JASON BEAN
Municipal Light Board Ward 6 Candidate
Name: Jason Bean
Address: 16 Linda Drive
Occupation: Transportation Planner
What experience do you bring to this position?
I would bring 16 years of professional experience in land-use planning, permitting, and project management to the Municipal Light Board (MLB). I have also served for 7 years on the Conservation Commission board and believe it has given me experience in a public meeting setting as well as fostering relationships with other City departments.
Why is having a municipal utility an asset to the city?
Having a municipal utility is an asset for many reasons. First, it affords the rate payer a voice to advocate for the services they want and need and having issues addressed in a timely fashion. Local control means matching local resources to local needs. Second, a municipal utility is operated in the public interest, for the benefit of the residents of the city and not for profit. They are not operated for the benefit of stockholders who have little interest in the community. For example, if our utility was Eversource, the rate payer would have no control over the direction the utility is being managed and operated. Third, local ownership means that customers’ utility dollars stay in the community, creating jobs and supporting the local economy. Lastly, having a municipal utility affords us a fast response to emergencies, such as storms, leaks, and power outages.
Why should residents vote for you?
Ward 6 has been left behind! It is plagued with outdated electrical equipment and a patch work of services. The current Ward 6 MLB member has been there for the last 15 years. He has been absent and/or “joined the meeting in progress” 1/3 of the time during the last 2 terms of scheduled meetings. Recently, he voted NO on video taping meetings, denying the rate payer full transparency. If I am elected to the board my vote will be YES. It is the first step in making the rate payer the focus.
