Jim MacDonald Focuses on Economy in Ascension to Chair of Selectmen

Jim MacDonald sat with the Avery Oak gavel in his hand as Board of Selectmen chairman praising the work done by the board in years past that helped drive economic development, but also warned of the coming struggles.

“Just because we’ve seen the recovery starting, we are not out of the woods yet,” said MacDonald, who took over as chair for the fifth time in his six terms on the board.

MacDonald, a deputy treasurer for the state, called the development in Dedham in the past few years a positive move for the town.

MacDonald pointed to apartment complexes on NewBridge on the Charles, Rustcraft Road and Legacy Place as

“We have appropriately developed new parcels and existing parcels,” he said. “We have seen our population slightly increase, and that’s a good thing.”

While the town has brought in new restaurants and shops, MacDonald said the board must focus on cultivating small businesses in town to make sure they make it through the economic downturn.

“The small business community in Dedham, Massachusetts and the country is what’s going to get us out of this recession. Is what is going to put people back to work,” he said.

Without naming specific decisions, MacDonald said choices by the board, professional town staff and Town Meeting minimized the impact of the Great Recession on the town.

“Dedham is in a better position today because of the financial management we have,” he said.

Jim MacDonald replaces Sarah MacDonald (they are not related) as chairman on the board. Sarah MacDonald earned another three years on the board with an election win on April 9.

“This has been an unbelievable learning experience,” the outgoing MacDonald said. “I’m looking forward to becoming just a regular member and focusing on just a few priorities.”

Carmen Dello Iacono will serve as vice chairman.

The incoming chair said he is looking forward to an “exciting and busy” year ahead, and with more than 50 weeks left in his three-year term, MacDonald alluded to another run in 2012.

“Hopefully in a year I’ll have the opportunity to run for re-election,” MacDonald said.