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: What is your vision for Sutton?
A: I would like to see more affordable housing. Many of the houses in Sutton are large and expensive. I have heard from elderly residents who want to downsize their large homes but still stay in town. Unfortunately, there are few lower priced housing available for them to move into. Affordable housing would also give younger couples or individuals the opportunity to live in our wonderful community.
Q: How will you balance new buildings with protecting nature?
A: If the proposed site is zoned to allow a new building, the developer has a right to build. The developer needs to come before the Planning Board for project approval. The town has many guidelines in our bylaws that restricts what a developer can build, including not disturbing wetland and the % of land that cannot be built on. We hire engineers to review the plans with items like how any water runoff on site must be contained onsite, not affecting the neighbor’s properties. When a new development requires the removal of trees, we often require them to plant the same number of trees either on site or on town owned lands. If a stone wall must be altered, we require the stone to be kept on site somewhere else on the property.
Q: How do you plan to create affordable housing and keep the small-town atmosphere of Sutton?
A: In 2025, I was part of a working group formed to update the Town’s Housing Production Plan FY2025-2030. Much effort was put into creating a variety of housing options for developing affordable housing while keeping Sutton’s small-town charm. Ideas like cottage communities, 40R/40S Multifamily & Mixed-Use Zoning (higher density housing mixed with commercial uses on the first floor), 40R apartments, and inclusionary zoning, in which a higher-than-normal percent must be affordable. These housing ideas allow us to determine where in town they can fit while minimizing the disturbance to the Sutton culture.
Q: How will you make sure everyone’s voice is heard?
A: Every resident can attend, either in person at town hall or remotely on zoom, all the Planning Board’s bi-monthly meetings. During the “public meetings” phase of each meeting, we give everyone an opportunity to speak either for or against a proposed project. Anyone can also walk in, call or email our planning director throughout the week and share their opinions if they are not comfortable speaking at the public meeting.
Q: How will you decide if a project is “good’ for the town?
A: I will listen to the proposal from the applicant, review the plans, listen to the citizens’ feedback, especially the neighbors closest to the proposed project, and try to make the best decision for the town as a whole. One project came before us that could negatively impact my neighborhood with increased traffic, but I voted in support because it was good for the town, bringing in taxes, new jobs, and potential spinoff for nearby businesses, like gas stations and food places.
Q: Why do you want this position?
A: I want this position on the planning board because I like getting involved and find it interesting to see what is possibly coming into the town. I believe my background as an auditor allows me to review plans and documents, ask relevant questions, and bring others into the discussion.
Q: What is your message to voters?
A: I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve on the planning board for the last 8 years. It has been an honor, and a privilege to serve with such great fellow board members. We come prepared, we ask the tough questions, we allow everyone an opportunity to voice their opinions, and we are willing to sometimes make unpopular decisions if it is in the best interest of the town. I respectfully ask for your vote on May 26th to keep me on the Sutton Planning Board.
