Energy & Resilience Questions for Canton Select Board Candidates
On February 6th I was sent this email:
Each year, Canton Residents for a Sustainable Equitable Future (CR4SEF) poses a series of questions related to energy, climate and community resilience to all candidates running for Select Board and candidates running for other elected seats in our district. Your responses will be published in the Canton Citizen and other media outlets, including on our website at SustainableCanton.org.
Canton Climate, Energy and Resilience Questions for Select Board Candidates 2026
1️⃣ What impresses you most about the new Galvin Middle School standards for energy generation and efficiency?
a. Being built to Opt-In Specialized Code standards
b. Unlocks ~$6M in MSBA grant incentives to recoup project construction costs
c. Reduces annual operating and maintenance costs by ~$180K
d. Payback for incremental costs in ~3–4 years
Answer
The project is more likely positioned to qualify for $5.5 million in MSBA Green Schools incentive reimbursements, including the maximum four incentive basis points on eligible energy efficiency components. However, not all portions of the project are eligible for reimbursement — such as the auditorium, gymnasium, and fields. In addition, solar panels are required to achieve the full incentive, yet solar installation costs are not currently included in the base project budget and would require a future Town Meeting appropriation.
Because MSBA reimbursements are subject to final eligibility review, it is important that we remain clear-eyed about assumptions regarding grant recovery, incremental costs, and projected 3–4 year payback periods.
2️⃣ Of the Climate Action Plan’s top strategies, what most excites you and how will you support implementation?
Answer
One of the most practical and measurable strategies is Mobility & Transportation, particularly the transition of the municipal fleet.
Canton has invested in EV charging infrastructure, but progress on converting the municipal fleet to electric and hybrid vehicles has not happened. Fleet transition is one of the most controllable and data-driven ways to reduce municipal emissions while potentially lowering long-term fuel and maintenance costs. In addition to the current Climate Action Plan, I'm suggesting the town create bike lanes to improve access to MBTA commuter rail stations.
During my time on the Finance Committee, I encouraged earlier adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles where operationally practical, but was met with resistance from town leadership. Moving forward town leaders who drive town issued SUV's need to consider their social responsibility to achieving these goals and set a precedent by trading in their large SUV's for electric vehicles. The Select Board is approving employee contracts with vehicle perks, but they are failing to implement their carbon reduction polices in these contracts.
3️⃣ Do you support the May 2026 ATM warrant article to adopt the Specialized Code for Canton?
In a sentence, please describe why adding the Specialized Code, which only applies to new construction, to our current Energy Building Code is advantageous for Canton.
Answer
This one needs more then a sentence to explain.
I believe this warrant article deserves careful and comprehensive review before adoption. Applying Specialized Energy Codes in Canton when other surrounding towns do not have this code could be viewed as a new building tax. If we're too early to adopt these building codes this could cause a reduction in local receipts for building permits and new construction tax levy growth.
The Specialized Code primarily applies to new construction and does not address the majority of Canton’s existing housing stock, which accounts for most fossil fuel consumption and building-related emissions. If our long-term goal is meaningful carbon reduction, focusing exclusively on new homes and new buildings will produce only incremental results compared to the broader challenge of retrofitting existing structures.
Under the Specialized Code, new construction would be required to incorporate solar-ready, heat-pump-ready, and EV-ready infrastructure. While some residents and developers may welcome those features, others may not want or need them at the time of construction. Mandating these upgrades increases upfront construction costs, which ultimately affects housing affordability and home prices in an already expensive market.
From a commercial standpoint, we also need to consider competitiveness and economic development. Just about all neighboring towns in Norfolk County have not adopted the Specialized Energy Building Codes. If Canton adopts stricter building requirements than surrounding communities, it could discourage certain commercial or mixed-use development projects from locating here, particularly when developers are comparing permitting costs and regulatory environments across municipalities. Economic development decisions are often sensitive to cost differentials.
Canton has some of the lowest commercial and industrial new growth on record according to the DLS for fiscal year 2026, so perhaps the town should revaluate other towns over the next couple of years to make sure they have a steady stream of new growth added to the levy before proceeding with this policy. I support reducing emissions and improving building efficiency, but believe adoption of the Specialized Code should follow a demonstrated economic and housing impact review.
In practical terms, the compliance costs would fall primarily on the relatively small number of residents and businesses building new structures. While the Town may qualify for up to $1 million in Climate Leader Community grants, that funding is not guaranteed and may decline as more communities participate. The November election for Governor could leave this grant in limbo which is another reason to take a wait and see approach.
If we are serious about climate goals, we should focus on measurable strategies that address existing municipal and residential buildings, fleet transitions, and energy efficiency retrofits — areas where the largest emissions reductions can be achieved.
For these reasons, I believe the proposal requires a thorough analysis, economic impact review, and full community discussion regarding the actual motion.
4️⃣ How will you help support the annual Canton Earth Day event?
a. Commit to attending by announcing your attendance at a Select Board Meeting along with why it matters to the Town and invite residents to join with you in attending.
b. Participate by helping staff a table
c. Help publicize the event with a Press Release and through the Town’s social media
d. Waive the fee for use of Canton High School cafeteria, fund police detail for parking,
e. Address the audience at Earth Day and speak in favor of adopting the Opt-in Specialized Code and warrant article
Answer
If elected to the Select Board, I would be pleased to support the Earth Day event. I believe it is appropriate for Select Board members to encourage civic engagement and community dialogue. In addition, I plan on being a site leader for the fifth consecutive year for the Keep Canton Beautiful event held on April 4th.