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Robert Lowe to seek re-election |
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Tuesday, 25 March 2008 |
NORTH SMITHFIELD — Robert B. Lowe has announced that he will seek re-election to the position of town administrator in November.
Lowe, a former state representative, was elected to the town administrator post four years ago, taking the reins from former administrator Linda B. Thibault, who is now chairwoman of the Town Council.
Lowe made the announcement at a recent campaign meeting, saying he wants to continue the work he started four years ago, including his primary objective of developing “a strong foundation for the future success of North Smithfield.”
“The town must focus on smart growth and economic development accompanied by the maintenance of the town’s treasured rural character,” Lowe said.
When he first took office, Lowe said he encountered a town government “wrought with problems of instability and inefficiency.” Because the Finance Department was in desperate need of a leader, one of the first things he did was hire Jill Gemma as the new finance director.
“Within three years, the town has greatly improved the efficiency of this department, resulting in the collection of 99.5 percent of taxes,” Lowe pointed out. “As a result of this work, the town enjoyed a $500,000 surplus that will directly offset the property tax levy.”
Lowe says the centerpiece of his administration has been the establishment of a vision for the future of North Smithfield — one that encompasses both economic development and vitality while maintaining the rural nature of the town.
It was Lowe who pushed to get an open space bond before the voters to preserve the town’s rural character. It was the first open space bond in 20 years, and the town residents overwhelmingly supported it.
“The next step is to develop a plan to help control future economic growth,” he said. “The Branch River Revitalization project offers foresight and a proactive approach to development in North Smithfield. This is a prime example of smart growth. Elected officials and community members will utilize a specified area of economic activity and improve on it with the overall goal of increasing tax contributions to the town. This development will only enhance the vitality of our town.”
Economic expansion would not be possible without the development of the proper infrastructure, he said. Towards that end, Lowe said his administration took an important step in providing the needed infrastructure by working to establish the Woonsocket water connection. Furthermore, Lowe says he has encouraged the expansion of sewer lines throughout North Smithfield which is essential to future growth.
Lowe said his administration resisted any tax treaty with Dowling Village, adding one hundred percent of all taxes available from Dowling Village will be collected and utilized as a source of revenue to keep property taxes down in the future.
“Over my four years in office, the needs of the taxpayer have guided my decision making process,” he said. “Property taxes have been kept at a minimum. North Smithfield is below the state cap, and without the cost of the Middle School project, North Smithfield would have a tax rate of less than 3 percent, by far one of the most stable tax rates in the state.”
“During this trying budget season, the educational needs of the community have taken center stage,” Lowe added. “The citizens of the town approved the Middle School bond and now must fund the school. The ability to support schools and maintain academic excellence in the future largely depends on the ability of the town to attract commercial investment and growth. In order to meet obligations to North Smithfield’s youth, economic development is essential.”
By focusing on the development of commercial investment, Lowe has prioritized the needs of the middle class and elderly residents who cannot sustain increased tax hikes.
“I am dedicated to the future success of North Smithfield. I am a lifelong resident who is truly committed to this town and all it has to offer.”
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 29 March 2008 )
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