Chair: Selectmen to Open Door to Residents, Push for Tax Breakdown

Facing re-election next April, Carmen Dello Iacono renewed his call for the Town of Dedham to produce a yearly report of how the town spends taxpayer money.

"lf we just explain what the taxes are and why they are what they are, people will be more comfortable with it," he said in a phone interview.

The selectman took over as chair at the board's April 26 meeting, his second term as chairman.

Dello Iacono acknowledged that the board has put this on the goals sheet before, but even though it hasn't been done, he said he believes people need to see the justification for the tax rate.

"I think that's owed and it isn't unreasonable," he said.

Dello Iacono, who first won a seat on the board in 2004, also advocated for open office hours for selectmen. One member will be at Town Hall from 6 to 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month to answer residents' questions.

Dello Iacono said people may speak up more if they can have a private conversation with the board, rather than addressing them during a public, televised meeting.

"People are shy. They don't always want to speak in public," Dello Iacono said.

Selectmen Michael Butler, who also faces re-election next April, will serve as vice chairman.

For his final major initiative, Dello Iacono said he would meet with chairs of all committees in Dedham to make sure everyone is on the same page with the direction of the town.