Jennifer Kasten – Position Statement

Since having submitted my name for Town Commissioner, I have been approached by several people wondering why I chose to run for election having been in Poolesville for only a short time. My answer to this question is that I am running for Town Commissioner because I want to serve the residents and help preserve the small town characteristics that define Poolesville as a community. I take the notion of service very seriously. In my opinion, positions of leadership are not defined by power but by service. Being a Town Commissioner would allow me to serve the community and to represent the views and values of its residents.

I offer the voters and the current Commissioners a fresh perspective on the issues that face us today. Water will continue to be a primary issue of focus. Previously the town has dealt with water capacity and treatment issues and now the Commissioners are faced with concerns for water quality. If elected, I will work diligently to ensure a high quality water supply for current and future residents.

Production of a new Master Plan for the Town will also need to be addressed in the upcoming years. I am committed to working with the residents and the Boards and Commissions to shape the Master Plan such that it captures the opinions and visions of the Town residents. We, as a Town, will also need to provide guidance on using alternative sources of energy. I will work to change the current code to support the use of wind turbines and other alternative sources of energy.

Development of Parcel 840 will be prominent in upcoming years. I support the building of a skate park and the development of a community center. I will work with residents to help define how this land should be developed and work with the Commissioners to secure supplemental funding to ensure the project can be completed in a timely manner.

I believe in a responsible and responsive town government. One that can keep expenses in check while addressing the concerns that threaten the quality of life residents living in Poolesville have grown to appreciate. I currently work as Senior Policy Analyst at Abt Associates. I have a Ph.D. in Public Administration and have worked as a policy analyst for over 15 years. Through my work, I have extensive experience in public policy, outcome evaluation, and performance measurement including cost-effectiveness. In my professional position, I manage several multi-million dollar federally funded projects. I take my role as financial administrator of these funds very seriously valuing efficacy and effectiveness. I will bring these same values to the role of Town Commissioner. While our town is in very good financial shape, the current economic situation demands fiscally responsible spending. I have the experience and commitment to ensure that our Town remains fiscally sound.

When presented with the opportunity to return to the East Coast after having lived in Washington State for 3 years, my husband and I began looking for homes for our family. We found too many areas built around ill-defined neighborhoods that did not capture the sense of community we were looking for. Our family purposefully chose Poolesville because of its unique characteristics – high quality schools, a small town atmosphere, and a sense of community rarely found anymore. My husband, Mark, and I look forward to watching our two sons, Ryan (9) and Jacob (6), grow and flourish in this environment.

I respectively ask for your vote on May 5th.

What Are The Biggest Issues Facing Poolesville Moving Forward?

I recognize water quality as one of the most significant issues facing the Town now. I support further examination of our systems’ water quality. I also recognize that water quality is interwoven with the public health concern of a Cancer Cluster in Poolesville. I think it will be important to work as transparently as possible with the Montgomery Department of Health and Human Services, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Maryland Department of the Environment as examination of this public health concern continues to unfold.

Preservation of small town characteristics in our changing and growing environment is also an area that will continue to be important. Poolesville has to date been successful in preserving this sense of small town community. This issue, however, is one that will be ever present. There will continue to be tension between ensuring enough growth to sustain our current student population so that we do not lose the quality programs in our schools while limiting growth so that we do not lose our small town atmosphere. As Town Commissioner, I am committed to controlling growth to preserve not only our Town’s characteristics but the surrounding Ag Reserve.

While Poolesville has made considerable gains in their water and waste water systems, the maintenance of the wastewater system will continue to be an issue that should be addressed. Ongoing monitoring of the inflow and infiltration will continue to be needed.

Development of Parcel 840 will also be prominent in future discussions and decisions. There is currently a Parcel 840 Committee tasked with examining the possibilities for development of this land. As Town Commissioner, I would encourage all residents to come forward with their opinions and ideas on how best to develop this piece of property. As Town Commissioner, I will take the ideas and desires of residents forward and weigh these against the costs and capital expenses.

What Will You Do About the Water Quality in Poolesville?

I recognize water quality as a significant issue that needs to be addressed. I was in attendance for the water quality report presented to the Commissioners on April 6^th, 2009. I appreciate the tension between being fiscally responsible while ensuring that we put the safety and health of our residents first. There is the view that our Town’s water quality is within EPA standards and therefore does not require further treatment at the expense of the residents. While this is true, there is still the significant concern that water quality is negatively impacting residents’ quality of life. I think further examination of this issue is required and I support the decision of the Commissioners to fund a 60-day pilot study assessing the operational cost and effectiveness of uranium treatment. If the pilot is effective, I would support further expanding treatment to additional water supplies. Additionally, I support further examination of radon levels. When the water quality report was presented on April 6^th, some of the radon analyses were unconfirmed. I think these analyses should be confirmed while the pilot study is being completed. This will allow the Commissioners to review all data at the conclusion of the pilot and determine how best to proceed from there. Finally, I encourage all residents to take advantage of the free radon testing kits available here at Town Hall.

What Is Your Position On Subsidizing Water/Wastewater Services with General Funds?

