Hopefuls all agree on pool project; But candidates try to stand out at first debate (videos in story)

By RICK COLLINS
The Patriot Ledger

BRAINTREE - The four candidates running for mayor each pledged to push for the construction of the long-discussed Petersen Pool if elected.

Since 1963, tugboat captain August Petersen’s bequest to the town to build a swimming pool has grown to more than $1.5 million. Still, repeated proposals to build the pool have been defeated.

Speaking at Thursday night’s mayoral debate, sponsored by the East Braintree Civic Association, Paul Walsh said he would use the money to partially fund the construction of an enclosed, year-round swimming facility at Braintree High School.

He said the town should borrow the rest of the money and pay it back through user fees.

‘‘It’s time to build the damn pool,’’ Walsh said.

Joseph Sullivan, a former state representative and Lottery director, said the town should first look for a site in East Braintree to build it, one with access that won’t ruffle neighbors’ feathers. He also suggested seeking out a public-private partnership - with the YMCA or the Weymouth Club, for example - to help build it.

The candidates fielded questions for more than an hour in a stuffy and packed room at the Watson Research Center.

The debate’s tone was more subdued and substantive than combative, with the candidates occasionally agreeing with each other. Each agreed they would not ask residents for a Proposition 2½ override, that Braintree has a drug problem that needs combating and that the trash fee needs to be eliminated.

But they also attempted to draw distinctions.

Selectman Joseph Powers pointed out he is the only candidate who is currently an elected official who also works in the private sector.

Walsh said he would bring a fresh start to the new form of government and pledged to set aside one day a week to meet with residents.

And Sullivan called for a 24-hour hotline for residents, a study into building a park atop the Ivory Street landfill, and the hiring of a town solicitor and grant writer.

Whereas Powers, Sullivan and Walsh called for a balance of old and new members on town boards, Muello plans to clean house.

‘‘I believe in bringing in all new people - a clean slate,’’ he said.

Walsh, a member of the town’s commercial traffic review committee, restated the panel’s call for a ban on commercial traffic on Hayward Street during school hours.

Sullivan, who attended elementary school at Ross, said the town should try a trial ban during school pick-up and drop-off hours.

The debate was taped by the town’s cable-access station, which will begin broadcasting it next week.

A second debate, sponsored jointly by the town’s Republican and Democratic town committees, will be held Wednesday at town hall.

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Rick Collins may be reached at rcollins@ledger.com .

Copyright 2007 The Patriot Ledger
Transmitted Friday, August 24, 2007