Anne Marie Wronsky emphasizes communication, septic oversight and water expansion in Lakeville Board of Health bid

Anne Marie Wronsky, a candidate for the Town of Lakeville Board of Health, told a televised candidate interview that improving interdepartmental communication and clearer oversight of septic systems and water quality are top priorities if elected.

Wronsky made her remarks during a Lakeham interview hosted by Joanne Corriere Upham that aired as part of the town's candidate interview series. She addressed concerns tied to planned new housing, community septic systems and open-space cluster zoning that is on the warrant for the town's annual meeting.

Wronsky said communication among town departments should be strengthened to avoid delays and confusion during development reviews. "I value open and honest communications," she said. She told the interviewer that improved coordination among the Board of Health, the planning board and the zoning board of appeals would help the town manage growth and public-health impacts.

On septic systems and real-estate transactions, Wronsky said Title 5 requirements have created friction for some homeowners and agents. "A lot there's been a lot with that that just it it becomes a little bumpy and tough for resident ... for the homeowner and for the real estate agents," she said. She said she would take a "deep dive" into the specific issues affecting septic permitting and Title 5 compliance.

Wronsky addressed two local sites that have drawn planning and health attention. Referring to Rocky Woods, she called water availability and wetlands a "bone of contention" and said the Board of Health should closely review proposals to ensure resident and environmental protections. On LeBaron Hills, she said the existing community septic system has been a source of complaints and needs closer examination.

The open-space residential design (OSRD) bylaw, which will appear on the warrant at the annual town meeting, drew a cautious endorsement from Wronsky. She said she is "a proponent" of OSRD in general but emphasized concerns about the appearance and density of clustered apartment-style buildings and the public-health impacts of community septic systems. "It would be a huge impact on the septic," she said, noting that community systems differ from individual septic systems.

Wronsky said she supports exploring extensions of municipal water lines where practical. She described personal experience with both public water and private wells and said line extensions can reduce risks such as well testing burdens and the expense when a private well runs dry. She acknowledged complexities, including that extending service in Lakeville could involve multiple water providers: "...you're talking about 2 different water companies in Lakeville," she said, referring to service arrangements that would affect where treatment facilities would be needed.

On public education and prevention, Wronsky said the Board of Health should increase outreach on water quality, septic maintenance and tick-borne diseases. She suggested using Lakeham programming, evening forums, and local media to inform residents and recommended holding events at locations with higher attendance.

Asked how she would remain objective, Wronsky said she would listen to all parties, apply relevant rules and regulations, and avoid swift decisions in favor of deliberation that respects residents, business owners and developers. She said she does not have conflicts that would require recusal, noting she rents the space for a business she owns in town.

In closing, Wronsky urged voters to participate in the town election and said "change begins with mainly open minds, and having honest and true conversations." The interview host reminded viewers that the annual town election will be held Monday, April 7, between noon and 8 p.m. at Loon Pond Lodge, Ted Williams Park.

Less central topics raised during the interview included a preference for modest additional restaurants and small retail spaces, and the candidate's support for balancing public health, environmental concerns and property rights through interdepartmental cooperation.