Mark Frier: ‘Freedom and a sense of belonging’
February 24, 2021 | By Mark FrierEditor’s note: Waterbury Select Board member Mark Frier is one of four candidates running for two one-year terms in the Town Meeting Day election on March 2.
Mark Frier. Courtesy photo.
I am hoping for your support in continuing to represent you, the voters, on the Select Board for another term. This past year has brought many challenges to our community and many difficult but necessary conversations.
COVID-19 presented many challenges and concerns for the safety and well-being of our community. It was clear from the very beginning that inaction would be the wrong way to approach this pandemic. Even though the voters approved a higher tax rate, in order to best protect our community, we lowered the tax rate and made dramatic cuts in spending.
My focus will continue to be on affordability, by looking at controlling spending, planning for controlled growth and responding to the needs of our community. In order to help offset increases in our budget we must try to find ways to grow our grand list. This growth hopefully will focus on density and addressing our need for more housing. Our vacancy rates for owner-occupied single-family homes and apartments are pushing prices higher. More units can help address this supply-and-demand issue. Planning this growth for limited impact to our municipal budget is an important part of this growth plan.
This year has also brought some important engagement with the select board surrounding discussions on racism/bias. It also showed how, as leaders in this community, words matter. I hope to continue to learn and take input on how we, as a town, can create a community where every person can fully experience freedom and a sense of belonging.
Thank you for letting me represent you for the past 5 years and I hope to continue to represent you. I have and will always try to make decisions on the board that reflect the feedback, concerns and needs of our amazing community.
Mark Frier
Waterbury Center
