Letter to the Editor: Barry Greenfield

 Based on my first month as a selectman, here’s what I’ve learned:

Government in Swampscott is actually a series of committees made up of dedicated people who believe what they are trying to accomplish is in the best interest of our town. They often put in massive hours volunteering to make this a better community.

That being said, when some of these dedicated people don’t get their way, alternate routes are found to “do what’s best for the town.”

At Tuesday’s Board of Selectman meeting, the Police Station Building Committee (PSBC) presented its plan for the new police station. In a continued effort to question the size and cost of the new building I pointed out that by borrowing $6 million to fund the construction and “soft costs” (furnishing the interior of the building, etc.), taxpayers will pay approximately $4 million in additional interest, bringing the total cost to more than $10 million.

Reaction to this was muted at best, with one selectman pointing out that homeowners have to pay interest on their mortgages but don’t factor that into the cost at purchase time. And therein lies the rub.

While consumers may overlook the additional interest cost from borrowing instead of paying cash, government officials should be held to a higher standard. It is our job to make sure transparency pertaining to the full cost of any project is readily apparent to the taxpayer.

Parallel to the cost argument, I believe the building incorporates elements that simply are not necessary. A full-fledged gym? Great idea, but why are taxpayers being asked to fund that? How many citizens in this town have free access to a gym? 

If six jail cells are what the Chief wants, he would know better than I would, but then maybe the “community” meeting room shouldn’t be part of the plan – there are other places in town for groups of people to meet. Additionally,  we should also take into consideration the building was designed before we committed to shared dispatch with Lynn.

As the conversation continued, Joe Markarian, Town Moderator and former chair of the PSBC, offered that, “It’s a little late in the game to be asking for changes to the plan. People have had more than 2 years to come to meetings and no one (I believe he is referencing yours truly) made the time. You have to trust that the people on the committee are smart and know what they are doing.” 

Based on the people I know on the PSBC, I would agree – they are intelligent and I trust them. That being said, committees are typically made up of people who are all in favor of the mission of that committee. Why else would you become part of one? This is why we have checks and balances, people who question the committee on issues that may not come up because everyone is trying to advance the project. 

The reality is that Joe was incorrect. Just eight months ago the town voted down the override to fund the station, ending the process in many people’s minds. It was only in February, 2011, that the new process began when selectmen voted in favor of a new funding plan. The public has really had just three months to look into a building plan that is now going out to bid in June or July. 

So, for all of you rolling your eyes and asking what’s my point, it is quite simply this: If the town voted to provide $6.5 million for a police station, then that should be our budget – including interest.

If that means we need to cut the size of the station in order to make budget, so be it – even if the architect has to make significant changes to the plan. If we want to borrow less to fund a larger building, then we should wait until a town-owned building is sold. 

I would ask the four other selectman to join me in voting for a redesign at our next meeting.

Barry Greenfield