Bowley Sees Water and Sewer Rates, Real Estate Taxes as Areas of Focus

Candidate will look to recruit more businesses and streamline the permitting process

Thomas Bowley is one of four candidates for two open seats on the Tewksbury Select Board. You can hear from Tom and the other candidates on Thursday night at the Crier & Carnation Candidates Forum.

Tewksbury Carnation: Why do you want to serve on the Select Board?

Thomas Bowley: I am invested in this town. Many Tewksbury residents I’ve talked to feel that their voices fall on deaf ears. I believe that the residents come first and I want to be their voice.

TC: Give us a brief bio: Where you grew up, family, interests.

TB: I am a lifelong resident of Tewksbury. My grandparents moved here in the 1930s. I have one son, Peter, who still lives in Tewksbury.

TC: What is your education?

TB: I attended Tewksbury Public Schools through junior high. Graduated high school from Tilton School, in Tilton NH class of 1972 and some college.

TC: What is your “day job,” and how do your past or current professional experiences prepare you for service on the Select Board?

TB: I have been self-employed for many years. My business background provides extensive knowledge in operations and management. Currently I am semi-retired which allows me the time to devote and serve on the Select Board.

TC: If elected, what do you hope to accomplish in the next three years as a Select Board member?

TB: I want to work to reduce real estate taxes and water / sewer rates, and I want to work to reduce spending. Recruitment of more businesses in town should become a priority. Streamlining the permitting process to welcome new business should also be a priority.

TC: How do you define your budget priorities if tough decisions have to be made?

TB: Emergency services need to be maintained. Reductions to the remainder of the budget, on a case by case basis

TC: Do you feel that Town Meeting is still effective or would you support moving to a representative Town Meeting or even a city structure?

TB: I believe town meetings are still the best form of Government for Tewksbury.

TC: What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Tewksbury, and how will you address it?

TB: Maintaining affordability for the residents that live here. I would work to reduce spending, reduce taxes and water/sewer rates.

TC: What is your position on how Tewksbury should, or should not, comply with the MBTA Communities Act?

TB: Personally, I am not in favor of the MBTA Communities Act. The Commonwealth of Mass insists Tewksbury will zone for By Right high-density zoning. The Commonwealth mandates Tewksbury will build 1,250 units (and the additional population that comes with it). This mandate has no money for infrastructure improvements. These will be paid for by the residents of Tewksbury through increased taxes. Ultimately, whether Tewksbury endorses or rejects this mandate is up to the people of Tewksbury. Their vote will dictate how the Select Board responds.

TC: If you see noncompliance as an option, what is your plan to deal with any financial penalties or legal action?

TB: If Tewksbury voters reject the MBTA Communities Act the Select Board will have to address issues as they arise.

TC: How do you think Tewksbury can best be proactive in regard to services and development at the Tewksbury State Hospital?

TB: The Town of Tewksbury needs to make sure that whatever services we provide to the State Hospital are being paid for at the same rate our taxpayers pay. Taxpayers should not be subsidizing the State Hospital under any circumstance.

TC: What didn’t we ask that you would like to share with voters?

TB: I want to thank the voters for taking the time to read this. I can be reached through my Facebook page – Tom Bowley for Tewksbury Select Board. Remember: April 6^th – Vote and be heard.