Ask Parks and Rec Candidates: What Are Your Thoughts on Proposed DPW-Parks Merger?

In the second of a three-part series, Dedham Patch asked the two candidates for Parks and Recreation Commission: Under a proposed warrant article, the DPW would take over field maintenance responsibilities from Parks and Rec. What's your opinion on this and how will it effect the department and the fields?

Chuck Dello Iacono

A plan needs to be put together and followed by a great deal of research. I’m not talking about an elected body study either, the study should be performed by the people who us the parks the most. A collaborative of mothers, fathers, seniors, veterans, nannies, board members of sports groups such as baseball, softball, football, and soccer, and, of course, the children.

There is no question that the DPW director Joe Flanagan has done a tremendous job around town. But, this plan will only work if he stays as the DPW director. What happens when he decides to move on?

If the citizens of Dedham want a merger between the two departments I will support their decision 100 percent.

Donald Reisner

My initial reaction when I was first told of this article was that is was a good idea. I still believe it may be, however, I need to be shown why and how the article makes sense.

I attended a meeting on this article with the Finance Committee and I went with an open mind. [Town Administrator] Bill Keegan presented a Power Point on the benefits this article will provide. It did not have any negatives or potential issues that this article may present. The main focus of the overall Power Point seemed to be efficiency. Every part of this presentation made it seem like a no brainer to support the article. But, it had no facts or data to back this up.

When questions were asked most were answered with "I don’t know that answer right now" or "that is something we will have to work out." One subject Bill referred to was that 16 or 17 surrounding towns are operating in this manner. That to me sounds great but what towns and did they ever operate in the system we have now and if so why did they change? Do they have an elected commission that has care, custody and control of the town parks? Speaking of the care, custody and control, one of the bullet points in this presentation was the commission would still retain this. I would have to debate care and control if passed.

There are union issues that need to be worked out – seniority, wages and job descriptions that are not answered. In making this more efficient for the department, will it cost the town more money or would it save money and how much? Will Bob Stanley’s pay eventually be reduced? I hope not. I will support this article, but only when we are given more definitive answers.

Candidate Snapshots:

Chuck Dello Iacono
Age: 44
Married to Jennifer (Bradley) Dello Iacono
Daughter: Jamie
Occupation: Owner/Chef The Chuck Wagon Catering Service
Former Town Meeting member 
Parks and Recreation commissioner 2006-2009 (chairman 2008-2009)
Sponsor and organizer James Joyce Ramble 2001- present 

Donald Reisner 
Age: 47
Married to Laurie Reisner
Father of DJ, age 21, and Steven, age 18
Occupation: Signal maintainer 
Former Town Meeting member 
Parks and Recreation commissioner 2005-present
Pop Warner Board of Directors 2000-2005