Background and Experience
How long have you lived in Wilmington?
Over 20 years. I have raised my family in Wilmington and have been deeply engaged in the community.
Occupation
Technology professional with 20+ years experience, focused on data-driven solutions and problem solving.
Education
I bring an engineering background with strong expertise in technology, analytics, and systems thinking, along with an MBA from UMass Lowell. This combination allows me to approach town decisions with a data-driven, strategic mindset focused on efficiency, innovation, and long-term results for Wilmington.
Family
I am married, and my children attended Wilmington Public Schools—Suketh is pursuing medicine and Vibhush is studying computer science at Georgia Tech. My wife is a school teacher, giving us a strong connection to education. I am deeply invested in supporting families, strong schools, and Wilmington’s future.
Previous Service on Town Boards & Committees (if any)
I have not yet served on formal town boards, but I bring a fresh, independent perspective shaped by years of community involvement and professional experience. I approach issues with a data-driven mindset, listen carefully, and make thoughtful decisions focused on long-term results for Wilmington.
Volunteer Community Service (if any)
I have over 10 years of volunteer experience in community organizations, serving as Secretary, Vice President, and President. These roles have strengthened my leadership, collaboration, and commitment to service, and I will bring that same dedication to representing and working for the residents of Wilmington.
Town Leadership and Budget
Performance of Town Manager
The Town Manager has provided steady leadership and a clear vision through 2026. He has managed day-to-day operations effectively while maintaining stability during challenging times. I appreciate the progress made and look forward to continued focus on transparency, long-term planning, and delivering results for Wilmington residents.
Performance of Select Board over past 3 years
The Select Board has made progress in moving the town forward, but there is room to improve transparency and public engagement. While agendas are posted on time, meeting packets and supporting communications should be shared in advance to give residents better visibility into decisions and discussions.
Property Taxes
Residents face an increasing property tax burden. While Wilmington’s residential taxes are lower than some neighboring towns, we must grow our commercial tax base and control spending to keep them stable. I’m committed to supporting seniors and fixed-income residents through expanded tax relief programs, and better outreach.
Town's Operational Budget
Wilmington’s operational budget must balance fiscal responsibility with essential services. We need disciplined spending, long-term planning, and greater transparency. I support prioritizing schools, public safety, and infrastructure while identifying efficiencies and expanding revenue sources to reduce pressure on taxpayers and ensure sustainable growth.
Town's Bond Rating
Wilmington maintains a top-tier AAA bond rating, reflecting strong financial management and stability. Preserving this rating requires disciplined budgeting, prudent debt management, and long-term planning. A strong rating lowers borrowing costs, saving taxpayers money while allowing us to invest responsibly in schools, infrastructure, and essential services.
Town's Free Cash Reserves
Wilmington’s ~$40M in free cash reflects strong fiscal management. It should be used for one-time needs—like capital or debt—not ongoing expenses. Using free cash for operations is a glide path to overrides. We must address structural budget issues early to protect long-term stability and taxpayers.
Economic Development
Wilmington has strong potential for economic growth, supported by an active Economic Development Committee working to create more business-friendly zoning and update regulations. We must be more proactive—attracting targeted businesses, filling vacant spaces, and expanding our commercial tax base while preserving our town’s character and quality of life.
Housing, Projects, and Development
Non-Compliance With The MBTA Communities Act
Wilmington is currently non-compliant with the MBTA Communities Act and faces legal and financial risks. I oppose the law as a one-size-fits-all mandate, but we must take a practical approach—complying strategically to restore funding, avoid legal costs, and preserve as much local control as possible.
Senior Housing Needs
We must expand senior housing options and support ADUs so residents can age in place with dignity and affordability. I also support increasing awareness of tax relief programs, transportation, and services that help seniors remain independent and connected within our community.
Potential Purchase Of Sciarappa Farm
The proposed purchase of Sciarappa Farm deserves careful evaluation. While it offers valuable open space, commercial development should not be the priority. We should focus on long-term municipal uses such as conservation and recreation—that benefit future generations, with full transparency on costs, funding, and overall impact before making a final decision.
New Elementary School on Northside of Town
I strongly support the new elementary school on the North Intermediate site. It replaces multiple aging buildings with a modern PreK–5 campus and is more cost-effective long term than renovating several outdated schools. With strong state reimbursement, it’s a smart investment in Wilmington’s future.
