🏛️ Bramante Focuses on Fiscal Discipline & Affordability at Select Board Forum

“Candidate highlights cost control, override concerns, and senior affordability“

Select Board candidate Salvatore Bramante used a recent public forum hosted by Reading Recap to emphasize cost control, fiscal discipline, and affordability for residents as he seeks election in the April 7th municipal vote.

Bramante was one of three candidates to participate in the March 26th forum, where candidates responded to questions on town finances, development, infrastructure, governance, and public engagement.

Background and Community Ties

In his opening remarks, Bramante described himself as a lifelong Reading resident who graduated from Reading Memorial High School and has deep family roots in the community. He said having relatives ranging in age from teenagers to seniors gives him a broad, multigenerational perspective on town needs.

Bramante currently serves on the Board of Health and has been a Town Meeting member for four years, including serving as a precinct one chair. Professionally, he works as director of operations for a large Boston‑based company, where he oversees budgets, contracts, and cost‑cutting efforts.

He said those experiences have prepared him to address the financial challenges facing Reading.

Unified Sports and Article 14

When asked about Article 14 of the Town Meeting warrant, which proposes funding Unified Sports through revenue tied to Burbank Ice Arena, Bramante voiced strong support for the program itself but focused on the need for reliable, long‑term funding.

He said Unified Sports should ultimately be funded as a steady budget item rather than relying on variable revenue tied to arena performance. While acknowledging that the Burbank Arena option may be necessary in the short term, Bramante said his priority is ensuring the program is funded consistently and sustainably.

Bramante said he intends to support Article 14 at Town Meeting and expressed hope that it would pass with broad support.

Walkers Brook Drive and Traffic Concerns

On the proposed redesign of Walkers Brook Drive, Bramante expressed opposition to reducing the roadway to one lane in each direction, particularly with three major grocery stores operating along the corridor following the announcement of Trader Joe’s.

He said such a reduction would increase congestion and create safety risks given the volume of traffic drawn to the area. Bramante suggested alternative approaches, including exploring shared‑use sidewalks or creative bike lane designs that would not significantly impede vehicle traffic.

Bramante said safety must remain paramount and that traffic patterns should be reassessed with all current and planned development fully considered.

Budget Pressures and a Potential Override

Bramante acknowledged that an operating override is likely unavoidable in the coming years, citing discussions with members of the Finance Committee that suggested a significant funding gap.

He said the town must conduct a thorough review of budgets and contracts before asking residents for additional revenue. Drawing on recent experience in the private sector, Bramante described having to manage through substantial revenue losses and make difficult cost‑cutting decisions, including staff reductions.

Bramante stressed that affordability, particularly for seniors, must be central to any override proposal and said the town should pursue efficiencies wherever possible.

Opposition to New Local‑Option Taxes

Asked about potential new local‑option taxes that could be authorized by the state, including meals or excise tax surcharges, Bramante said he strongly opposes raising additional taxes at this time.

He expressed concern that new taxes layered on top of potential overrides and capital project costs could price seniors and long‑time residents out of the community. Bramante said introducing new taxes could also jeopardize voter support for an override by muddying the financial picture.

Board Conduct and Collaboration

Addressing long‑standing concerns about Select Board dynamics, Bramante said he believes he has demonstrated an ability to communicate across differences during the current election season.

He described himself as even‑tempered and focused on outcomes rather than ego, saying he does not view town governance as divided into opposing “sides.” Bramante said his goal would be to work constructively with all board members to reach decisions that benefit the entire community.

Public Comment at Meetings

On public comment procedures, Bramante said he favors returning to a more structured format, with limited comment periods at the beginning of meetings rather than ongoing back‑and‑forth during agenda items.

He said public comment should provide residents an opportunity to be heard without turning meetings into debates, adding that everyone deserves respect while meetings must remain efficient and focused.

Pleasant Street Center and Senior Services

Bramante spoke personally about senior services, referencing his family’s experience caring for a relative with Alzheimer’s disease. He said Reading lacks sufficient local programming for seniors dealing with cognitive decline and noted that his family currently must seek services in other communities.

He called for increased support and funding for senior services in the short term and said the town should explore thoughtful reuse options for the Pleasant Street Center once seniors transition to the new Senior and Active Living Center.

Bramante suggested forming a small study group to evaluate potential future uses for the building, including community‑oriented functions that could benefit both seniors and youth.

Priorities for the New Town Manager

Asked about goals for newly appointed Town Manager Jayne Wellman, Bramante praised her experience and leadership and said the town is fortunate to have her in the role.

He identified controlling spending, attracting revenue‑generating businesses, reviewing contracts, and closely monitoring major capital projects as key priorities he would emphasize if elected. Bramante also stressed the importance of protecting seniors from being financially overburdened by rising town costs.

Closing Message

In his closing remarks, Bramante described himself as a lifelong hard worker with deep ties to Reading and said he is motivated by a desire to keep the town affordable and well‑managed.

He asked voters to review his platform, engage with the issues, and cast their ballots in the April 7th election, saying he hopes to bring a practical, collaborative, and fiscally focused approach to the Select Board.

You can watch the full forum below. We’ll be highlighting each participant with individual articles over the course of the week.

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