05/05/2026
Experience DOES matter! I would like to let Millis residents know why this could not be a truer statement.
For the past 20 years, I have been the Director and the manager of the second-largest town budget in my role at the Millis Department of Public Works. I have balanced that budget year after year. At times it was a challenge. There were some difficult choices that had to be made regarding what was absolutely needed and what had to wait. I felt this was the most fiscally responsible thing to do.
When thinking about being fiscally responsible, what comes to mind is the 30-year debt for the Tri-County School building project. I think the current plan in place is just a quick fix and as a town we need to come up with a long-term solution.
I proactively sought grants time and time again and was very successful, with the Town of Millis receiving funds in the millions of dollars for projects. I would like to highlight a few here:
D’Angelis Water Treatment Plant Wells 1 & 2: Former State Representative Shawn Dooley, State Representative David Linsky, and I secured a grant for the early testing and design for Wells 1 & 2 PFAS treatment plant.
Well # 3 PFAS Water Treatment Plant: Congressman Jake Auchincloss and I
secured a Federal Grant for $3.4M for the construction of the plant. I also worked with our State Representatives James Arena-DeRosa and Marcus Vaughn and the MassDEP to secure an SRF (State Revolving Fund) Financial Assistance Program loan with zero percent interest for $3.7M for the remaining construction costs. These efforts will lighten the burden on water ratepayers. Millis has always been in the forefront regarding PFAS guidelines and if elected I will continue to assist in this endeavor.
Route 109 Paving Project: When I filed with MassDOT to request funding to assist with the paving of Route 109/Main Street, I was first presented with an offer of $100K. Knowing that would not even be the tip of the iceberg for what we needed, I reached out to State Senator Rebecca Rausch to mediate what the DOT was offering. After many meetings, MassDOT agreed that they would repave the designated sections as outlined by the town and appropriated $1.7M for this project. I feel without due diligence this project would never have been completed.
As an 18-year member of the Millis Planning Board, I am in favor of exploring housing solutions for low-income residents. In order to accomplish this goal, there are regulatory rules and guidelines that must be followed before land transfer of any kind takes place. I also believe we need to create housing that works for the town, not against it. We need to look at all viable options with residents' input.
The Town of Millis needs a five member Select Board. After speaking to many of you who are in favor of this change, I feel strongly that we need to reopen these discussions. It is understood that this will take time. Procedures have to be followed. The more voices we have, the better decisions and better outcomes there will be for the town.
I have been an active member of this community for 20 years. I have served on many other boards over the years, including Cemetery Committee, Community Preservation Committee, Enterprise Advisory Committee, and Millis Fields Study Committee. I want to use the experience I have gained from my involvement with these committees to bring a new perspective to town government. I want to hear your concerns and ask for your insight on matters that are important to all of us. I ask for your consideration to appoint me to the Millis Select Board on May 11th.
Let’s bring Millis forward together.
Jim McKay
McKay4Millis
