CHRIS
BARRETT

Westford residents expect careful stewardship of their tax dollars. As a Select Board member, I support budgets and financial planning that maintain strong town services while protecting long-term fiscal stability.

Responsible financial management ensures Westford can continue investing in schools, infrastructure, recreation, and public safety.

Fiscal Responsibility Priorities

• Maintain balanced and responsible town budgets

• Improve transparency in financial reporting and capital planning

• Identify efficiencies in municipal operations

• Clearly communicate tax impacts of major projects

• Ensure long-term financial sustainability for the town

Westford’s financial strength is a major asset, and protecting it remains a top priority.

Strong schools are central to Westford’s success as a community. The Robinson School building project represents an important investment in Westford’s educational infrastructure. The project also plays an important roll towards potentially addressing the Town’s overall space needs (school administration and town office space). Modern school facilities improve learning environments, enhance safety, and support the needs of current and future students.

Robinson School Project Priorities

• Support responsible planning and financial oversight

• Balance educational needs with fiscal responsibility

• Maintain transparency with residents about project costs

• Deliver the optimal solution to support Westford’s educational needs

Investing in school infrastructure strengthens both our education system and the future of Westford.

Clear communication helps residents stay informed and engaged in local decision-making. Town government should make information accessible, timely, and easy to understand.

Residents deserve to know what is happening in their community and how town decisions affect them.

Communication Priorities

• Expand digital town communications and newsletters

• Improve the usability of the Westford town website

• Increase use of social media and online updates

• Strengthen partnerships with community media

• Provide plain-language explanations of major town initiatives

• Improve engagement with all of Westford’s communities

Better communication builds trust and helps residents participate in shaping Westford’s future.

Westford has an opportunity to pursue sustainability initiatives that both reduce environmental impact and lower long-term operating costs for the town. Smart energy investments benefit taxpayers and support long-term environmental goals.

Sustainability Priorities

• Expand energy efficiency upgrades in town buildings

• Support solar energy projects where appropriate

• Plan gradual electrification of the municipal vehicle fleet

• Expand EV charging infrastructure where practical

• Pursue state and federal sustainability grants

These initiatives help Westford reduce energy costs while building a more sustainable future.

Safe streets are essential for residents of all ages. Families walking to school, residents exercising outdoors, and cyclists traveling around town should feel safe using Westford’s roads and sidewalks. Westford has made important progress through Complete Streets initiatives and pedestrian safety improvements, but additional work remains.

Key Priorities

• Expand sidewalks and safe walking routes throughout Westford

• Improve crosswalk visibility and pedestrian signals

• Continue implementing Complete Streets projects

• Enhance safety around schools and neighborhood intersections

• Expand bicycle and multi-use trail connectivity

• Provide Westford Police the resources they need to keep the roads safe for all residents

Improving pedestrian and bicycle safety helps create a healthier and more accessible Westford for everyone.

Westford’s parks, trails, and recreation programs are essential to the town’s quality of life. Families, students, and seniors all benefit from well-maintained recreational facilities. Investing in recreation strengthens community health and helps keep Westford a vibrant place to live.

Recreation Priorities

• Maintain and upgrade town athletic fields and courts

• Expand access to walking trails and open space

• Support improvements to playgrounds and recreation facilities

• Ensure long-term maintenance planning for recreation infrastructure

• Promote recreation opportunities for residents of all ages

Westford’s recreation system should continue to grow and serve the entire community.