Michael V. Vollono, Esquire
As a resident of Burlington since 1991, I have developed a deep appreciation for this great community we share. It has a wonderful rural character and friendly, community minded citizens. We have a terrific school system. My children were educated in Region #10 from Lake Garda through Lewis Mills and received a first-class education. The many community organizations such as the Historical Society, the Land Trust, the sports leagues, the PTA, all of these things combine to make Burlington the great town that it is.
However, our town faces many challenges. The recession has affected our finances. We have to balance the development of the Town with the preservation of its rural character. The center of town must be developed in a way so as to preserve its small town feel but develop a commercial tax base. Our great school system must be maintained. I am running for Selectman because I believe I can help the Town meet these challenges and that I have the qualifications and experience to do so successfully. I have been involved in town government beginning in 1995 as an alternate on the Planning and Zoning Commission. I ended up staying on the Commission for 11 years and served as Chair for two years. Since 2004, I have been on the Board of Finance. I have also volunteered for several non-elected committees such as the Open Space Committee in 2000 and more recently on a committee considering the purchase of the top of Johnnycake Mountain as open space.
I am currently on a committee preparing the Town’s ten year plan of conservation and development and a committee reviewing the tax exemptions granted to seniors and veterans.
I have been a lawyer in Plainville since 1983. The legal profession requires most of all that a person have good judgment. I believe after years of practice, I have developed that judgment and that it would serve me well as a selectman. Practicing law also means learning to run a business and managing people.
Our town faces many challenges and is sure to face many more in the future. I believe that my personal and professional experiences would serve me well if I am elected to the Board of Selectmen. I would therefore respectfully request your vote in the upcoming elections.