Potential Future New Elementary School on Westside of Town
Wilmington’s long-term plan may require a future Westside elementary school as aging facilities are addressed. However, timing is critical—each MSBA project takes 5–7 years and towns can pursue only one at a time. I support planning ahead, but only moving forward when it avoids an additional tax burden.
Potential New Or Renovated Shawsheen Tech
I support the feasibility study for the Shawsheen Tech, but we must proceed cautiously. Before committing significant taxpayer dollars, we need full transparency, clarity on audit concerns, and a complete understanding of long-term financial impacts to ensure this investment is responsible and in the best interest of residents.
New Fire Substation
I strongly support the new North Wilmington fire substation. it is a long overdue investment to improve emergency response times and public safety. With growing demand and coverage gaps in parts of town, this project will ensure faster, more reliable emergency services for residents.
Future of Buzzell School Building (former Senior Center)
Residents supported preserving Buzzell, and I respect that vote. Now we must identify a fiscally responsible, sustainable long-term use. Any decision should be data-driven, balance costs and community benefit, and ensure the building serves a clear purpose for residents moving forward.
Future of Glen Road School Building (former Town Hall)
The Glen Road School (former Town Hall) offers a great opportunity for senior housing. I support exploring this option to help residents age in place. Any plan must be financially viable, well-designed, and aligned with community needs while maximizing long-term value for Wilmington.
Future of Wildwood School site
The future of the Wildwood School site should align with long-term municipal needs. The town has already explored cemetery expansion to address future capacity.
I support considering it as a natural extension.
Future of Woburn Street School Building
The Woburn Street School site should follow a comprehensive plan shaped by community input. As a major town-owned parcel, it could support housing, municipal use, or green space. While decisions are still years away, I look forward to working with residents to guide a thoughtful, fiscally responsible future.
Future of Roman House / Shoud Any Attempt Be Made To Save It?
The Roman House is in significant disrepair, and restoration costs would be substantial. Given the financial impact, I support moving forward with demolition. We should focus on making responsible, cost-effective decisions while considering future use of the site through a transparent, community-driven process.
Potential New DPW Facility
Wilmington’s DPW team does outstanding work and deserves a modern, safe facility. The current facility is aging and constrained. I support planning a new, efficient DPW facility to improve operations—done with careful cost control, pursuit of grants, and a long-term strategy that minimizes taxpayer impact.
Potential New Town-Owned Ice Rink
A town-owned ice rink can be a great community asset, but costs are significant—a two-sheet facility can range from $30M–$45M+, plus ongoing operating expenses. I support exploring it, but only with a full feasibility study, partnerships, and a plan that ensures long-term sustainability without burdening taxpayers.
Recently Constructed Town Hall
The new Town Hall, opened in January, is a long-overdue investment that centralizes town and school administration under one roof. It replaces outdated facilities and improves efficiency. I look forward to it enhancing resident services and serving the community effectively for years to come.
Recently Constructed Senior Center
The new Senior Center is a major, long-overdue investment supporting Wilmington’s growing senior population. It offers modern space for programs, wellness, and social engagement. Moving forward, we should maximize its use—expanding programming, exploring limited shared use, and ensuring it delivers strong value while keeping seniors as the top priority.
Olin Chemical Superfund Site
The Olin Chemical Superfund Site is a long-standing environmental issue, with contamination impacting groundwater and leading to well closures. A $48M cleanup—funded by responsible parties—is underway. I support continued oversight, transparency, and ensuring full remediation to protect public health and our environment.
Unaccepted Ways
Wilmington has 200+ unaccepted ways spanning 30+ miles, raising concerns about safety, drainage, and fairness. I support a clear, consistent policy—prioritizing safety, cost-sharing, and long-term planning—and working with the state where possible to help address these roads responsibly while balancing equity and taxpayer impact.
Transparency of Town Government
Transparency builds trust. Beyond meeting legal requirements, we should publish full meeting packets, supporting documents, and communications in advance. Clear summaries and better communication will help residents understand decisions, stay informed, and participate meaningfully in local government.
Proposed Demolition Delay Bylaw
I support the proposed Demolition Delay Bylaw. It strikes a balanced approach—protecting historically significant properties through a clear review process while respecting homeowners’ rights with a reasonable, limited delay.
