Would offer experience, consensus-building

Bob Eubank. (Courtesy photo)

Bob Eubank believes that it’s important to hear everyone’s point of view. “I don’t believe in factionalism,” he says. “I believe that everyone’s got something good to say and offer.”

Eubank, a resident of Old Schoolhouse Road, is a candidate for the Board of Selectmen. He is completing a three-year term on the board and is currently running against Peter Warren for the one-year position that is open.

Eubank has been a resident of Harvard for the past 34 years. He is a graduate of Colgate University and has an MBA from Northeastern University. He also completed the Harvard Business School Executive Development Program and the Harvard Law School Mediation program. Additionally, he served as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps.

Currently, Eubank is executive director of the Northeast Human Resources Association and previously was president of the consulting firm Swift Murdock. His background and experience combine general business management, human resources, legal, information systems, operations, and strategic planning.

Eubank has been an active town volunteer. He has served on the Zoning Board of Appeals as an alternate member, on the Planning Board as an associate member, and on the 40B Advisory Group for the Trail Ridge project. He has also been a library trustee and a soccer coach.

Eubank would like the opportunity to serve for another year on the board. He describes the one-year position as a “singular thing” which would offer him the opportunity to “continue to work on things that have been important and see them through.”

Eubank believes that with so many openings on the board, his presence would help to provide continuity.

“It would be useful to have three people [on the board] with some experience,” he says. “In the past three years I’ve learned a lot, gathered information, and hopefully made some contributions.”

For Eubank, the key issue facing the town today is the structural deficit. He notes that the town’s budget issues impact every aspect of town life, from the schools, to town center planning, to Devens. He strongly supports Town Administrator Tim Bragan’s move to create a Fiscal Impact Analysis Team to analyze the town’s structural deficit and offer solutions.

Eubank also supports recent efforts to solve the town center’s septic issues. He acknowledges that some residents may feel frustrated with the slow pace of progress, but says, “What we’re trying to do is take it one step at a time and have a sensible set of plans based on a thorough analysis. It’s a complicated issue, and we have to do our homework. More importantly, we have to be able to present our findings and positions in easy-to-understand terminology so people have a sense of what is happening. More than half the challenge is to present information to the town in easily understood ways.”

Eubank recalls the success of the library trustees presenting the case for the new library as an example of effective information sharing. In considering the best way to share information about the town center’s septic options, he says, “I would hope that we can do something similar.”

Eubank’s approach is similar when it comes to addressing the Devens question. Eubank has made it clear in the past that he was reluctant to make a final decision due to the lack of concrete data about the potential benefits and liabilities associated with taking back Harvard’s historic lands. He is eagerly awaiting next month’s report from Mass Development, which addresses some specific questions about the current status of the commercial and industrial build-out, the amount of acreage currently deeded to Mass Development, and assessed valuation of land and structures.

For Eubank, the key elements in being able to serve as selectman include the ability to gather and analyze information, the willingness to hear multiple viewpoints, and the commitment to engage in thoughtful decision-making.

“I’ve tried to be somebody who listened to all points of view and used some common sense in reaching my positions,” he says.

When asked about feedback from some town residents that the selectmen are not accessible enough, he responds, “I’m not sure I agree with the view that the selectmen don’t listen. We do listen, and we try to offer opportunities for [individuals to share their views] as much as possible.”

“Our system relies on a group of active, informed volunteers, and an informed public,” he says. “Our responsibility is to make sure that we’re cognizant of that and use that in the decision-making process. But that takes some time.”

In considering this spring’s race, Eubank reiterates his respect for his running mates. “I’m really impressed by the quality of the candidates we have and by the spirit of cooperation.”

As for why voters should choose him, Eubank says, “Take a look at the contributions I’ve made, the kind of person I am, and the skills and background I have. If you believe those would be useful and valuable, then check my name.”

Note: Bob Eubank is running against Peter Warren for a one-year term on Harvard's Board of Selectmen. He was not available for an interview when the other selectmen candidate profiles were published in the March 14 issue of the Press.