Major Howard Augustine of the City of Forman has a dilemma: should he support the passage of the Community Preservation Act in his city and, if so, for what purposes?

The Mayor, presently serving in his second term, has been in the midst of a longstanding balancing act. Somehow or other he has remained a close ally of organized labor despite the fact that his new
wife, Patricia Flanagan – the heir to a large mayonnaise fortune – is an avid environmentalist who has contributed freely from her fortune to groups which have worked to stop some of the development
which the Mayor has been encouraging. Ms. Flanagan, who has insisted upon keeping her own name, is very independent of the Mayor in most every way. The Mayor tolerates her conduct, given that her fortune allows him to enjoy a lavish lifestyle, as well as continue his public service.

The passage of the CPA is a very important issue given that Freddy’s Farm, a landmark on the outskirts of the city, is under agreement to a developer who intends to construct a biotech park. One of the few ways for the city to prevent the farm from being developed is to match the purchase price. The town has a right of first refusal. One of the options for doing so is to pass the Community Preservation Act, which would provide for a small property tax surcharge with the receipts there from being matched by the state. These dollars are earmarked for affordable housing, historic preservation or the acquisition of open space. Housing has become an important state-wide issue but the housing crisis is especially acute in Forman given that teachers, firefighters, police officers, nurses and many other public employees can no longer afford to live in the city. Some have also suggested that the city has a moral obligation to house those displaced by hurricanes and other natural disasters. Should the Mayor support the CPA in the upcoming municipal referendum or work against it hoping that the Biotech park will provide “good jobs at good wages”? If he does support the CPA, how should he allocate the proceeds percentage-wise to the three options available (housing; historic preservation and open space)? Keep in mind, in your discussions, that the Mayor is likely to seek reelection to a third term and would be appreciative of the support of organized labor – both the building trades and public employees. Furthermore, keep in mind that Patricia Flanagan is his wife and financial benefactor.