Herbert Alie Shaughnessy III

Email

votealieshaughnessy@gmail.com

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Why do you believe you are the best candidate to represent Quincy residents at this time? 

I am the owner of a small business, and in addition I currently sit on the Quincy Planning board. I have experienced difficult and challenging times in my business career. I know how difficult it can be to meet payrolls and to maintain budgets. I ask the uncomfortable questions to developers. Quincy is a beatiful and dynamic place to live, I have lived in Quincy for over 42 years . We face challenges to balance growth with smart developments that can enhance the quality of life, and hopefully increase revenue to the ledger. ie more business taxes to offset residential taxes. I believe I can add a positive perspective to the council and I have no problem challenging any item that may come before the city council that I may be uncomfortable with. Lastly to address as to why , well in 1953 my grandfather ran for Quincy city council so I guess you might say its in my blood. i simply love Quincy .

What three issues are you most concerned about, and if elected, how will you address them?

LOCAL ECONOMY : I believe Quincy neighborhoods are full of hard working people and promising businesses and that real progress happens when we come together to get things done. As a business owner, I know that small businesses keep our local economy strong. I will work to reduce red tape, and expand access to capital so neighborhood businesses can grow here and hopefully hire locally. I will support partnerships with the Quincy Chamber of Commerce and local lenders. In essence its about neighbors and all of us supporting the local economy to keep Quincy vibrant.

HOUSING ; Stable affordable housing along with a modern and all inclusive school system , is the backbone of healthy families and thriving neighborhoods. Along with my colleagues in government I would work to promote development that helps to address affordable housing. It's a tough balance to bring in more housing and businesses without adversely affecting the quality of life for the citizens of Quincy. That is why we as elected officials must be extremely vigilant in our decision making . We must have clear , honest , open government.

SUPPORTING OLDER ADULTS : Quincy's older adult population deserve respect, dignity and the support to live full and independent lives. I believe that we must do everything in our power to lower taxes or at the very least slow the increase in taxes . This will take an all hands on deck approach, we must ask our legislative leaders and ourselves, How do we trim budgets and maintain the amazing level of services we now take for granted. New schools, repairing infrastructures, elderly services, It all takes money and effort from not only our elected leaders but from all the citizens. If elected I would invite open discussions at city hall with our citizens. We as elected official owe the public open, honest discussions. We may not always agree, but we certainly can have civilized open frank discussions that affect all of us collectively .

If elected, what steps will you take to ensure responsiveness and clear communication between you and the Quincy community?

I will hold regular "office hours " , so that residents can stop in and let me know whats on their mind, along with giving timely responses to all phone calls sent to me. I also plan to send out updates via email and U S Mail, so that constituents can hear directly from me about what their local government is doing on their behalf.

What do you plan to do about Quincy’s $1.6 billion debt? 

To manage the $1.6 billion debt, I would encourage the city council to prioritize cost management by conducting an audit to eliminate inefficiencies and non-essential spending while preserving critical services. This includes the renegotiation of contracts, securing better terms to free up funds for debt payments. These measures ensure the city can address its financial obligations without compromising essential functions. It should be remembered that a significant portion of the $1.6B debt is for the pay-down of pension obligations. By paying down pension obligations we reduced the interest significantly .

Secondly, I would improve upon efficiency measures through technology for long-term savings. By investing in digital systems, such as online permitting, and energy-saving initiatives in public buildings, the city can streamline operations , such as combining Fire and Police in a new modern public safety building. These advancements not only cut costs but also enhance service delivery, providing lasting benefits to our Quincy residents and businesses alike. Also we as a city are becoming known in the business and investing community as a city that's " Open for Business". This reputation does not come easily, it is through the hard work and vision on our leaders and citizen voluntary boards. The Planning board, The Zoning board of appeals, The Conservation board, The Historical board, The Quincy 400 board and other boards and voluntary groups I know I am forgetting.

Everyone all rowing in the same direction. Encouraging smart growth and smart development that increase's the business tax revenue , to help off set the residential tax increases. The $1.6 B debt should not be totally considered debt, it is a true INVESTMENT in our city. A investment that has increased residential home values across the city. Critical long neglected infrastructure rebuild and repairs. Four new schools and a fifth one under construction. Many hundred yards of Seawall replacement or repairs or even new Seawalls. Beautiful SAFE parks, historic rebuild of our city hall. Historic high levels of fire and police hiring to provide the very best response times and a city that is a very safe place to live and raise a family.

And lastly, I would emphasize constituent transparency to help build and maintain public trust. By sharing a comprehensive debt audit with residents, businesses, and investors, the city can demonstrate accountability and foster credibility. This open communication ensures that the citizens understand the debt challenge and support the management strategy, creating a unified approach to the city’s financial well being.

What do you think is the most important role of being a City Councillor? 

I believe the most important role of being a City Councilor is to be a transparent and open minded liaison and communicator between the offices of Quincy and it's constituents. Creating a platform for fair and open discussion, that represents the best interest of both constituents and elected officials to work together as a team.

What will you do to increase civic participation and voter turnout in Quincy? 

I would encourage Social Studies type curriculum in the elementary, middle schools and high schools to teach a belief of civic responsibility . I believe that introducing voting at a early age will help instill that sense of duty.

Will you advocate for the City Council to allow the opportunity for public comment at every City Council meeting?

Yes