George Allen
Tell us about yourself and your background.
I’m married, have one adult child, and have lived in Swampscott for more than 40 years. I’m the chief scientist at a small non-profit environmental organization in Boston (NESCAUM) that works with the eight northeast states and the U.S. EPA on climate, energy and air pollution issues. I am a Town Meeting member and a member of the Swampscott Climate Action and Resilience Committee. I have a solar powered car and host the Swampscott Harbor Cam on the rear of our house: https://hazecam.net/camsite.aspx?site=boston.
What makes you qualified for this position?
I have a background in environmental science and public health, with a degree in engineering from Tufts University. Prior to my position at NESCAUM I was at the Harvard School of Public Health on the professional research staff for more than 25 years. I have been working with the town and other stakeholders to review and interpret the data from last summer’s King’s Beach UV pilot as well as measuring the air pollution related to that project. I’ve also provided guidance to the town and the King’s Beach Steering Committee on follow-up measurement approaches to assess pollution from Stacy’s Brooks (yes, plural B there are TWO completely separate brooks – one in Lynn and one in Swampscott).
Why did you choose to live in Swampscott?
I was drawn here by its location and have stayed for its character and community.
What made you decide to run for this office now?
I was drafted by an outgoing BOH member who thought my experience would be a good fit for this office. I’m approaching retirement and will have more time to devote to public service. It is time for me to give back to the town I’ve lived in since 1984.
What life or professional experiences most shaped your perspective on public service?
Twenty years of experience serving on the U.S. EPA Clean Air Science Advisory Committee and its review panels gave me a sense of the value that shared expertise and collaboration bring to shaping public health policy and environmental regulations.
What are the top three issues facing Swampscott now?
Balancing the need for open space with development, sound fiscal management, planning for future effects of climate change in a vulnerable coastal environment.
If elected, what will be your top priorities for the first year?
My first priority will be getting the BOH more involved in the town’s approach to resolving the issues related to beach water quality and public messaging, outreach and data availability. Exemptions to the MassDEP open burning regulations is also a topic of concern given my experience with the health effects of air pollution.
How will you make sure residents’ voices are heard?
I would encourage residents to attend BOH meetings when there is a topic of interest, contact me directly to raise any concerns, and make sure the minutes of BOH meetings are posted on the town web site promptly.
If voters remember only one thing about your campaign, what do you hope it is?
I’m an enthusiastic advocate in keeping Swampscott a healthy place to live (and swim).
Favorite spot in town?
Fisherman’s Beach.
