Name: Constance “Connie “Alexander

Occupation: Former Tisbury School science teacher for 22 years

Current and previous board service and relevant roles: 

Previous: Tisbury Planning Board – 5 years – former chair

                      Tisbury School Building Committee – 2 years

      Tisbury School Advisory Committee – 18 years

        Big Brothers Big Sisters Advisory Board Chair – 13 years

        Foster Parent

 Currently: Sewer Advisory Board – 6 years

        Community Preservation Committee – 2 yrs

        Zoning Bylaw Review Committee – Chair

        Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program 2.0 - town liaison 

        Tisbury Waterways, Inc. Board – 2 years – non-profit organization in support of municipal, educational and research programs designed to improve local marine quality

Why am I running?

I have been a resident of Tisbury for over 40 years. During that time, I have fallen in love with this town and its people. I would like the opportunity to bring my comprehensive skill set forward to build a more resilient and productive community. My experience involves both the business world and the field of education. I will foster a duality of purpose which recognizes both governance and quality of life.

Most critical issues facing Tisbury:

Tisbury sits at the gateway to the island and as such has unique complex circumstances. We have the smallest land mass of any town on the Vineyard and our tax rate is the highest. We have the lowest per capita income of any town on the Vineyard. We are facing large spending projects such as the high school building project. Our employee turnover has produced gaps in process and service. It is not only about raising revenue. We must focus on possibility, people and place to truly find solutions. 

How I would address these issues:

At my website vineyardbuzz.com I spell out my next steps, if I should be elected. 

1.  Strengthen financial policies and procedures. By supporting our finance department staff with appropriate measures to reach the goals outlined in the Collins Report we can move towards sound financial accountability and planning.  We also need to properly prepare for expansion of the wastewater system to include the B2 district by implementing reasonable policies and procedures. This sewer district expansion, voted on and funded at previous town meetings, is in response to DEP expectations to reduce daily nitrogen load to Lake Tashmoo. 
2. Focus on Capital Planning. Resume the work of the Capital Planning Committee to work with the town administrator to produce scope and sequence for sound long-term capital financial planning using data-driven analysis. 
3. Cultivate Diverse and Creative Housing Opportunities. Work with the Tisbury Affordable Housing Committee and other housing advocacy organizations to cultivate diverse attainable housing options. Use the newly published Draft Housing Production Plan and the Tisbury Master Plan as guidelines.
4. Explore opportunities for collaboration. Without a central town hall our departments, committees, boards and staff have experienced significant siloing. The lack of collaborative opportunity has resulted in serious holes in communication and availability. Research has shown that improving opportunities to come together, small and large, raises morale and production. We must not let our geographic separation reduce relationship and purpose. Encouraging regularly scheduled open office hours can also improve customer service and allow residents, business owners and interested parties to meet with town officials. We must open more channels for communication.

Why me? 

I would sincerely appreciate your vote on election day and here’s why. I will follow a philosophy of possibility, people and place. Dr. Catherine Hall, a leader in education, proposes a three-prong approach to drive successful progress of any kind. Possibility focuses on relationship before task, a shared purpose beyond yourself, embracing teamwork and never worrying alone.  To justly focus on people, we need to keep conversations of affordability and growth on the table at every opportunity and develop avenues for personal and professional growth for municipal employees, residents, business owners and interested parties. Tisbury is our place. Strategic visioning and forging places for connection will build strong community resilience. Remembering that what is visible often portrays what we care about. Let’s visibly work together and turn Tisbury towards a future which is stronger than ever.