Proposed Billboard Zoning Bylaw
I support the proposed, carefully regulated highway billboard where it won’t impact neighborhoods. It can generate new revenue, but we must compare projected income with neighboring towns and ensure strong guidelines on placement, size, and safety—aligning with Wilmington’s character and long-term interests.
Truck Exclusion On Woburn Street
Truck traffic on Woburn Street has raised ongoing safety concerns in residential areas, including pedestrian risks and increased cut-through traffic.
I support pursuing a formal truck exclusion with MassDOT, backed by data, while allowing local deliveries—balancing safety, neighborhood quality, and business needs.
Campaign Platform and Governance
What prompted you to run?
I am running to bring a more proactive, transparent, and data-driven approach to Wilmington. We need to raise the bar—improving communication, strengthening engagement, and making thoughtful decisions that better serve residents and address long-term financial challenges.
What are your top 3 priorities if elected?
My top priorities are expanding the commercial tax base to reduce residential taxes share, strengthening schools through responsible planning, and improving transparency by sharing full meeting materials. I will also prioritize expanding senior tax relief and benefits, focusing on practical, measurable actions that support residents and ensure long-term financial stability.
What problem in our community do you think is most urgent right now—and why?
The most urgent issue is the rising tax burden on residents. With limited commercial growth and increasing costs, homeowners—especially seniors—are under pressure. We need a balanced approach: expand our commercial base, control spending, and plan long-term to keep Wilmington affordable while maintaining quality services.
Are there areas where you believe spending should increase or decrease? Where?
We should increase investment in schools, public safety, and infrastructure. At the same time, we must control administrative costs, improve efficiency, and eliminate unnecessary spending. The goal is a disciplined, balanced budget that prioritizes essential services while protecting taxpayers.
If you had to cut 5% of the town budget, what would you look at first?
I would start with a data-driven review—identifying inefficiencies, overlapping services, and non-essential spending. I would prioritize protecting schools, public safety, and core services, while exploring shared services, operational efficiencies, and cost-saving measures that minimize impact on residents and maintain long-term fiscal stability.
How will you keep residents informed about decisions and policies?
I will keep residents informed through clear, proactive communication—publishing full meeting packets, supporting documents, and summaries in advance. I will use town platforms, social media, and WCTV to ensure information is accessible and easy to understand, while also encouraging two-way engagement and feedback from residents.
What role should data vs. public opinion play in your decisions?
Data should guide decisions, but public input must shape them. I use data to understand impacts, costs, and long-term outcomes, and community feedback to reflect values and priorities. The best decisions balance both—objective analysis with meaningful engagement—so policies are practical, transparent, and aligned with residents’ needs.
What would you do to increase participation in local elections & town meetings?
Increase participation through better outreach and accessibility—clear agendas, hybrid meetings, and simple explanations of issues. I also support improving public comment policies to make participation more welcoming, along with using dedicated websites and direct engagement to help residents stay informed and involved.
What is one position you hold that might be unpopular, and why do you stand by it?
Supporting compliance with the MBTA Communities Act may be unpopular, but I stand by it. Non-compliance risks lawsuits, loss of funding, and loss of local control. I believe we can comply strategically—protecting Wilmington’s character while making responsible decisions that avoid long-term financial and legal consequences.
What differentiates you most from your opponents?
I bring fresh ideas and a data-driven approach backed by technology experience. I strongly support our schools, seniors, and expanding the commercial tax base to ease the residential burden. I focus on transparent, practical decisions that deliver measurable results and long-term value for Wilmington residents.
Do you have any endorsements you'd like to mention?
I am honored to have support from community leaders like School Committee member David Ragsdale and Economic Development Chair Joe Maselli. Their endorsement reflects a shared commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and thoughtful growth. I am focused on earning the trust of every resident through engagement, ideas, and results.
Quick Hits and Contact
Favorite Wilmington Restaurant
Tremezzo Ristorante great Italian food, welcoming atmosphere, local favorite
Favorite Wilmington Business
Symbotic innovative local tech leader creating jobs and shaping the future
Favorite Community Event in Wilmington
Fourth of July Celebration brings the whole community together with pride
Campaign Social Media
https://www.facebook.com/people/Sivakumar-Mallaiyasamy-for-Select-Board/61564195740762/
Contact Info (share whatever you're comfortable with)
sivaforwilmington@gmail.com
