TOWN ELECTION 2007
This week the selectmen candidate interview is with Neville Richen who is running against Rick Atherton, David Gray, Allen Reinhard and Patty Roggeveen for two open seats. The election is April 3.
NEVILLE RICHEN Candidate for Board of Selectmen

NEVILLE RICHEN + Age: 62 + Years on Nantucket: 20 + Occupation: Retired + Town board memberships: Parks and Recreation Commissioner for 16 years; member of Community Preservation Committee since its founding five years ago. + Family status: Married with four children, two grandchildren and a grandchild on the way.

1. Do you favor or oppose the idea of the selectmen appointing Planning Board, Historic District Commission and Shellfish and Harbor Advisory Board members rather than having them elected?

"I am in favor of them being elected because I think there is more scrutiny by the public in the electoral process and there is more coverage by the media. They are very important committees and I think the serious people go for the election process. People who go for appointments may not be considering the time constraints, and not through their own fault, the selectmen don't ask enough questions."

2. Do you see any ways to reduce or keep tight checks on the town budget in light of growth demands on services and infrastructure?

"Projects can be delayed in getting the permits and costs can go up whenever there are delays. And when things go out to bid we usually pick the lowest bid, but part of keeping a tight check on the budget is picking a bidder with the most expertise and qualifications to avoid delays and redoing projects. That's the basic bottom line."

3. Do you believe issues facing the island today warrant a need for a full-time, paid Board of Selectmen or some other form of government?

"No. We have a qualified and experienced town administrator and staff. Our town administrator has grown in experience along with the growth of the town. I feel this is apparent by the people she chooses to have on her staff."

4. Do you believe the town should pay the Waste Options arbitration award of $1.2 million since interest on the amount has been accruing at $12,000 a month since the decision and the town's appeal at the end of November?

"Unless there is something our attorney knows of that will be in the best interest of the town to go forward with this appeal, I think we should go ahead and pay this and settle up. I would also ask if not paying the amount might affect us down the road in terms of borrowing. I don't think it was a good contract, but the town voted for it and we have to pay the piper."

5. Do you believe Town Meeting Article 46 prohibiting selectmen from any town job requiring 20 or more hours a week will eliminate qualified candidates for the board?

"I must admit that over the years I have never had a problem with town employees being selectmen. But I've always wondered, if they were on the job and the Board of Selectmen had an emergency meeting during the day, what would be the protocol? Many years ago I worked for First National City Bank and I had a chance to do community service that went on for a period of time. I went to the bank and told them that and they let me do it.

"The argument that I hear is that if you are working for the town [as a selectman] you become boss of your boss. That said, I would have a hard time in my own mind doing that knowing the demands of the office," said Richen, a former DPW and airport employee. "I'm a victim of that. I've wanted to run for selectman for a long time. I think some of the most qualified people who can run for selectman are people who work for the town or have worked for the town for a long period of

time because they know the system." I