Name: Richard J. Arruda

Address: 20 Wapping Road, Kingston

Telephone: 617-688-0354

Occupation: Retired police officer Town of Kingston

Age: 63

Family: Separated from wife Lynn and Daughters Nicole and Courtney

Grand Daughter: Sadie MaePlace of birth: Jordan Hospital, Plymouth

Education:
Graduated from Silver Lake Regional
Associates degree in Criminal Justice from Massasoit Community College

Previous public service: Six years on the Board of Health - 5 as chairman

Memberships/community service: Member Govoni Post American Legion, VFW Post 1822 Plymouth, Marine Corps Association, Mass Police Association. Past chairman of the Kingston Old Home Day Committee.Military service: USMC - Vietnam veteran; Mass Army National Guard 30 years - retired

Reasons for running:  I have been serving my country and community my entire adult life. Now that I am retired I feel that I have the time to dedicate to serving on the Board of Selectmen. I am personally frustrated with our Federal and State government. I can’t do anything at the Federal level, little at the State level, but feel that I can have a positive impact at the local level.

 

Name:  Elaine Fiore                                      

Office sought: Selectmen

Address:  60 Cole Street

Telephone: 781-585-7765

Occupation:   Systems Analyst/Project Lead

Age:  53

Family:  Ann Fiore, Beth Harris and Ginger (family dog)

Education: High School diploma supplemented by various college courses and certification programs. Completed the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator course at Mass Maritime Academy.

Previous Public Service:
Currently I am on the Finance Committee and the Technology Advisory Committee and will resign from both if elected.

Memberships/Community Service/Activities:
Friends of the Kingston Council on Aging
President of the Rocky Nook Brewster Park Association

Have you ever run for political office before? If yes, explain
Yes, I am in my 5^th year as Sewer Commissioner 

What are the four top issues facing the board you seek?

1. Citizens/Taxpayers of Kingston
2. Expenses
3. Revenue
4. Goals and Objectives 

How will you address these issues if you are elected? (250 word maximum)

Goals and Objectives from a financial and organizational perspective. Where should the town be in a year from now, two years from now and how do we get there.

The Citizens/Taxpayers of Kingston must be the top priority. We need to make Kingston an affordable place to live today. My experience on the Finance Committee along with my attention to detail gives me an insight on how your money is being spent and what improvements we can make. One requirement is a financial plan that allows us to work within our means and over time, reduce our dependency on State Aid.

To reduce expenses, look at centralizing portions of department budgets such as supplies, office equipment and computer replacements. Think long term when replacing office equipment, standardize as much as possible. Is an upgrade better then new? Look for automation to streamline processes to gain efficiencies to be able to do more with less.

Gain additional revenue by looking for lost money. Enforce Town By-Laws that state any monies owed the Town must be paid prior to issuing any permits or licenses. Collect monies due by establishing checks and balances between computer systems to ensure items aren’t falling through the cracks. Assist the Assessors office on properties that currently have the owners listed as “Unknown” resulting in a loss of revenue. Reexamine the policies and procedures for properties in Tax Title and the best approach to collect the monies due.

 

Name: Mark Beaton

Office sought : Incumbent Selectmen

Address : 208 Parting Ways Road, Kingston

Telephone :781-585-6112

Occupation : Restaurant Catering Manager

Age : 53

Family : With my wife Diane, I have three children, Samantha, Danielle, and Christopher

Place of Birth : Brockton, MA

Education: Assoc. of Science, Massasoit Comm. College, BA Political Science, Southeastern MA Univ.

Previous Experience: Board of Selectmen, 2000- present, Zoning By-Law Study Committee, Town Government Study Committee, Master Plan Implementation Committee, Green Energy Committee.

Memberships/ Community Service/Activities: Massachusetts Restaurant Association, South Shore Chamber of Commerce

Have you ever run for political office before?

Yes, I was on the Board of Selectmen three times. I think it is incumbent for people to serve the public in some capacity. The BOS position has afforded me such an opportunity. I enjoy it and work hard at it. If you work hard at something you enjoy, chances are you are good at it. Frankly, I think I am very good at it.

What are the four top issues facing the board you seek?

The top issues facing the town of Kingston are similar to the ones facing all communities and to a certain extent, the state and national government.

