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When asked by a friend if I would run for a seat on the Board of Selectman, I immediately responded yes. My primary reason for seeking one of two open seats is the demonstrated need for change on Wayland’s chief executive board and the knowledge that my extensive experience in town government will enhance the democratic process. I am confident that my unfailing commitment and my diligent, straight-forward approach to getting the job done well will be assets on the Board of Selectmen. Business must be conducted objectively, with the best interests of all residents as the basis for decision making.

The current board is fractured and has lost its focus. The dynamics of the board must be changed by adding a member with new ideas, new focus, and a new perspective. I believe I am that person.

My work, serving you, as a Road Commissioner for the past nine years has resulted in a record of positive achievement that has improved and enhanced our town. I have been able to consistently achieve results by working cooperatively with board members, department heads, consultants, and the public.

I was elected by fellow Board of Road Commission members to serve as chairman three times. Under my leadership, the board resolved a difficult personnel issue that resulted in a dramatic and positive transformation to the operations of the Highway Department. Today, due to the efforts of the board and Director of Highway Operations, the department is now regarded as a model of budgetary efficiency that continues to provide excellent service to our residents and is extremely helpful to other town boards and departments.

With funding approved by Town Meeting, the Board of Road Commissioners researched potential locations for and solicited bids to build a new storage facility for road salt. The project was completed on time, under budget and with the least possible impact on the surrounding neighborhood. Immediate cost savings have been realized because of our ability to receive and store larger quantities of salt, thus lowering delivery fees.

During recent Town Center Project discussions on roadway reconfigurations in Wayland’s Historic District, it was my suggestion to narrow the width of lanes in order to minimize the impact on existing green space, trees and historic artifacts yet still keep the traffic moving efficiently through the area. That is the position that our traffic consultant and other Town boards have now adopted.

I spear-headed the Rice Road/Oak Street/Route 30 intersection re-construction project that turned one of the most dangerous intersections in town into one of the safest. The aesthetics of the design included traffic calming islands and ornamental signal poles creating the standard for future such projects in town.

After the town suffered a tragic loss at the intersection in front of Wayland High School, it was clear that safety improvements in that area were necessary. As the point person for the Board of Road Commissioners, I worked with the Police Chief to convince the Selectmen that signalization at the entrance to Wayland High School was a priority and should not be put off. These improvements are now slated to be constructed in the near future.

Wayland is facing its fifth Proposition 2 ½ override in the last seven years. Selectmen must aggressively identify and pursue permanent financial economies immediately. We must break this on-going cycle of tax increases. As the cost of living skyrockets, many younger homeowners are financially burdened by large mortgage payments and older homeowners on fixed incomes are finding it difficult to remain in Wayland. As Selectmen we have an obligation to our fellow residents to ensure that we have done everything possible to either eliminate or substantially reduce overrides. I do not believe that has been done yet and, therefore, I cannot support the override as currently proposed. I believe the first consideration for cuts must be to non-essential programs and personnel. Assuring public safety – police, ambulance and fire personnel – must be a top priority.

Many other issues are affecting our quality of life today in Wayland but one, in particular, is threatening the traditional character of our town. Chapter 40B development applications have flooded the Zoning Board of Appeals. Cochituate Village has been impacted heavily by very dense projects that increase traffic, pollution and strain our town services. We must urge our elected State representatives to work aggressively with other communities to amend Chapter 40B to increase local control over these projects.

I have lived in Wayland since 1986 with my wife Diane and my daughter Emma, a Wayland High School graduate and a sophomore at college. I plan to remain in this wonderful community for many more years. I am a graduate of Boston Latin School and Bowdoin College and currently run a small family business in Boston. I have served on several town committees including the Middle School Building Committee, the High School Feasibility Study Committee, and the Route 30 Traffic Study Committee. As a resident for the past 22 years, I have learned how to get things done in and for Wayland. I would be honored to continue serving the town as your selectman.

In your consideration of my or anyone else’s candidacy, please do not judge us by our positions on any one issue. Please carefully review the entire record and only then make your decision. As Selectman I will not alter my approach to dealing with the many issues and challenges the board will encounter, both new and ongoing. Public input, fact-finding, cooperation, collaboration, those are the keys to a successful government.

Take advantage of this opportunity to elect an independent, hard-working and dedicated individual who will bring diversity and new energy to the board. I would appreciate your vote on Tuesday, April 8th. Thank you.

Town Service:

• Dow Negotiation Oversight Committee
• Open Space Committee
• Route 30 Traffic Study Committee
• Middle School Building Committee
• High School Feasibility Study Committee
• Board of Road Commissioners

Professional Career:

• Run a small family business in Boston

Educational Background:

• Bowdoin College

Email/Contact information: markasantagelo@comcast.net