Ask Parks and Rec Candidates: What New Programs Could Make Money?

In the first of a three-part series, Dedham Patch asked the two candidates for Parks and Recreation Commission: What new programs would you try to start that would be able to pay for themselves, or even better, make a profit?

Chuck Dello Iacono

Senior wellness programs will be my main priority and access fees are a subject I take very seriously. Dedham residents are taxed to death already.

Increasing program fees for residents in my eyes is another form of taxation. Fees should be set to operate the programs only. We should not be seeking a profit for our coffers from the residents of Dedham.

That said, non-residents are a different ballgame all together. User fees for a non-resident should be at least double the cost of the Dedham residents.

Donald Reisner

The obvious answer to this question is that we need to have more programs for our seniors. Now that we finally have handicapped accessible bathrooms at the , we need to utilize this building more for seniors. To do this, Parks and Rec, seniors and our town fathers need to work together on what we can do at the building and we also need to have transportation available so they can get to the Dolan Center.

Any programs that the seniors would like and we could provide, I am positive our board would be in support.

One of the more difficult tasks in this day and age that we live in, is to provide programs not only to keep the kids active and off the streets but to put them to work or volunteering to keep them busy.

Some ways to bring in money for more programs could come from Friends of Recreation. To do this will require a complete turnaround in communication. In the past they have purchased equipment and supplies for our parks. With the , I believe these items will be included in the DPW budget. Currently, the board virtually has no communication with Friends of Recreation and that needs to change.

The Flag Day Parade is an event I envision where we can create community enthusiasm and make a profit. First off, I would like to see vendor cart fees raised. They can be a distraction to people viewing the parade. I would like to see Parks and Rec sell T-shirts and flags for all to wear and wave at the parade.  Of course we need to make sure these items are Made in America. To sell these items made anywhere else would be an embarrassment.

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