We have to embrace change. We need to establish a form of government that will be cost effective, provide acceptable public service, and not put a financial burden on tax payers. Of paramount importance are Green Energy initiatives that will provide an Ecology Safe Environment for future generations. Finally, the TOK has to seek other revenue streams to help balance its budget.

How will you address these issues if you are selected?

My position on dealing with these issues is that we have to take a thorough look at our form of government. When elected, I will propose a committee to assess all departments’ commissions and elected officials. This Charter Committee as often called, will be responsible for making recommendations to the voters of Kingston at town meeting and at the Ballot. Consolidation of service into a single Department of Public Works; Consolidation of the Treasury Collector’s position, and Town Manager vs. Town Administrator are some areas that may require scrutiny.

It is also my belief that TOK should continue with Green Energy Initiatives proposed by the GEC and endorsed by the BOS. As I have traveled throughout the commonwealth attending various conferences, the TOK has been considered ahead of the curve regarding safe renewable energy and conservation efforts.

Kingston’s location and its beautiful natural resources puts Kingston in a position to take advantage of recreational opportunities that can translate into financial gains for the town. I recently attended a convention sponsored by the Massachusetts Municipal Association: Promoting Recreational Amenities to Grow Your Economy. There are many agencies in Massachusetts that can assist in TOK and identify such opportunities.

On a final note, Democracy only works through participation. I ask you to do a little work on my behalf, Vote!

 

Name: Jean Landis-Naumann

Office sought : Incumbent Selectmen

Address : 84 Wolf Pond Road, Kingston

Telephone : 781-585-1664 (home), 339-832-0782 (cell)

Occupation : Manager, Social Security Administration

Age : 59

Family : Arthur (husband), Derick (son)

Place of birth : Lancaster, PA

Education

B.S. in Business Admin., Delaware State Univ.

B.A, in Sociology, Delaware State University

Music Education, Lebanon Valley College :

Previous Public Service

Selectman, Kingston 2006-present

Finance Committee, Kingston 1997-2006 :

Memberships/Community Service/Activities:

Kingston Agricultural Commission, current member

Kingston Recycling Committee, current member

Kingston Earth Removal Bylaw Review Committee, current member

Chair, Kingston Reads Together 2003 to 2005

South Shore Community Action Council Board of Directors 1997-2003 (Chair 2001-2003)

President, Greater Plymouth Area Council of Human Service Providers 2001-2003

Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra Board of Directors 1992-2001 (President 2000-2001)

Jones River Village Historical Society Board of Directors 1990-1994 (President 1992-1994); current member

Have you ever run for political office before?

Yes – I ran for Selectman in 2005 and 2006

What are the four top issues facing the board you seek?

The most obvious issue facing the Board of Selectmen is how to increase revenues and decrease expenses to maintain our current Town level of services without increasing taxes.

Another issue is how to improve the quality of education provided to our children so that they are able to productively contribute to society and lead a fulfilling life.

A third issue is how to harness natural resources in a non-invasive manner to improve the overall quality of life for humans and the planet.

A fourth issue is having the experienced and forward thinking leadership necessary to guide the Town in managing the three issues cited above as well as future issues.

How will you address these issues if you are elected?

My experiences in life have provided me with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead Kingston through these difficult financial times. I have been asked to serve in many leadership roles because of my ability to focus on important issues and then research and analyze the facts to resolve problems and implement improvements.

I will continue to: support the 40R zoning bylaw that was adopted by the voters of Kingston because of the financial benefits to the Town and the requirements that 20 percent of the housing units be affordable. All building under this zoning must adhere to local community standards and utilize environmentally friendly building practices. Our current and future residents and their families deserve access to affordable housing.

• Support innovative efforts to harness wind power as well as methane and other captured energies from trash. I am working through the Recycling Committee to increase our level of recycling. This will increase revenues and decrease trash disposal costs while reducing our need for virgin materials, thereby using less energy and creating less air and water pollution.
• Recruit talented residents to serve on boards and committees so Kingston can benefit from their knowledge and skills. I will continue to bring innovative ideas to the appropriate groups for research and analysis, and possible implementation.
• Work with the school committees and administration to identify innovative programs and processes that will get us to a 100% graduation rate and encourage graduates to further their education.