union can have a chance to read my letter.

This announcement is also posted on Wicked Local.

My name is Daniel R. DiTucci and I am pleased to announce my candidacy for the Burlington Board of Selectmen. I have chosen to run for this position because the issues facing our community continue to mount and renewed energy is needed to bring solutions to Burlington.

Burlington has been my home since 1959, when the town had more dirt roads than paved roads. My wife, Mary, and I raised three sons who all attended Burlington schools K-12, went on to college, and are now working in corporate America. I’ve been involved in many recreational activities through my children, including coaching 10 years of youth soccer and coaching little league baseball. I’m also the proud grandfather of a 2 ½ year old grandson and a 15 month old granddaughter.

I have gained experience in Burlington town government as a Town Meeting member for the past 9 years. During my tenure as a Town Meeting member, I supported many new revenue producing business development projects, including the Sun Microsystems development, the redevelopment of the high voltage property Oracle now occupies, the Trammell Crow development, the Wayside Commons retail development, and most recently, the development districts with the Guiterriz Corporation of Second Avenue and with the Nordblom Corporation at Northwest Park. These projects will increase commercial property values and generate more tax dollars for our community. As a Ways and Means Committee member, I have become very familiar with the town’s finances and budget procedures. I am currently on the subcommittee for schools and we are reviewing the $34 million school budget for 2009. I have been a strong supporter of the schools and believe education is the foundation of our community.

Burlington is a fortunate town that has resources and revenues that other communities do not enjoy. Even with adequate resources, Burlington must confront issues in a timely and efficient manner. The supply of tax money is not endless and I am committed to keeping Burlington affordable. I believe in being proactive and not waiting until town matters become large scale issues. Examples of unresolved issues include the deterioration of the Grandview Farm, structural decline of the Wildwood School, and extension of the planned three month project at the water treatment plant.

My passion for the Town of Burlington results in my activism. As a Town Meeting member, I put a resolution on the floor to protect the Wildwood School property from development. My position on the landlocked parcel is a hands-off approach. We have approximately 3 million square feet of office and retail space, including Second Avenue and Northwest Park, which will be built in the next 2 to 5 years. We should get this new space up and running before looking at options for the landlocked parcel.

I have owned Spencer Cleaners in Burlington for the past 21 years. As a local business owner, I am aware of Burlington’s zoning bylaws and can jump into the role of selectman with the experience the job requires. Being an entrepreneur has allowed me to demonstrate the depth of my management skills. I have to balance the short term needs of my business, such as the weekly payroll, with the long term needs, such as negotiating supplier contracts and tough decisions to repair or replace manufacturing equipment. I have proven my ability to act in a fiscally responsible manner through my business and will continue this as a selectman.

The job of selectman is a part time job that requires a full time commitment. I am willing and able to put forth this commitment. Board meetings and subcommittee meetings need to be attended to ensure important issues are resolved in a timely manner. Over the next three years, many important issues will come before the Board of Selectmen. I want to use both my town government and business management experience to keep Burlington moving forward. We want to thrive but we do not want to lose our identity as an outstanding suburban town.

I believe in honest government and promise to be truthful and fair. I would appreciate your vote on Saturday, April 5th.