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I recently spoke with Reading Select Board candidate Chris Cook to understand his reasons for running, his background and his perspective if elected to the board. Chris was thoughtful and kind in entertaining my questions.
Chris comes to Reading with a background in banking, finance, and risk identification, presently with Massachusetts Division of Banks. Chris’ decision to run in Reading began with his understanding the town’s operating budget and financial condition and recognizing that he could help.
In our discussion, he pointed to the current Select Board’s regular use of cash reserves as unwise. He highlighted Reading’s current spending growth plans vs. revenue growth as unsustainable. Chris was at ease discussing the town’s current financial state and compared it to Melrose and Stoneham, two towns with recent override ballot questions.
Reading citizens will be asked in May to approve major funding projects to replace Killiam school and build a new senior center. Beyond that loom added funding requests (Eastern Gateway and lower Haven Street). And likely within 3 years, another tax override for voters to decide. Each of these funding requests will come before the Select Board, Town Meeting and the voters.
Never in Reading’s history have multiple spending and budget decisions of this magnitude occurred at nearly the same time. The potential impact of these decisions to seniors and young families is substantial.
Chris Cook has the financial acumen to help our Select Board. If elected, he will be a tremendous asset to the town as we navigate our way through these spending decisions
Please join me in voting for Chris Cook for Select Board!
John Arena
Francis Drive
Current Town Meeting Member
Current member of Community Planning and Development Commission
Past member of the Finance Committee
Past member of the Board of Selectmen
