LETTER: 'Absolutely Necessary' Foxborough Re-Elect Lynda Walsh and Jim DeVellis for Selectmen

I decided to recently watch the Foxborough Board of Selectmen meeting because I had little understanding of what a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) is and what it means to Foxborough.

I was listening to the presentation and started to get an understanding of what TIF actually is.

After looking up the definition of Tax Increment Financing, I still had some questions in my mind.

The discussion was then opened to the public and John Spinney, a resident and member of the Advisory Committee, provided some input. To summarize, he felt that the TIF was not a favorable option for the “Town of Foxborough.”

He offered much information, based on his expertise, and pretty much inferred that maybe the “TIF Team” and the Board of Selectmen had not properly analyzed the proposal and that there were many pratfalls based on his professional experience. This gave me reason to doubt what was presented previously.

After BOS chairman Jim DeVellis presented some questions he had regarding previous statements, Mr. Spinney once again voiced his position regarding the TIF and what protections the town would have were Invensys to realize profits sooner or have a workforce reduction. These questions were more than adequately answered by Town Counsel, Dick Gellerman.

This particular issue was dealt with in a manner in keeping with our town meeting form of government. An issue was presented, a TIF committee to negotiate with the applicant was created by the Selectmen and the results were reported. The selectmen presented the proposal to the town and invited comments. They then voted to present the proposal to town meeting for a vote.

It seems that the Advisory Committee, a group appointed by one individual, lacks a diversity of different ideas from a wider range of vantage points.

In my opinion, it is absolutely necessary that the town re-elect Lynda Walsh and Jim DeVellis so that the board can keep up the work that has been accomplished during the past three years.

Sincerely,

Michael F. Stewart
Foxborough