SuttonHighNews conducted an interview with each candidate running for an office. Our goal is to provide a more comprehensive look at each candidate so voters can make an informed decision.
SuttonHighNews is not endorsing any candidate. The interviews are being released in a random order with no intent to give anyone more or less time.
All candidates were given the questions in advance. We asked the same questions, in the same order, to each candidate for a particular position.
Q: Maintenance and Safety: If a person’s housing has a broken heater or leaky roof, how will you make sure it gets fixed quickly?
A: All minor and major issues are shared with Executive Director, John Slocum. Depending on the size of concern, the majority are rectified immediately, and large-scale repairs in a timely manner to meet the needs of tenants.
Q: Helping More People: How do you see this committee dealing with local affordable housing?
A: The Sutton Housing Authority at Orchard Apartments is local affordable housing within our community offering opportunity to adults at all age levels.
Q: Managing Money: How will you make sure money the town receives for housing is spent on important things like repairs and safety?
A: The state continually updates guidelines and restrictions on how allocated monies are spent with required checks and balances on all projects related to upkeep and capital improvements. Our facility operates solely on rents and state funding.
Q: Community Rules: Some housing projects have rules about pets, parking, noise, or other issues. How will you decide if a rule is fair for everyone?
A: Again, the state dictates guidelines and restrictions related to these specific issues. Tenants are allowed small size pets and guaranteed parking spaces. When referring to noise levels and other issues, it becomes the executive director and board of directors decision on what is considered appropriate related to state guidelines.
Q: Listening to Residents: If residents are unhappy with how buildings are being managed, what is the best way they can talk to you?
A: The Sutton Housing Authority Board of Directors has a scheduled, formal meeting on the third Thursday of each month with Executive Director, John Slocum. The first item on the meeting agenda is an open forum to residents who have any questions or concerns. Mr. Slocum and the board bring forth every possible option to rectify any concern to create a safe, clean, healthy and updated living space and overall environment. Residents may also contact Mr. Slocum during office hours, should concerns need immediate response. With major issues taking place after office hours, the executive director and board members are promptly notified and when necessary, present to rectify the issue.
Q: The Big Picture: Would you rather spend money to build brand-new apartment buildings or use the same money to fix up old ones?
A: Updating apartments has worked very well in Sutton. We currently have 4 buildings with 40 apartments built in the late 1960’s. Although older, these buildings are extremely well maintained and have the best of care over the years. When a tenant leaves, all apartment space is repainted. Over the past few years, kitchens have been replaced with new cabinets, sinks and appliances. Bathrooms are currently receiving new walk-in showers and flooring during change of residents. A newly paved parking area with handicap apartment access has been added to our facility.  A new asphalt walk-way around the perimeter of the building, shuffleboard courts, picnic tables and updated/extended garden areas, and safety cameras have been added for residents’ convenience and enjoyability. Those entering Orchid Apartments can clearly see the facility is impeccably maintained.
Q: Leadership: One of the biggest jobs is hiring the person who runs the day-to-day work (the Executive Director). What kind of boss would you look for to lead our housing team?
A: Watching Mr. Slocum’s dedication/respect and involvement with the state officials, our accountant, staff, board of directors, continuous updating of the facility, and most importantly treating those who call Orchid Apartments home with the highest level of care and compassion is what I consider the important qualities a leader at this level should have. During my tenure of 10 years, I have seen those qualities in daily action.
Q: What specific message would you like to share with voters?
A: My father, Harry Bailey, often quoted John Quincy Adams: “Public service is an obligation to be met.” Having served on several town committees as did my father, grandfather and family members of past generations, I, too, believe in giving back to the community. Currently, serving on Sutton Housing Authority’s Board of Directors has given me insight on facility operations, resident needs, and the opportunity to make lasting relationships with residents from sharing time at holiday and social gatherings. It’s been an education, an honor and a pleasure being part of a great team and extended family.
