2026 Canton Select Board Candidate Responses to CR4SEF Climate Q&A About Climate, Energy, and Resilience
Each year, Canton Residents for a Sustainable Equitable Future, CR4SEF, poses a series of questions related to energy, climate, and community resilience to all candidates for Select Board. We submit the responses to the Canton Citizen for the public to review and also posts on this website and our Facebook page.
CR4SEF extends a heartfelt debt of gratitude to all our candidates running for public office and for diligently responding to our set of questions.
Responses to each question are in alphabetical order by candidate and preceded by our report card score and question number. Our scores are based on four criteria applied to a total scale score of 1-3, with 3 as the highest. Evaluation and ratings were conducted by the CR4SEF Board.
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Four Criteria
1) Promotes sustainable practices (ex. basic energy efficiency, helps ensure access to information and resources)
2) Increases and supports access to clean energy
3) Advances a planned, sustainable, resilient future for Canton
4) Reasonableness of proposals
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2026 Candidate Report Card
Question 1 ~ What impresses you most about the new Galvin Middle School* standards for energy generation & efficiency?
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Being built to Opt-In Specialized Code standards
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Unlocks ~$6M in MSBA grant incentives to recoup project construction costs
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Reduces annual operating and maintenance costs by ~$180K
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Payback for incremental costs in ~3–4 years
*GMS Team, including AI3, Consigli, et. al., reviewed & affirmed reasonableness of assumptions & figures based on information available as of January, 2026.
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​​​​Beckham Q1 (Score: 3) What impresses me most is the intersection of environmental foresight and fiscal responsibility. By hitting these high efficiency standards, we are not only being good stewards of the planet, we are also protecting Canton's tax dollars. Securing $6M in grant incentives and reducing annual overhead by $180k is a robust financial strategy. This helps ensure our school budget remains focused on students and educational programming, not on mounting utility bills.
Clough Q1 (Score: 3) The project is more likely positioned to qualify for $5.5 million in MSBA Green Schools incentive reimbursements, including the maximum four incentive basis points on eligible energy efficiency components. However, not all portions of the project are eligible for reimbursement — such as the auditorium, gymnasium, and fields. In addition, solar panels are required to achieve the full incentive, yet solar installation costs are not currently included in the base project budget and would require a future Town Meeting appropriation. Because MSBA reimbursements are subject to final eligibility review, it is important that we remain clear-eyed about assumptions regarding grant recovery, incremental costs, and projected 3–4 year payback periods.
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McCourt Q1 (Score: 3) I’ve spent a significant amount of time on the Galvin Middle School project and am very excited to see all our hard work and plans come together. The design of the new building is intended to comply with specialized energy-generation and efficiency codes. The concept as a whole seems not only promising but also beneficial to the town, provided the statistics and estimates come to fruition. The difficulty is that we won’t know the true benefits until the building is finished and operating at full capacity for at least a year.
Murphy Q1 (Score: 3) While I appreciate the prompt to select one, the strength of the Galvin Middle School project lies in the Nexus of all four factors. You cannot isolate one without weakening the others. What impresses me most is the strategic chain reaction these standards create: By designing to the Opt-In Specialized Code standards (a), the project is positioned to unlock ~$6M in MSBA grant incentives (b).
When you combine that capital offset with the ~$180K in annual operational savings (c), the town achieves a remarkable 3-4 year payback (d) on the incremental costs. This is a premier example of the 'Grants-First' approach I am championing. It proves that when we align our facilities with high-performance standards, we aren't just being environmentally conscious; we are being fiscally responsible by leveraging state partnerships to protect our local taxpayers. The Galvin Middle School project proves that sustainability isn't a cost—it’s a smart fiscal strategy.
Question 2 ~ On June 10, 2025, the Select Board voted 5-0 in support of Canton's Climate Action Plan and Decarbonization Roadmap. The Plan enhances coordination of the Town's sustainability efforts while enhancing resilience through climate adaptation & mitigation.​
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Of the Top High-Impact Strategies listed in the plan (below), which most excites you and how will you support implementation? Link to view the Committee
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Beckham Q2 (Score: 3) The strategy that excites me most is ECR 2: Accelerate Municipal Decarbonization and Energy Efficiency. In my professional life as a financial educator, I teach that the smartest way to build wealth is to eliminate waste; ECR 2 is essentially a waste-reduction plan for Canton. By targeting fossil fuel use in our municipal buildings and fleets, and emphasizing improved efficiency and the use of renewable energy, we are aggressively cutting the recurring overhead costs that drain our annual budget.