I support funding the water/wastewater services has a separate funded service. The town has been subsidizing its water system for years with an annual grant from its general fund because revenue from water and sewer bills is not enough to cover operating and maintenance costs. This subsidy has decreased in recent years; however, it is still in practice. While, I do not support the continued practice of subsidizing our water and wastewater with tax dollars, I believe the Commissioners continue to move forward in addressing this situation. I believe the issue does need to be revisited, however. As Town Commissioner I will look closely at this issue as the 2011 budget is drafted and submitted.

What Is Your Position On A Wind Turbine in Poolesville?

The Planning Commission recently met to discuss the Speelman Wind Generator Application. A decision on the application was tabled until the Town Code could be revisited and updated to consider and include alternative sources of energy. This situation is not unique to Poolesville. Montgomery County has no written regulations on wind energy. Applicants cannot currently get a permit for a wind turbine, but instead have to get an accessory structure permit. I respect the position taken by the Planning Commission and I fully support the need to revisit the current code.

That being said, I believe the Planning Commissioners should consider approving the Speelman Wind Generator Application upon presentation of an updated and appropriate site plan by Mr. Speelman. The current Town code would allow for the wind turbine as an accessory structure to the current property. MEA has a March 2008 draft model small wind ordinance for Maryland that would provide regulatory guidance under the accessory structure. Mr. Speelman is willing to agree to a temporary approval pending final Planning Commission approval in a year. Approval of this application could provide the Town and the Commissions information that would assist in revising and updating the current code at no cost to the residents. Mr. Speelman has agreed to bear the full burden of cost for this trial approval.

Now I know there is the further issue of ensuring that we maintain the feel and compatibility with the central downtown business district. I emphasize with the hesitation of the unknown and how it will impact the CBD once erected. Mr. Speelman’s agreeing to a temporary approval, however, alleviates some of the anxiety of the situation and allows the Town and the residents an opportunity to support a local business in decreasing cost through the use of alternative energy.

How Would You Ensure Economic Health For Current Business Owners?

We, I am sure, are all aware of the impact the current economic situation is having on both housing and business. In Poolesville alone, we face slowing residential sales and we have recently lost two local businesses – Jon’s Video and the Getty Gas Station and Convenience Store. The business community is vital to the Town, both as a source of basic goods and services and as a major factor in improving the quality of life for residents. The creation of the Community and Economic Development Committee (CEDC) provides an excellent opportunity for the Commission to work with local businesses to ensure economic health and sustainability. The CEDC recently worked with an independent research company to conduct a market study of the Town’s economic climate and commercial opportunities. The market findings from this report should be utilized by the CEDC, the Chamber of Commerce and the Commissioners in shaping marketing opportunities and events. Revision and update to the current Master Plan will also support ongoing economic health of the community.

Do You Support a Skate Park In Poolesville?

I support the decision to move forward with a skate park on Parcel 840. I think a skate park, constructed correctly, will provide the youth in the town with a designated place to skateboard. The Town put forward an application for a grant to offset the costs of the skate park. This grant was addressed in Senate Bill 1055 for the purpose of authorizing a grant for development. With the approval of this grant money, the skate park can be constructed at limited cost to the residents. I applaud the Commissioners and the Town for moving forward with this project.

Do You Support Development Of A Community Center?

I think a Community Center is one of many ideas for development of the remaining land on Parcel 840. There is a Parcel 840 Committee that is currently evaluating resident’s responses to a recreations survey as they continue to determine how best to utilize this space. Personally, I am in favor of a community center to serve the residents, but I think we need to further examine the cost structure of such a project. I support everyone in coming forward to the Parcel 840 Committee and the Commissioners with thoughts on how best to develop this land. I think this is a real opportunity for residents to play a part in the ongoing development of our Town and its infrastructure.

What Is Your Position on Speed Cameras In Poolesville?

There is a lot of controversy around the posted speed cameras in Poolesville. I have to honesty say that when we first told friends in the area that we were moving to Poolesville, they did not comment on the great community that is Poolesville, but instead said “Watch out for those speed cameras going in and out of town – they will get you.”

I know there are mixed finding regarding the camera’s effectiveness in improving safety. Some researchers have reported that counties that have introduced speed cameras have all seen reductions in deaths and serious injuries on roads, while other researchers have indicated that the cameras may actually increase accidents promoting rear-end collisions as drivers slam on their brakes when they see the cameras.

I believe the cameras serve their intended purpose – to reduce speed. I think the cameras should be labeled so that they are seen well by motorists. I also think there could be improvements to the position and programmed speed to the current cameras in Poolesville. The speed cameras going out of town towards Whites Ferry should be changed, although, I believe there is work with the State currently to address this. Overall, I think the cameras serve a purpose; however, they are also a revenue generator. I, therefore, strongly support working with the county so that monies collected, or at least a portion of monies collected from these devices, is turned over to the Town for pedestrian safety programs.

How Will You Best Represent the Residents of Poolesville?

I fully heartedly support open and responsive town government. I will make myself available to all residents through multiple avenues. First and foremost, I am available around town and at my residence. I encourage any resident to stop by my home or call me with concerns, issues, or simply observations. I shop locally in town and hope that residents will not hesitate to approach me locally. I can also be reached through e-mail. My e-mail address is murphykasten@hotmail.com.

I encourage open dialog. I support resident attendance at Town Commissioner meetings, and if elected I will work diligently to provide the residents of Poolesville with a representative voice in town government.