Politics & Government

Councilor Clifford Announces Re-Election Bid

The next Regular Town Election for the Town of Braintree is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013.

District 6 Councilor Paul "Dan" Clifford announced Monday that he is seeking re-election this fall. 

Clifford, a U.S. Army veteran with experience working in the high tech industry for companies such as EMC and Honeywell, is a Braintree High School and Roger Williams University graduate.

He has been a town councilor since the shift in form of government in 2008 and currently serves as the chair of the Committee on Ways & Means. No one else has announced their candidacy for the seat. Nomination papers will be available Monday, Aug. 5 at 8:30 a.m.

Below is a statement from Clifford on his candidacy:

Today, I am announcing that I am a candidate for Re-election for Braintree Town Council. It would be my honor to continue to serve, represent and advocate for you.

Over the past six years, with your help and support, we have accomplished much. In District 6, we have added a state-of-the-art playground in the Highland's, new recreation at the Town Forest, with 5 trails plus other attractions and we made significant renovation to the Highland's School to name a few. 

Town wide, our financial position has improved year after year as the new government continues to seek fiscal strength and improved bond ratings by Moody's and Standard and Poor's. As a Councilor and Chairman of the Ways and Means committee, we have a fiduciary responsibility to inspect, review and approve the Annual Town Budget and insure it is spent wisely. Over the past two years, as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, we created policies, procedures and completed a comprehensive Town Analyses that is returning substantial financial cost avoidances (details follow within).

It is not what candidates promise that counts, it is what they deliver and what they accomplish for their constituents that counts. Look at candidates records to judge their abilities to work and produce for you. Look long and hard at each candidate's record and look to validate any and all accomplishments they list. My record is right here on this website for all to evaluate and I welcome it.

Friends and all constituents, I work long hours and hard for you, not for financial compensation but because I enjoy making things happen, I enjoy being your advocate and speaking for you and because I care about good government. Whether it is snow, flood, speeding, roads, signs or other neighborhood issues, I am always readily available to you. Those are what I call the basic blocking and tackling responsibilities of a Town Councilor. Beyond those are initiatives and significant advances for constituents to insure fiscal responsibility and wise spending of tax dollars, and insure the town laws and ordinances are fair, equitable and up to date.

Here are a few accomplishments for your inspection and evaluation: 

While serving Braintree, I am proud to have originated and earned passage of the "Citizen Soldiers Bill" and Senior Citizens Property Tax Relief, and established financial policies, procedures and analyses that resulted in identifying more than $1.2 million dollars in service debt cost avoidances.

1)"Citizen Soldiers Bill" (providing 100% property tax relief while serving overseas, this was the first of its kind 
in the country), 
2) The Senior Citizens Property Tax Relief, exemption 41c (providing qualified seniors 65 and over a $1000 exemption). These are real tangible benefits to our residents. 
3) Developed financial policies, procedures and a comprehensive Town analyses that identify more than $1.2 million dollars in cost avoidances,
4) With the Mayor, we secured Community Preservation Committee (CPC) funding to build a state of the art community playground in the Braintree Highlands. Moreover having secured other CPC funding, 
5) we built new Braintree Town Forest passive recreational area for all to enjoy in this little known town jewel. The work completed in the Forest includes, 5 walking trails, foot bridges, kiosk with forest information, a four level amphitheater, bat houses, etc. 

You can learn more by reviewing my website here and simply Googling Paul Dan Clifford and Dan Clifford. 

There is much for you to evaluate. 

Enjoy your Summer and be safe. I need your help and support come the Fall.


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