Silva, the principal assessor for the town of Wilbraham, is one of 5 candidates seeking 2 seats on the board.
Manuel D. SilvaLUDLOW – Manuel D. Silva, a lifelong resident of Ludlow and the principal assessor for the town of Wilbraham, has announced his candidacy for the Board of Selectmen.
Silva is seeking one of two three-year terms on the Board of Selectmen in the March 26 town election. There are five candidates seeking the two seats.
“With over 30 years experience as the principal assessor in the town of Wilbraham, I believe I am the best choice for Ludlow selectman and the strongest choice with respect to experience,” Silva said.
“I believe I will be a great asset to the Board of Selectmen and town of Ludlow,” Silva said.
He said that fiscal 2013 will prove to be a financially difficult year.
“We need to focus on keeping property taxes down by generating more local receipts, tightening our belts and attracting additional revenue sources,” Silva said.
Silva said he has served on the Fiscal Planning Committee in Wilbraham and understands how each department functions and is an integral part of each local community.
“Tough decisions are going to have to be made, via budget cuts, paying for non-reimbursed storm damage and determining which essential services are priorities,” Silva said.
“With ongoing increases in insurance premiums, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue is looking at assisting communities to reach Group Insurance Commission levels,” Silva said.
“These are going to be challenging decisions, but my government experience will enable me to effectively negotiate in this area,” he said.
“It would be my sincere pleasure to serve the residents of Ludlow,” Silva said. “My only agenda is to make Ludlow a better place to live and even better place to leave our children.”
Silva is married with five children and two grandchildren. He has coached youth soccer for more than 20 years and is a member of the Ludlow Country Club and the Gremio Lusitano Club. He also is a member of Our Lady of Fatima Church.