There are two open seats for the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Jonathan J Briggs
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Why are you running for this office?
Having only one term in as a Parks & Recreation Commissioner, I know first hand there is still much work to be done to satisfy the growing needs of our community. I look forward to implementing our new Master Plan and helping bring all that it has to offer to fruition. We're very lucky to live in a town that has such an abundance of parks and usable open space area. I want to continue my work bringing the access of these areas to our entire population. This has been my passion for many years and I'm excited to continue these efforts. What are your qualifications relative to the position you are running for? I feel actions speak louder than words. Over the past several years, my experience as an appointed, and now elected official, has allowed me to accomplish several projects through partnering with many Town, Federal and private entities. To name a few of these accomplishments; The Dedham Water Trail - An idea that took nearly a decade to create and is now a National Recreation Trail as recognized by the Secretary of the Interior of the U.S. Mill Pond Park - A passive park in East Dedham that is accessible to all and includes Dedham's first public art project. Gardening Program at the Dolan Center - This was established to bring more age appropriate programming to Parks & Rec. What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? People of all ages need safe, accessible outdoor spaces to better maintain their physical and mental well being. As our population changes, so too do our recreational needs. I will continue to work to update our parks and open spaces with appropriate amenities to better accommodate these needs. As well, I will be working to bring new programming to neighborhood parks, such as outdoor exercise groups, our paddling program to Rivedale and East Dedham, and local family nature days to help get kids back to nature. Other issues to be addressed; restructuring of existing parks to accommodate growing youth sports needs, a more concise budgeting process and better overall communication. |
James Maher
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Why are you running for this office?
Since I've been a Commissioner, it’s exciting to see the many changes, but it comes with issues in budget and permitting. With the Parks & Rec Master Plan finally delivered to the community, my hope is to help implement those recommended improvements. But since Covid 19, I'm running to save our programs and parks access. This Spring and Summer, for the first time, children will not learn to swim at the JuJu Pool, 50 plus College or HS students will not be hired to work in our camps. As the realization of the financial impact on the Town, I pledge to work with Town Manager and Select Board to restore programs to those families impacted by the closing of our services this summer and fall. What are your qualifications relative to the position you are running for? As a Commissioner for the past 18 years, I applied for Federal and State grants and worked with other Boards to make improvements to our Parks, we have received HUD Funding from Congressmen Lynch for the Greg Riley Playground, sidewalks for Fairbanks Park from the Z.B.A. and improvements to Fairbanks Park and the Churchill Park ball field from the Planning Board. I been involved with the rebuilding 3 playgrounds around town. I have sat on the Open Space and Rec Committee, Parks & Rec Master Plan and Manor Fields Scoping Committee. I'm currently on the Dedham Square Study Committee and I believe that skills I've learned as Telecom Project Manager can easily be applied to the position. What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? We need to develop a Communication/Marketing Plan to inform our residents of the multiple programs and parks available to them. How often do you hear from the Town of Dedham? Maybe three times a year, Tax Bill, Excise Tax and Sewer Bill. We have so many new residents in Dedham who have no idea where to find information or who to contact for help with an issue. We have the same issue with our Recreation Department, we have parks, trails and programs that no one is aware of. We need to do a better job of letting our residents know what great opportunities are available to them. |
Alix OConnell
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Why are you running for this office?
I’m running for a seat on the P & R Commission because I have the integrity, collaboration skills, and ideas to raise expectations for Parks and Recreation in Dedham. You deserve respectful, ethical, friendly & responsive Commissioners. Our kids deserve fields that are safe and well-maintained. Our older residents deserve safe and accessible parking lots, trails, and gathering spaces. We all deserve better programming, parks designed for all ages, and improved trust and communication. What are your qualifications relative to the position you are running for? My leadership and government experience have equipped me to deliver on these promises. I’m a lawyer who’s spent my career in public service jobs with Suffolk County and the City of Boston. I’ve educated public officials on ethics and legal issues. I’ve facilitated reflection exercises to help groups learn from their mistakes. I understand that most of the job is listening, learning and communicating. I am able to listen to divergent opinions and treat people with respect. I have shown my love of Dedham through my participation on the Master Plan 2030 Committee and Dedham Civic Pride. I help run the Dedham Youth Lacrosse League and regularly volunteer at local fundraising events. What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? If elected I pledge to: ● improve the quality of our recreational opportunities in a cost-effective manner. ● protect our parks and open spaces and ensure that their use is sustainable, equitable and enjoyable. ● rebuild trust in P & R by representing Dedham with curiosity, respect for others, and humility. |
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