Tom Fay (incumbent)
ADDRESS: 1 Happy Hollow Road
OCCUPATION AND/OR PREVIOUS SERVICE TO THE TOWN:
Attorney; Chair and member of the Wayland Select Board, May 2009 – 2012, May 2019 – present; Chair of the Wayland Library Planning Committee, January 2015 to February 2019; Chair of the Wayland Town Meeting Rules Advisory Committee, January 2014 – January 2015; Chair of the Wayland Hurricane Relief Steering Committee, August 2005 – March 2009
CAMPAIGN WEBSITE AND/OR SOCIAL MEDIA, IF ANY: TomforWayland.com
Wayland is classified as an MBTA Adjacent Community. Both it and our Housing Production Plan call for two-family and community-scale multifamily dwellings and discourage teardowns. What types of housing that meet these requirements do you think would be best for Wayland?
Some of the challenges the town faces to developing housing in Wayland include environmental hurdles, such as the topography and the type of soil available. Other challenges include large non-developable areas including the town’s extensive waterways, such as Dudley Pond, the Sudbury River, and Heard Pond, as well as flood hazard areas, especially along the Sudbury River, and extensive wetlands. Moreover, Wayland enjoys ample conservation land throughout the community. More conversations are needed to address any housing requirements.
How will the Board ensure that the COA and Recreation will have adequate space for their activities and not be restricted by outside groups wanting to use the space?
The town is fortunate to have excellent staff people leading the Council on Aging and the Recreation Department. These two teams work well together and, to date, have had multiple conversations on scheduling models for the soon-to-open Council on Aging and Community Center (“COA/CC”). It is my understanding that a model has been set up that gives priority to the town and town-related organizations before any external third parties.
Background: My name is Tom Fay. I am finishing up my third term on the Wayland Select Board (“WSB”). I am a 29-year Wayland resident, married, a father of four, and an attorney.
Prior or Current Service: My service to our town includes nine years on the WSB, including two years as chair. I have also served as chair of Wayland’s Library Planning Committee, and the Wayland to Waveland (Mississippi) Hurricane Relief Steering Committee.
Motivation for Running: During the past 16 years it has been a privilege to work alongside so many elected and appointed town leaders who serve on various boards and committees, dedicated town staff, and the many committed town employees who make Wayland special.
Key Issues: Our water source is a critical issue, and residents will need to soon decide whether to be served by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, a relationship that I support. Regarding the town’s budget, we must continue to explore creative cost-saving strategies, such as joint purchasing and collaborating with comparable municipalities.
Relevant Accomplishments: I am proud to have pushed for the creation of the Council on Aging and Community Center which will be completed soon.
Best Advice: The best advice I received is to remember that God gave me two ears and one mouth for a reason.
Additional Information: I will continue to support proven, cost-effective initiatives to help preserve Wayland’s conservation lands, including its 37 miles of hiking trails.
Favorite Free Day: My favorite free day would a long hike at Mainstone Farm.
Enjoying/Relating to the Community: I enjoy a weekly round of golf at Sandy Burr with a large group of Wayland fathers.
