The only contested race in Aquinnah this year is for a three-year term on the town’s board of selectmen, where incumbent Jim Newman, who has served on the board for 15 years and lived in Aquinnah for 18 years, faces challenges from Elise LeBovit and Jay Theise.
In addition to being on the board, Newman tutors three days a week for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah).
Elise LeBovit, who currently serves as chair on the board of assessors, has lived in the town for 44 years, serving on numerous town boards. She also owns and operates the Duck Inn, Gay Head Realty, and a massage and wellness business.
Jay Theise, who has practiced business law for 48 years, says he is “not running against anyone, but running for the town.” Theise lives in Aquinnah most of the year, but is in the process of moving there permanently.
The League of Women Voters is holding an open forum for voters to meet the candidates on Saturday, May 5, at 3 pm in the Aquinnah Old Town Hall.
What’s your reason for running?
Newman: I really believe in community and being involved in the community. I felt it wasn’t time to retire. Whatever we’ve done in town we’ve done in concert with the other selectmen. We’ve come a long way in straightening out the finances and the way the Aquinnah government operates. I love this community. We are very aware the taxes keep rising, but it’s these fixed costs that are driving it. Many people said we need more rateables, and we do, but that’s got to be done in a sensible manner. It’s got to be done respecting the DCPC. It’s these issues that are keeping me going.
LeBovit: To be heard. This is my “Elise for peace” campaign. I feel like I’ve been studying for the past two years, trying to go to all the boards I can and identifying the problems in the town. I have more time in my life right now. I’m getting older and identifying with the senior issues. Like most of us that came here a long time ago and are middle class, we’re being priced out now, and I think that’s my biggest reason for running.
Theise: I think the town needs some help with fiscal responsibility. Our costs are increasing, our taxes are increasing significantly, but our tax base is not increasing. The principal asset that we have, like most other small towns, is land. If our tax base does not expand with regard to the available land that we have that could be thoughtfully developed into market housing and some commercial opportunity, then ultimately the town will be crushed under the burden of escalating taxes and expenses. In addition to land, there are other opportunities to expand revenue, including commercial property, which we do not have enough of, business licenses for cottage industries, and the elimination of some expenses if they can be eliminated. I know we have a strict set of bylaws and zoning that in many ways restrict the land that can be developed. I would like to see the town change not in respect to its character, but its fiscal view of how it continues to go forward. No town can support its citizenry without financial stability.
What steps will you take to improve the relationship between the board of selectmen and the board of assessors?
Newman: If this warrant article passes, where the assessors become appointed, the present assessors will remain in their positions until their positions expire. I think we have to keep an open eye going, as we had started a while ago, and trying to work out the issues we have. Keeping an open channel of communication is really important.
LeBovit: We already have taken the steps. We had asked for a long time to have financial meetings and to meet with the selectmen, but now we are. I believe working together and trust are how things improve. I feel that we need more backing from the selectmen on this project. Assessors are an important part of the government. We need to build trust. We’ve had many issues.
Theise: It’s evident the relationship has to change. I am an agent of change if for no other reason than because I’m not a selectman and never have been. I don’t come with the experience of the present parties, who are at odds with one another. I think that as an attorney who has been practicing law for 48 years, I am used to contention. If I substitute the word problem for contention, a problem is simply an opportunity to find a solution. That’s the business that I’m in.
What are your thoughts on the Wampanoag tribe’s plans to open a bingo gambling facility on reservation land?
Newman: They won the fight in the Supreme Court. We need to respect that, and we need to work with them in terms of facilitating whatever needs they may have in terms of EMS, police, and fire. We need to negotiate that rate. We have a town-tribe agreement where we do provide services to them. We need to have another agreement with them when the casino opens.
LeBovit: We’re two separate governments in one small town. I don’t really feel that’s my business. As a citizen in the town, it would not be my choice of how I would like to see the town developed, but as a selectwoman, there are plenty of things I would like to join with the tribe to enhance both of our constituencies’ lives there. I support the tribe in their sovereignty and in their endeavors. When asked for ideas, I’ll certainly be more than willing to give them.
Theise: The Wampanoag Tribe is a fact of life. Aquinnah is also a sovereign, and they have not co-existed particularly well in many instances. I come with no baggage with respect to that. They are entitled to do it, they have proven they are entitled to do it in our system, meaning the system that applies to both sovereigns. Whether or not it will be successful, I do not know. What I know about the gaming industry is it has very significant algorithms for what is required in order for them to make money. We know the odds are in favor of the house.
What separates you from your opponents?
Newman: Experience, understanding finances, and my relationship with the tribe.
LeBovit: I’m a woman. I’ve been in town a lot longer. I’ve seen children grow up. I’ve worked at the youth center and given many kids rides down to the youth center. Now those kids have kids and grandkids, and I think I know the pulse of the town. I’ve served on many boards, which my opponents haven’t, so I think I can see things from many sides. I’m financially sensitive to the affordability issue, so I feel it strongly. I’m fighting to stay in the town, so it’s very pertinent to me. I’ve been missing community in the town. I’m a strong negotiator, I don’t just take no for an answer, I’m a creative thinker, I have the ability to see good in everyone, and I don’t have a mean bone in my body. I just want everyone to come together on what they can agree on and raise everyone up.
Theise: I have a different life experience. The life experience I have is what I believe is necessary to make a difference in the direction of the town as I see where the town needs to go.
Hmmm “Jim Newman, who has served on the board for 15 years and lived in Aquinnah for 18 years,” sounds like time for someone new, rotation of leadership brings new solutions. Though Jay Theise has not been year round…how about someone experienced as a long time year-round resident who has seen it all develop and will look out for the regular people and the environment? Elise for Peace!
Taxes have risen 8%/year under Mr Newman’s leadership. He voted for a 9% increase this year and a $325,000 override on a $5 million budget. He is without a plan to solve the problem, the seriousness of which he seems not to appreciate.
Both Jay and Elise appreciate the fiscal Hole the town is in. Elise has seniority. Let’s give her a chance!
Elise for Peace!