Incumbent, Newcomer Vying for Selectman in Cheshire
Mark Biagini was inspired to run for office by the example of his late father and hopes to bring a new perspective.
Robert Ciskowski, currently chairman of the board, is running for a second consecutive three-year term; Mark Biagini is a newcomer to government hoping to bring new ideas forward.
A political newcomer, Biagini was inspired to run by his father, Ralph Biagini, who died late last year.
"He was involved in a lot of stuff and since he passed, I just want to continue that and help the town," he said.
"I have lived in this town my whole life … and I have seen some good changes and bad changes," he continued. "There are a lot of things we move forward on but there are a lot of things we just haven't moved on … it seems like we take one step forward three steps back all of the time."
Biagini is a Walmart manager and thinks he can bring a new and open perspective to the select board.
"I feel that we are here for the townspeople. They voted us in and they expect us to listen," he said. "We might not agree but we need to at least listen to them."
Biagini said he wants to focus on making the town more business-friendly and attractive to young families.
"I have new ideas and new prospects. I am looking at stuff to make the town more profitable," he said. "I want to bring things here, like new businesses that will help the tax rate. We need to move forward."
He added that he wants to fast-track the proposed marijuana dispensary and find a new use for the now vacant Cheshire School.
"I don't believe closing the school was a good idea, but I would like to see something done there whether we lease it or use it," he said. "We are paying for it we should use it."
Biagini added that he wants residents to get more involved in town government and to give them a platform to speak.
"Way back when, the townspeople would come up and express their opinions. We always had standing-room-only and it seems like we have gotten away from that," he said. "I want that open forum back where people can ask a question and get an answer."
Biagini pledged that if elected, he will listen to everyone.
"We need change in town and I would bring new ideas," he said. "I am here for the townspeople they can come and contact me and they are more than welcome to talk with me about anything. I will listen."
Ciskowski wants to use his long experience in numerous aspects of town government to keep Cheshire moving forward.
"I have always been involved in the town; I didn't just jump into this," he said. "I like this town and I like to help out."
Ciskowski has been on the board for four years, being elected in 2014 to complete a one-year term, and served a term in 1980s. He also has served on the Planning Board, Rent Control Board, multiple school superintendent search committees and town government reorganization committees and the Master Plan Committee.
Robert Ciskowski is asking voters for another term so he can continue implementing the Master Plan.
"It is kind of an exciting time now that we are starting to implement the Master Plan," he said. "We are applying for grants now and doing things we have never done before."
Ciskowski, who has a background in construction, said he brings a certain skill set to the board and has a lot to contribute when it comes to making decisions about infrastructure or Highway Department equipment.
His main concern in town is the condition of its roads and bridges.
"They don't deteriorate evenly and once they get bad they get worse a lot quicker," Ciskowski said. "We are going to have to be creative when it comes to funding and I have seen the numbers and they are staggering."
He added that he also believes the closing of the elementary school was a mistake and sees the challenges involved with maintaining it and finding a reuse.
"The school was handed back to us and some people see it perhaps as a great opportunity and some people see it as an anchor around our neck," he said. "It is somewhere in between, and I am interested in trying to figure out some future use."
Ciskowski said one project he would want to move forward is the creation of a town beach.
"We have the [Ashuwillticook] Rail Trail, we have the Appalachian Trail and Cheshire has a kind of a subtle dignity," he said. "We don't have a train ride like Adams, we don't have a museum, but we have kind of a neat little area and I think if we develop the lake area it will be a nice addition."
Ciskowski said he believes at this point in Cheshire's history experience is needed on the select board.
"I think with all we got going right now at least this time I think experience is going to count," he said. "There is a lot going on I am willing to do it and I am glad to serve."
Both Ciskowski and Biagini will vie for the three-year seat on the Board of Selectmen in the Monday, May 7, town election.
Tags: election 2018, town elections,
