Gardner's Position on Key Issues
New Town Manager
Gardner is excited to welcome Jill Cahill, our first female Town Manager, to Danvers. The town's future success revolves around ensuring Jill has a seamless and well thought out transition. The support from an experienced select board is key in her success. Gardner brings the needed experience and valued institutional perspective. The board members not up for re-election are 2 members with 1 year experience and 1 member with only 4 years experience. Gardner has 18 years previous experience on the select board. His experience is essential in this significant time of transition for the town, especially because the 5 "new" candidates running do not have the experience to effectively support the new town manager in her transition.
Downtown Revitalization
The downtown is in a period of revitalization. The Select Board has very specific authority in zoning. (See A Quick Guide to Select Board Duties.) Gardner supports the Planning Board and Town Meeting in the pursuit of creating housing and revitalizing downtown — so long as it’s measured. Zoning laws are approved by town meeting. Mixed use, with people living and working downtown, is the path, to a viable, livable, vibrant downtown resurgence. Gardner wants Danvers’ residents to be able to afford to stay in Danvers, including our young adults and our seniors. Revitalizing the square is creating jobs for our residents, including our teenagers, and making our square more welcoming—promoting small businesses, many of which are owned by our residents. All resulting in an increased tax revenue for the benefit of Danvers residents.
Affordable Housing
The biggest factor in high housing costs in Danvers is low inventory. It is a supply and demand problem. While the housing stock in Danvers has increased, it has not kept pace with demand. Gardner wants a town where our children and grandchildren can afford to work and live and where seniors can downsize and remain in town, freeing up their houses for younger families. Because the select board has very little authority in zoning changes (See A Quick Guide to Select Board Duties), Gardner's role would be to continue to support the Planning Board, The Finance Committee and Town Meeting in their measured and effective decisions to make Danvers affordable and accessible.
Fiscal Responsibility
Gardner will uphold sound fiscal practices, including careful budget management, resource allocation and investment in essential services that residents depend on. Maintaining and improving our credit rating reflects the town's financial health and commitment to fiscal responsibility. Gardner will also focus on minimizing the impact of unanticipated budget cuts due to the federal instability that may impact our most vulnerable residents. Gardner understands no one likes taxes. Gardner's 18 years on the select board have led to Danvers having a tax rate lower than the majority of our neighboring communities, with services from our exceptional town employees, which are significantly better than our surrounding communities. In addition, 82% of Danvers' budget is the salaries and benefits of those who take care of us, and who absolutely deserve a fair living wage.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Danvers is a great town. Unfortunately the lack of common ground impacts our ability to come together as a community. This is one of our biggest challenges. The ongoing pursuit of embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion in town is imperative to allow all residents and future generations to learn and to live their best lives, free from barriers and concerns for safety or reprisal. To ensure that all our residents and visitors feel welcome, Gardner would support and rely upon the Human Rights and Inclusion Committee, the Accessibility Commission, and the student diversity groups at DHS. Gardner would also support the position of the Community Engagement Director. This would result in an accessible and inviting community for all, including the success of our small businesses.
Transparency & Accountability
Trust and integrity are key components to good leadership. Gardner looks forward to working with the residents to re-establish that trust, integrity and open communication which has been somewhat lacking in the past. Gardner is a firm believer of open, honest, and inclusive communication between town leadership and residents. Its time we move Danvers forward. For instance, Danvers Police Department has recently implemented monthly transparent communication with the community. Gardner respects Chief Lovell's progress in implementing transparency. It is working and the community is responding positively. It is crucial that all residents are a part of the process and are informed, heard, and empowered to participate in shaping Danvers' future. Gardner is encouraged by the response and success and would like to bring that to the select board .