Michael Kane

Ballot Position #26

ELCAT Intro Video

1.  What is the role of a council member?

 Council members must be available to attend meetings, deliberate, take action, and vote. They should also have experience with interviewing, hiring, conducting background checks, evaluating employees and managers, negotiating contracts, analyzing budgets and creating policies. 

2.  Are you in favor of a split or single tax rate? Why?

On June 23^rd, the Board of Assessors will be conducting a presentation regarding this topic. After reviewing all the options and facts, I feel that I will be better prepared to form an educated decision regarding this matter. There are pros and cons to both forms of taxes.  This meeting will provide council members and the residents an opportunity to listen to all the facts. Our Board of Assessors have experience operating under both tax options. Their findings will help us to find the option that best suits our community.   I have also attached an FY 2016 Tax Rate Option Chart outlining the impact of split tax rates on four classes of properties. 

3.  What are the most pressing priorities for the first town council?

 Priorities for our first town council meeting will include the selection and hiring of our town manager, review of our town budget and employee contracts, as well as town bylaws. Review of all appointed boards and commissions will be necessary to ensure that they are functioning efficiently, coordinating efforts and achieving fiscal responsibility. 

4.  What are your top three criteria to look for in a town manager search?

A town manager’s qualifications must include the education and knowledge needed to run an administration.  Experience as a town manager, or equivalent job experience in the private or public sector is a requirement.  References and a proven track record are essential. 

5.  What do you expect the weekly time commitment is going to be for a council member?

I would expect to meet 3 to 4 times a week and be available for conversations with other council members up to 7 days a week.  I am willing to spend as much time as needed to accomplish specific goals, such as the selection of a town manager. The implementation of our new charter will require a significant amount of time and I look forward to the challenge.  

6.  People often make the suggestion that the town should be run more like a business.  What are some significant distinctions between a business and a municipality?

Municipalities are in place to serve a community’s purpose, unlike a business or corporation. Businesses’ are made up of a group of individuals under the authority of law.  A city’s municipality has the right of administering local government.  Both businesses’ and municipalities’ need to maintain fiscal responsibility to survive. 

7.  What is your vision for the town of East Longmeadow in 10 years?

 My vision for East Longmeadow in the years to come includes, a balanced budget, improved communication between our departments, affordable living for our seniors, 10 plus rating on the education provided from our schools, a better use of the property where A.W. Brown once existed and the Package Machinery property located on Chestnut Street.  

8.  The FY 17 capital needs of the Town total over $30,000,000 with just over $1,000,000 in funding from the available budget.  This is not inclusive of a new high school.  How do you plan, as a councilor, to prioritize maintaining the Town’s infrastructure over the next 20 years?

 This process will start with the election of qualified council members who will be responsible for recruiting and hiring a qualified town manager.  All department budgets need to be monitored, line by line, to ensure a balanced budget. The town must live within its means. The right town manager will find funding through grants and other resources to provide the necessities to maintain our infrastructure annually.  By doing so, this will enable us to avoid costly, unexpected repairs which could lead to override situations.  The council members will need to review the capital improvement program and the annual town budget submitted by our town manager.  Council members need to continuously work with all departments and the town manager to ensure our town is in compliance regarding financial management.  The operation of our town is a moving target. An experienced, dedicated board will ensure success by delegating the principles of the Home Rule Charter and monitoring the town manager’s job performance.

9.  What are the pros and cons of being on a town council with members, who have no prior government experience, yet have to implement a new form of government?

 The implementation of the new charter board should consist of qualified and experienced individuals.  For those candidates who have no prior experience, I would suggest they gain experience by serving their town on other committees that will help prepare them for a council seat in the future.  With a brand new form of government, and limited time, we need the most qualified council members available. Being a council member is NOT an entry- level position.

   

10.  As a member of the legislative body of the town, how will you ensure that your voice represents the will of the voters?

As a council member, it is very clear, that my job description includes listening to the comments, concerns, and suggestions of the residents. Our newly form of government aligns itself with Democracy.  Together, we will decide the best direction for the residents and our town.