Letter: David Brown Supports Faris

To the Editor:

If you own a single family house in Westborough, I am sure that you have noticed the massive increases in your property taxes over the last four years. If you happen to live in my neighborhood (typical four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths) your taxes have gone up by at least 33% over the last four years. I am certain it is the same in similar neighborhoods.

Meanwhile, based upon the future construction and renovation projects described by the town manager in his Master Plan (Fire House, Town Hall, Forbes Building, Middle School, et al), our taxes are bound to increase at an even higher trajectory. Ugh!

Exploding property taxes threaten our schools and our property values. “Why not buy in Shrewsbury or Grafton, same house, same price, with 40% lower taxes?” Westborough property taxes shock and then frighten buyers and realtors away. In fact, if you must live in Westborough, why not rent an apartment, low rent, no taxes, and a school bus in the morning.

On March 5, we have an important election for two selectman seats. The three candidates include the two incumbents and a newcomer, Steve Faris, who wants to freeze property taxes. We have a clear choice here.

The two incumbents have a lot in common. Both were born and raised in Westborough. Having met them both and by all accounts, I believe that they are hardworking, bright, pleasant and very capable people. One is a state employee. The other was a state employee for many years and now works as a nurse for a school system. One lives in a condo near the rotary, the other lives on a farm where her family has lived for generations. They appear to get along very well, and even hold each others' campaign signs along with other local pols at the rotary. We all get it. Go along, get along.

Both claim to love Westborough and enjoy being selectmen. No doubt. But what they also enjoy, like many in government, is spending other people’s money, namely your money. Both sat idly by as your taxes exploded. They are out of touch. It is time for them to go. Unfortunately, we can only remove one of them at this time. Meanwhile, we need a new set of eyes, ears and fresh ideas in the selectmen’s office.

That is why now is the time to elect Steve Faris as selectman. Steve is a 40-year professional electrical engineer and a project manager in the high-tech industry. He has been trained to define problems, drill down to the facts, and get results, on time and on budget. He promises to focus like a laser beam on spending and taxes. His goal is a “0 %” increase (a freeze) in property taxes for FY 15 and 16 for starters. I promise you that this town has never had a selectman like Steve. He is all about your taxes and your money. He is reasonable, personable but tough - the right man for the job.

Look, if Tom Brady and even the Feds were willing to take a little haircut, then maybe Westborough can take one also.

Let’s find out. It’s time. Please vote for and elect Steve Faris for selectman.

David Brown

Westborough