Q&A from Burlington Patch

Q&A from Burlington Patch asking me about the upcoming Board of Selectmen election.

Issues facing Burlington

One of the largest issues facing Burlington is continuing to keep the town in sound financial condition during these tough economic times. Through our Capital Improvement Plan, we have been making solid investments in the future of Burlington via new schools, sewer projects, parks and playgrounds. I’m proud to say we currently have approximately 4.3M in free cash, part of which can be used to fund warrant articles at the May Town Meeting. Our Stabilization fund has a balance of approximately $5M.

Further to the point above, we also need to keep Burlington’s tax rates low for residents to ensure our community remains an affordable place to live. By maintaining a competitive tax rate for commercial property, Burlington will be attractive to businesses and their taxes will be a revenue stream that will contribute to keeping our residential tax rate low.

Another important issue is maintaining a superior level of public safety as our town grows. This is something we cannot take for granted. Just as we have done recently with two of our schools, we must ensure fire and police have the proper facilities in the right locations in our town to respond to public safely needs.

There are many other important issues for our town on topics such as schools, cemetery availability, smart & controlled development, and protecting our open space. I welcome emails and calls from residents to discuss further. danditucci@yahoo.com

Why am I running for re-election to the Board of Selectmen?

I'm running for re-election to the Burlington Board of Selectmen. Doing my part to keep Burlington a great place to live is why I am inspired to run again.

In 1959, I moved to Burlington with my parents and siblings. Shortly after getting married, I moved to my current residence on Lisa Street. My wife, Mary, and I raised 3 sons who attended Burlington schools K-12. In a few years, my youngest grandchild will enter Burlington schools. I was involved in Burlington Youth Soccer for 12 years and coached little league. Most recently, I’m a volunteer for People Helping People & the Burlington Food Pantry.

I want to make sure our town remains fiscally and structurally stable, which is why I’m committed to making sure our tax revenue goes into long-term investments, such as the Forced Sewer Main infrastructure project, expansion of the Pine Haven cemetery, and new/remodeled schools. I continue to be an advocate for open space and protection of
the Land Locked Forest. I support smart development that converts low tax-revenue properties into tax-generating properties for our town yet does not cause a toll on our resources and traffic.

As a member of the board over the last three years, I’m proud to have served the residents and made a difference. The Board of Selectmen is a part time job that requires a full time commitment and I see it as one of the ways I can give back to this town I enjoy so much.

Successful People Helping People Fundraiser

On Sunday, Feb 27th, Cafe Escadrille hosted a wine tasting fundraiser to benefit People Helping People and the Burlington Food Pantry. We raised $13,000, thanks to the generosity of Bob Murray, owner of Café Escadrille, who donated the venue, food, and wine, local business owners, who donated items for the auction, and the attendees of the event, who gave generously. There was plenty to good food to eat and a great assortment of wines for tasting. The live auction during the event was fun and raised $8,000, with each item donated being sold for full value. It was an event that exceeded our fundraising expectations and I hope to see even more folks attending next year.

More information on Burlington People Helping People