To the editor:

A number of people have asked us to expand our position on other town issues beyond the rights of farmers, for which the Mahoney & Mundel team are well known. One issue that is important to both of us is transparency in town government and an unbiased approach to solving issues. That's why we sponsored the Right to Farm special town meeting and let the people decide our future on that issue. We plan to tackle other issues with a similar transparency and open minded spirit.

Unfortunately we are aware of a recent town issue that has remained out of the public view, and we're not sure why. We think it’s wrong when people exert undue and unprofessional influence on the direction of our town through involvement on town boards and Town government. We also think it’s wrong when boards hold meetings during daytime hours, and accomplish things in executive session when they are hidden from public view.

As part of our campaign approach we were asked by many to accept monetary donations. We chose not to do this. It meant that we had a tighter budget and some monetary restrictions, but it also means that we are not beholden to any groups and that our only sense of obligation is to the voters that elected us. We believe that town boards can function and serve best when they operate with transparency and without a sense of obligation to those that “put them in office”.

Some of you might be wondering why we deserve your vote. We would like to tell you more about ourselves and the skills that we bring to the table. For starters, we both come from strong financial backgrounds. Sherri has owned an accounting practice for over 30 years and specializes in small business accounting. She spent over ten years teaching business development to small business owners . She has strong knowledge and experience with cash flow projections, budgets, balance sheets and income statements. Sam is a finance professional in the banking industry with extensive experience in financial planning, budgets and arranging large financing transactions. He’s also a member of the Seaport Economic Council, a grant making body chaired by the lieutenant governor to serve Massachusetts coastal communities like Westport, and he was instrumental in securing a grant for the repair of the town landing at the Head of Westport. Covid has financial implications for our town and many businesses that operate in Westport . We think that our strong financial backgrounds will be a strong asset to the town as we all work through the economic recovery process. We also both have farms and strong family ties in Westport and have been here for many years. Westport is our community!

When we led the right to farm bylaw change we realized that there had been a shift in recent years where certain groups of people have moved to town and promoted people into positions of power. We spoke with many residents frustrated with boards that were intent on regulating the hard-working residents of Westport, regulating things like farm animals, dumpsters, porta-potties, and storage containers. We believe that folks in our town are already over regulated. Many of these regulations don’t serve the people in our town and only satisfy a small group of people.

We believe that selectboard members need to have strong financial backgrounds, and we bring that skill set to the table. Budgets that are practical with an eye towards balance and affordability for every taxpayer would be a great start. In recent years we have added a new fire station, police station, and we are currently constructing a new school. What will the tax implications of these improvements be for the taxpayers in our community? Our town needs a managed growth plan that allows for expansion while keeping the affordability of our tax base in mind. In future years we may be called upon to deal with issues like denitrification, marijuana sales, and town water. These are sensitive and difficult issues that have the potential to significantly impact every resident in our town, and we think that well-rounded experienced professionals with financial backgrounds working for the people of Westport will be an asset as we navigate these challenges.

So, yes Westport, we do think it’s time to give the town of Westport back to the people. On June 23 we have a very important election. The candidates you elect can help restore some much needed balance back onto our town boards. Give us your vote on June 23, and we will give you your town! 

Sam Mundel

Sherri Mahoney

Westport