A note from Holly:
“My opponent doesn’t like the facts and information I am providing because the information clearly shows his weaknesses.
When you don’t like the facts, it doesn’t change the facts or the reality.
My opponent is taking credit for the 56 small businesses below that have opened in town over the past three years. My opponent has mostly only attended ribbon cuttings.
The fact is that cutting a ribbon doesn’t mean that you had anything to do with the actual business. I know he didn’t have influence in bringing these businesses here because I know first hand some of the owners and other agents that helped these folks.
The fact is that while these businesses coming to town is great, and we love and welcome them and encourage our residents to support them, the fact is that the revenue is nowhere near enough to offset the tax increase this year of 16%…which begs the question, “What has my opponent done to bring in substantial revenue?” The answer to that question is, “Nothing”.
The fact is that the opening of these 56 businesses was completely organic. Some are businesses that operate out of residential homes.
My opponent falsely claims that he has “worked tirelessly” to bring in Prysmian and South Coast Wind. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Members of SOBBP, the group that he founded, and his biggest supporters, all support the filing of *another* appeal against Prysmian, which will significantly delay the purchase of the land (that could have been completed years ago). It will delay it so much that it will delay the income of tax revenue, once again. My opponent has never denounced SOBBP or any of the appeals they filed — because he agrees with them. He is changing his tune now because he’s up for re-election. The town has the receipts.
While the Economic Development Committee is nice to have, they don’t have any jurisdiction in town and are just advisory — they come up with ideas and advice. The only person that could have any impact on these ideas and development (which she did while she was here, before Allen got rid of her) is the town planner. The town planner is solely responsible for creating business relationships and bringing in new revenue. That is a fact.
The fact is that my opponent founded SOBBP which has and is still fighting what will be our biggest taxpayer. The fact is that they have delayed and delayed the development of land for what would become our biggest taxpayer, and has delayed it for years.
What has my opponent done to ensure that Prysmian stays in Somerset? We all know that his efforts almost caused them to leave Somerset.
The fact is, because of my opponent and the group he founded, SOBBP, the town is behind three whole years.
The fact is that over the three years my opponent has been in office, the community has seen a DECLINE in new growth by 70%. This is enormous and unacceptable. The past three years have lowered the bar.
When I was in office (even during COVID), our baseline and minimum goal of new growth (which we achieved) was approximately $1,000,000/year. Over my opponents term, due to his policies and actions, we do not have a person who’s expertise and full time role is to focus on bringing in new businesses. Because of this, the past three years have seen a 70% REDUCTION in new growth and tax revenue.
The fact is that my opponent spoke against the town planner role at the last town meeting. He was fighting against the sole person that would (and did) have a full-time role to deliberately bring in new tax revenue and to ensure the businesses stay in Somerset. My opponent attempted to eliminate that position altogether. Thankfully the voters made the right decision.
More to come. Thank you for reading. Let’s get Somerset Back On Track!”