Paul H. Cosentino, Candidate for Selectman

My motto has always been “put in on paper,” so here it is.

I have lived in Templeton my whole life. I own two businesses with my sons, Cosentino Salvage & Recycling, Inc. and C.O. & S. Garage, Inc. No one can deny that I am a hard worker and I will work hard for the taxpayers of Templeton.

I have served on the Conservation Commission for 14 years, where my goal has been to help the taxpayers and treat them with respect. I have attended many Town meetings along with Selectmen meetings, Advisory Board meetings, and others over the years. My education comes from working hard, researching laws and bylaws, gathering information, and public record requests.

I believe that the people of Templeton should have a strong voice in our government. It is very important that every citizen/taxpayer be allowed to ask questions. I also believe that government should be transparent. Because my businesses are in town, I am always available to residents, employees, and taxpayers for help, questions, and concerns.

My granddaughter attends Baldwinville Elementary School and my great granddaughter attends Templeton Center School, so I am well aware that the schools need money.  The School Building Committee has done a good job in securing land at no cost to the town. This a huge step forward. I know that there are many people struggling to keep afloat financially, but we need to do what we can for the schools.

Templeton is facing financial challenges because of wrongdoings and waste in the past. We have no money in stabilization, and we are millions of dollars in debt. Town department budgets have been cut to bare bones. As we move forward, we need to spend our money wisely, control our debt, and plan for the future. There is no doubt that the town needs many things—roads need fixing, the highway department needs equipment, the fire/rescue departments need equipment, and our infrastructure needs upgrading. But we can’t afford everything at once. We cannot afford to make the taxpayers go broke. We need to bring industry and commercial businesses to town (in the areas zoned for them) to build up the tax base to lessen the burden on the home owners.

If elected to the Board of Selectmen, I will work hard for our town. I will make sure the town bylaws are followed and enforced. I will continue to push to keep the people of Templeton informed. I will work for financial stability with transparency and accountability for every dollar.

Thank you,

Pauly

Paul H. Cosentino