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What experiences and perspectives would you contribute to the Select Board? Fifteen years on Town Meeting representing Precinct 4, six years on the Finance Committee (Chair FY24), three years on the Select Board including two years as Chair, member of the Audit Advisory Committee and Retiree Health Insurance Advisory Committee. I have first-hand knowledge of how the town operates and have built effective working relationships with staff and volunteers across a range of departments, committees and boards. In addition to my volunteer roles with the Town, I also served on the Wright Locke Farm Conservancy Board of Directors for five years, so I have experience working with a large non-profit in town.
What are two or three issues facing Winchester that you think are most important and what are your positions on them? Generating additional revenue beyond the residential property tax levy through smart growth including encouraging additional commercial business to locate and operate in Winchester and working with town staff to find areas where town assets can be better monetized or where town fees are below market rates. 2) Maintaining a community where people of all ages and incomes can live and thrive, through Select Board support for housing development that serves residents with various family configurations and provides options for our senior neighbors who wish to stay in Winchester and age in place. 3) Continuing to work across boards and committees to increase communication and deliver good customer service to our residents.
How would you decide which town services to cut or reduce if voters reject a tax override this spring? The Town Manager, School Superintendent, and Town Meeting will likely be the final decision makers on which services to cut or reduce. As a Select Board member, I would advise the Town Manager to review unfilled positions and determine if those positions should remain in the budget or be removed, offer incentives for staff who may be retirement age eligible, and/or explore modest reductions in staffing or operating hours for town departments that can function with a smaller workforce.
What would you do to bring in more revenue without raising residential property taxes? As the Vice Chair of the State of the Town Committee, I asked to lead the non-property tax revenue workstream. I personally researched and compared hundreds of fees charged by various town departments and identified 60-100 fees that can potentially be adjusted to align with those of our peers. I led the effort to expand access to our Transfer Station to outside haulers at a higher rate than that which we charge our local commercial haulers. I would also continue to pursue lease opportunities for town assets e.g., lease roof space on buildings to solar providers and collect annual fees.
Why should voters elect you to the Select Board? I have 3 years of experience on the Board, and as Select Board Chair for the past two years, I've worked with Town department heads, the Superintendent and School Committee, the Finance Committee, Capital Planning Committee, Planning Board and dozens of other volunteer committees, appointed boards and stakeholders. I am seeking a second term to: build on the work begun in my first term to build a long-term financial plan for the town; support the new Town Manager; continue to communicate the good work of our staff to residents, Town Meeting Members and the public; and help facilitate renewable energy and other cost savings initiatives across town.
How would you like voters to contact you? Contact: michelle.prior@verizon.net · electmichelleprior.com
