PROFILE: Selectman Josh Degen-Facing the Challenges of Sustainability, Affordability
Veteran Selectmen Josh Degen, with more than nine and a half years in office, is running again to address an important challenge facing the town. In his view, the town’s greatest challenge is establishing true budget sustainability, followed closely by the challenge of keeping Groton affordable for all residents. He also believes in the importance of creating a “cohesive well-oiled town hall and school system that are transparent and accountable.”
Degen directly lays out the gravity of the need to control spending as he sees it, writing, “We are rapidly achieving a financial cliff where - if we go over - some Groton residents will not be able to afford to live in our beautiful town. Collectively, Selectmen, Town Manager, employees on both the municipal and school sides, and all residents must strike a balance that works for all of us and keeps our town’s costs and services in balance and sustainable for all.”
Discussing how to achieve budget sustainability and affordability, he emphasizes the importance of electing Selectmen willing to work hard and to occasionally make tough and [sometimes] unpopular decisions. He says, “I believe we can make great strides toward achieving sustainability with the right people on our board, people committed to long-term budget sustainability and affordability.”
He says a willingness to work cooperatively across multiple town boards is crucial, adding, “Working in conjunction with our FinCom, School Committee, and recently formed Budget Sustainability Committee, I believe that we can finally wrangle-in spending.”
He adds that - done right - the job of Selectman is a huge time commitment, “A selectman not only attends regular board meetings, but meetings of many other boards too.” Before meetings, he said doing the job right requires a complete study of all materials on both current and upcoming agenda issues to be prepared to vote on, and propose initiatives in the best interests of the town. He said, “Some folks just don’t realize that you can easily exceed 20 hours each and every week to do this job well,” adding, “I feel that I have demonstrated my time commitment to the job in the past and if re-elected will continue to do so.”
Having founded and operated Earthscape, a local Groton based hardscape landscape construction firm of more than 30 years, Degen brings the practical perspective and experience of a hands-on business owner to the job of Selectman. He explains, “My business has survived economic downturns and has surfed the top of the wave during strong economies. While our town is not a business, it has employees, customers and expenses.” Partially based on his own business experience, he says his goal for town government is “to work to foster zero-based budgets, then build them up as sustainable as contractually possible.”
Asked his views on the proposed override, Degen said that while he fully supported the Superintendent and the Needs Assessment and felt some form of override was warranted, he said he was “struggling to support this one.” Clearly uncomfortable, he said, “I have never been a fence rider, but let’s look at some facts: The level I and II priorities that directly contribute to a child’s education should be funded right away.”
But, he said the remaining items “could be implemented over a few years through declining enrollment or through an in-depth audit of the entire budget.” He suggested that a school audit could reveal huge cost savings to the district. He added, “I fear that if the override is approved at the ballot at the current request, then future financial sustainability for our town is in jeopardy.”
Asked about his views on the Town Manager and his recent contract renewal, he said “While Mr. Haddad has financial skills, I could not support his contract renewal as he does not represent my views as an elected leader in this community. His lack of respect for his superiors – as evidenced by his bogus call for an investigation this past year of two elected officials, and his demand for emails from a private citizen crossed the line of professional behavior. He does not give the same respect to his superiors that he demands from his subordinates.”
Despite his personal views on the Town Manager’s contract renewal, Selectman Degen says he is “committed to working collaboratively with both the Town Manager and my fellow Selectmen for the greater good of Groton and all its residents.”
Discussing their motivation for moving to Groton 25 years ago with his wife Amy, Josh Degen said, “We had been living in Boston and wanted to live in the country. Groton’s drumlins, pastures, forests and architecture instantly conveyed the feeling that this was the place for us to live and raise our children.”
When not working Degen says, “I am an avid skier who enjoys extreme vertical challenges. I also enjoy cooking, shooting pool, playing ping pong, listening to a wide range of music, going to concerts, attending sporting events and relaxing with my family and friends.”
Degen was a founding member of the Williams Barn Committee, joining several long-term residents to save the old barn on Chicopee Row. Based on recollections of Al Wyatt, a descendant of the Williams family, the committee turned the historic structure into a museum of the town’s agricultural past.
“I take a lot of pride in (this project).” Degen said, further adding, “Our committee of volunteers saved the building from the bulldozer. With oversight and advice from the Conservation Commission our group got the go-ahead to do the work around the building.” Josh Degen, with his crew and equipment, along with scores of volunteers, cleared trees and brush and graded the fields for vendors and for parking for the Farmer’s Market, held every summer.