Submitted to The Hingham Anchor by candidate Bob Keyes
I am seeking re-election to the Housing Authority to carry forward my 26 year successful record dedicated to the Authority’s statutory mission: to offer a range of safe, decent, and affordable housing choices to serve moderate and low-income families, the elderly, veterans and people with disabilities.
This includes being part of the Authority team responsible for procuring funds for the Thaxter Street apartments, Fort Hill Street Captain Anderson home for displaced veterans, and Scotland Street family home. Going forward, I would like to stay involved as the Authority expands its mission on its Beal Street property. I am also a strong advocate for a tenant association, and a mandatory tenant seat on the Authority.
An Authority member’s task is not an easy one. Due to state requirements an Authority operates on a shoe-string budget, primarily funded by restricted tenant rents and the state and federal budgetary process.
I would like to take this opportunity to clear up a misunderstanding about the Authority. Many think (mistakenly) the Authority and its property are a part of the Town government. They are not. While three of its five members are elected by Hingham voters, the Authority is a separate state government entity created under statute (G.L. c. 121B) directly regulated by and answerable to the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
An Authority member has an express statutorily imposed legal fiduciary duty to the Authority. Although fostering of a good working relationship with its neighbors and municipality is a key goal of an Authority, state law mandates this fiduciary duty must be paramount even in the face of pressure from local interests if it would violate this duty. An Authority member must be committed to persevering in the face of such adversity.
Consequently, our legal frame-work and day-to-day operations (performed by its Executive Director) are somewhat unique. For those reasons, there is a steep learning curve for new members without a Housing Authority background and DHCD requires substantial on-going training.
I also wish to briefly address the matter of the Authority’s Beal Street property.
The Selectmen’s 2001 document at issue regarding demolition of the Authority’s two buildings and transfer of its land provides it was subject to state approvals. State law mandates no conveyance of the Authority’s land can legally occur without the state’s express authorization, which has never been granted.
Fortunately, the subsequent 2002 Town Meeting vote on the Selectmen’s Article 25 authorized but did not require the Selectmen to acquire the land. This presents an opportunity to reasonably resolve this matter: by reaching an agreement resulting in the Authority’s reimbursement of Town taxpayer money spent in demolishing the Authority’s two buildings. The Authority has communicated this resolution to the Selectmen.
In closing, given my 26 years on the Authority, I offer the invaluable institutional knowledge and experience critical to the success of the Authority’s mission.
Please help me help the less fortunate. I am up to the task, and respectfully ask for your vote on April 27th.
Thank you.
Submitted to The Hingham Anchor by candidate Bob Keyes