Bill Rice is a candidate for the Seekonk Planning Board. He moved to Oak Hill Avenue from Barrington five years ago with his wife, Martha Rice Sanders to enjoy the rural quality of the town. Bill regularly attends meetings of the Seekonk Conservation Commission and Planning Board to understand how Seekonk manages land development. Along the way he’s learned that many residents are overwhelmed by the pace of development in the town and that they seek ways to assert some control over the loss of open space and the changing nature of the rural environment in Seekonk.
He understands that the simplest remedy is to revise zoning regulations. He states that he will represent the town’s citizens to insure that zoning laws changes and planning board decisions consider their concerns for the rural aspects and open spaces of Seekonk. He knows that the volunteers serving on the Boards and Commissions of the town seek the voters’ input. He states that, ‘If elected, I will always be available to hear your concerns and to find ways to make them heard.’
Bill grew up in the forests of the Pacific Northwest. He developed a deep connection to the environment and seeks a land ethic that puts water, trees and soil on equal terms with development. Acting on his beliefs, he became a member of the Seekonk Land Trust (recently elected to its’ board) and the Massachusetts Community Preservation Act Seekonk ballot committee. He encourages every person in Seekonk to work cooperatively with the Planning Board for the future of their community. Bill understands that planning needs input from the public to collectively organize the present and future look and feel of the town. Planning can assure both the protection of Seekonk's quality of life and its economic viability.
Wed Feb 18, 2009 11:40 pm terrybohax