VOTE
George 'TJ' Walker
for Marion Select Board
Because our community deserves transparency, accountability, and forward thinking.
PRIORITIES
Meeting Marion's Needs
I’m running for Marion Select Board to help our community address today’s imminent challenges, while also adopting a solution-oriented, principled approach to plan strategically for tomorrow.
Repair Crumbling Infrastructure
Marion's roads and sidewalks have fallen into critical disrepair, leaving children and seniors to walk in the streets—and detracting from our community appeal. I have already advocated, by way of citizen petition, for immediate action on our crumbling roads and sidewalks. I will also develop a sustainable long-term maintenance plan for all town infrastructure.
Learn more about my citizen petition, Article 51.
Reduce Water & Sewer Rates
Marion residents face some of the highest water and sewer rates in Massachusetts—for some residents, utility bills exceed property taxes. I will explore regionalization with neighboring communities to reduce costs, address infrastructure inefficiencies, and provide meaningful relief to our residents.
My past work on Marion's utilities demonstrates I'm up to the task. In 1997, I designed and oversaw construction of Marion's first private forced sewer line. When completed, The Point Road Sewer Association provided immediate access to municipal sewer service to 70 homes with failed or failing septic systems.
Improve Fiscal Discipline
Marion taxpayers deserve to know their money is spent wisely. The current practice of underestimating revenues to enjoy surplus “free cash” at the end of the year unnecessarily burdens our residents. I will insist on transparent budgeting and ensure tax dollars are directed to our most pressing community needs.
Additionally, I will recommend the establishment of an Audit Committee to:
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Provide time-sensitive oversight of financial reporting and internal controls
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Review the annual audit
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Handle challenges regarding accounting and auditing matters.
The Audit Committee would be appointed by the Town Moderator to avoid any undue influence. Audit committees are already used in other well-managed communities.
Restore Community Voices
Important town decisions should involve public input. Over the past several years, major spending decisions have been made without adequate advance public review or discussion.
I will restore the practice of bringing significant expenditures and all new staff positions before the Town Meeting and actively solicit community feedback on issues facing our town. I will also promote the provision for remote access for meetings and information sessions to enhance public access and participation.
ABOUT
Meet TJ
With nearly 40 years of dedication to Marion, I offer a unique combination of business acumen, public service, and deep community roots.
Successful Businessman
My career has included managing a variety of commercial marinas, hotels, function centers, and restaurants, where I honed skills in forecasting, strategic planning, and budgeting. I would approach town finances with the same careful scrutiny I apply to my own business operations—ensuring that every dollar is spent wisely and transparently with public consultation throughout the process.
Dedicated Community Member
My wife Kelly and I moved to Marion in 1987 and raised our three children—Channing, Anne and Sarah—in town. I’ve spent decades serving our community as a public servant, volunteer, and coach.
Achievements for Marion
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Authored Marion's first wireless cellular bylaw, which has generated over $1.3 million in revenue to date.
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As Chair of the Planning Board, I persuaded a local developer, in the best interests of the town, to abandon Marion's first 40B housing project, which called for three multi-floor apartment buildings containing 300+ units along Point Road, in favor of building 67 single family homes.The Planning Board team worked with the developer to approve a number of waivers for the project. As a result, the builder donated a playground lot on Joanne Drive, a 68-acre parcel for passive recreation, a half-mile parcel along Point Road to permit a bike/hike path and maintain a buffer between the forest and the housing development.
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Proposed Marion's first private sewer system, providing new service to 70 homes that were dependent on failing or failed septic systems.
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My wife Kelly and I donated a 3.4-acre buildable lot on Cross Neck Road to the Town of Marion for a park/recreation. We also donated a Conservation Restriction for an 18-acre parcel off Point Road, previously subdivided for 6 lots.
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My wife Kelly and I donated a .38-acre buildable lot on Front Street to the Loft Cooperative Preschool.
Academic Qualifications and Accreditations
Juris Doctorate (Law Degree)
Seton Hall University Law School
M.A., Administration and Planning
Northeastern University
B.A., Hamilton College
U.S. Coast Guard Captain 100GT License
with Commercial Towing and Sail Endorsement
TJ's Service to Marion
Weigh in on Article 51
I submitted Warrant Article 51 because our community deserves to have input on the town’s spending priorities. Town officials plan to spend $4.3M on Town Hall renovations, while largely ignoring the fact that our roads and sidewalks have been in dangerous disrepair for far too long. In fact, one of the central themes identified during the 2017 Master Plan public process was the need for improved appearance, safety, and connectivity in the town's roads and sidewalks.
Is this really how Marion residents want to spend our limited funds? Article 51 gives voters the opportunity to weigh in.
Last year's budget only allocated $275,810 for road repairs when the documented cost for road and sidewalk repairs will exceed $12 million. At this rate, it would take decades to complete the repairs—we will never catch up.
This article allocates $2.7 million as a first step to fixing our most critical roads and sidewalks, ensuring vulnerable members of our community (including seniors, young families, and those with mobility challenges) and visitors can safely navigate our town.
By combining existing free cash with a bond, this fiscally responsible approach addresses our most urgent infrastructure problems while providing a clear path forward for maintaining the town we all love.
Display a Sign for TJ
