My name is Rick Cardillo - Please consider me as one of your six votes for City Councillor-at-Large.

 As a lifelong resident I am committed to Waltham. After graduating from Waltham schools, I began my career at the Fire Department and worked my way up the ranks, eventually retiring as the Chief of Department.  I had the privilege of leading one of the three largest departments in the City and during my tenure we were extremely prepared and successful in responding to any situation that came our way.  I feel I can bring a special set of skills to the City Council. .

I think the services our City has to offer are among the finest in the State.  The value that is provided through the City’s quality services and low tax rates help to attract both residents and businesses.  This aids to keep us strong even in this uncertain economy. To maintain our services and our tax rate we must, encourage responsible commercial development. We are seen throughout the business community as unwelcoming to businesses at this time. WE NEED TO CHANGE and I believe I can help bring this change.

Uniquely positioned along Route 128 between the Mass-Pike and Route 2, the City is a premiere location where businesses should want to build and call home.

I will work with the Council and the Mayor to streamline the process and encourage smart, sustainable, economic growth.  I believe the key to this process would be a dynamic Planning Department, with its responsibilities including long term planning and economic development for the City.  All development projects would be worked through this Planning Department, allowing projects to come before the Council, ready to be voted on.  Currently projects need to be reworked on the Council floor, wasting valuable time and money.

Secondly, Zoning Reform goes along with Planning and Responsible Development.  We are in need of a complete Zoning review, which allows and encourages commercial development while protecting our neighborhoods. This should be done with the assistance of a professional planner and community leaders.  By doing this we would be protecting our tax base and services.    

Finally, Long Term Planning is not limited to smart development alone.  A Master Capital Improvement plan needs to be developed and it must include planning for maintaining and improving our infrastructure:

·       Improving traffic

·       Paving our roadways

·       Upgrading our water system

·       Maintaining city buildings

·       Maintaining and replacing city equipment      

Again, my name is Rick Cardillo - Please consider me as one of your six votes for City Councillor-at-Large.

www.Cardilloforcouncillor.com