Board of Selectmen Candidate Statement: Douglas Gillespie

Douglas P. Gillespie of Weston has announced that he will seek a sixth term as a member of the Board of Selectmen in the May town election. Gillespie was first elected in 1998, after having chaired the Department of Public Works Advisory Committee. 

"I enjoy serving the citizens of Weston, and I believe that my service has contributed common sense and stability to town government," said Gillespie. "We are fortunate in town to have so many well-qualified volunteers who serve in various capacities. I have dedicated my service to increasing participation by all citizens, through an open and transparent town government.

"I am proud of the board’s stewardship of so many issues during the past term; while not everyone will agree with every action, I think the vast majority of Westonions believe that we have made wise decisions, and that we have a well-run town," Gillespie added.

He cited the Case Estates, townwide drainage improvements, the recently completed DPW facility, Regis College court case, Biogen-Idec office park, re-use plans for the Old Library and Josiah Smith Tavern, progress in housing stock diversity, and playing fields improvements as examples of town projects of importance in the past few years. Prudent town budgeting, consolidation of redundant services, establishment of reserves and refinancing of debt demonstrate that Weston is a well-run town as well.

"I am concerned that in the past two years the discourse on town issues has turned nasty and personal," says the nearly life-long Weston resident. "I know it’s a cliché, but we can disagree without being disagreeable. Lately the discussion of issues has been spiced by personal attacks and twisting of the facts. That’s not what Weston citizens deserve. I commit to honest debate, and forthrightness, without name-calling or suggestions of hidden motives."

Town Caucus, where candidates are nominated for various town elected offices, will be held March 11 at Weston Town Hall.  Town Election is scheduled for May 11. Gillespie invites citizen comments at any time via email to Gillespie.d@westonmass.org.