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Clough Q2 (Score: 2) One of the most practical and measurable strategies is Mobility & Transportation, particularly the transition of the municipal fleet. Canton has invested in EV charging infrastructure, but progress on converting the municipal fleet to electric and hybrid vehicles has not happened. Fleet transition is one of the most controllable and data-driven ways to reduce municipal emissions while potentially lowering long-term fuel and maintenance costs. In addition to the current Climate Action Plan, I'm suggesting the town create bike lanes to improve access to MBTA commuter rail stations.
During my time on the Finance Committee, I encouraged earlier adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles where operationally practical but was met with resistance from town leadership. Moving forward town leaders who drive town issued SUV's need to consider their social responsibility to achieving these goals and set a precedent by trading in their large SUV's for electric vehicles. The Select Board approves employee contracts with vehicle perks, but they are failing to implement their carbon reduction policies in these contracts.
McCourt Q2 (Score: 2) I’m most in favor of ECR 1, which ultimately builds a better foundation to allow us, as a community, to have a smoother transition into decarbonization. My concerns right now focus heavily on what we have available financially. Being more environmentally aware is something we all need to be more mindful of. The current fleet of vehicles we have operates under immense strain and requires a lot of consistent energy to function at full capacity. I think hybrid vehicles are worth researching and potentially investing in in the future, but for now, we have to find a middle ground between our demands and our development.
Murphy Q2 (Score: 3) I am most excited by Strategy ECR1: Staffing a Municipal Energy & Sustainability Position. While every strategy in the Decarbonization Roadmap is vital, ECR1 is the foundational engine that makes the others possible. Without a dedicated professional to provide the necessary bandwidth, our goals for decarbonization and building efficiency risk remaining aspirational rather than operational.
This role is the "missing link" that transforms high-level goals into actionable, funded projects. I will support this role by framing it as a Sustainability & Energy Manager. While I have highlighted the fiscal advantages of this position at many town board and committee meetings in which I have participated, its primary value lies in its ability to coordinate our climate goals across all municipal and school departments. This manager will provide the professional oversight needed to execute our High Impact Strategies, specifically by synchronizing efforts in energy conservation (ECR), built environment (BE), and transportation electrification (MT).
By centralizing these efforts, we move past a "siloed" approach to a more integrated model of governance. I will advocate for a results-driven staffing model designed to ensure this position more than pays for itself through the aggressive pursuit of grants. This individual will help us capture the state and federal dollars—including Climate Leader incentives and technical assistance—that require consistent, professional oversight to secure. My goal is to provide Canton with the specialized expertise needed to fully execute our Climate Action Plan, delivering a more resilient future by maximizing the reach of every available grant dollar.​​​​​
Question 3 ~ Do you support the May 2026 Annual Town Meeting (ATM) warrant article to adopt the Specialized Code for Canton?
In a sentence, please describe why adding the Specialized Code, which only applies to new construction, to our current Energy Building Code is advantageous for Canton.
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Note: This important addition to the Energy Building Code will position Canton to qualify for Climate Leader Community Status (See list of communities). Adopting the code at May ATM and achieving CLC status, will unlock up to 1$M in state grants and technical assistance for the build out of clean energy generation and storage.
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Beckham Q3 (Score: 3) Yes, I support the adoption of the Specialized Code as a sound financial move and as a strategic investment in our town's future. This code ensures that new construction is built to last for a net-zero future while immediately qualifying Canton for up to $1M in grants that keep our local property tax burden lower. Opting in now gives us a head start on an environmentally and fiscally sustainable future.
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Clough Q3 (Score: 1) I believe this warrant article deserves careful and comprehensive review before adoption. Applying Specialized Energy Codes in Canton when other surrounding towns do not have this code could be viewed as a new building tax. If we're too early to adopt these building codes this could cause a reduction in local receipts for building permits and new construction tax levy growth.
The Specialized Code primarily applies to new construction and does not address the majority of Canton’s existing housing stock, which accounts for most fossil fuel consumption and building-related emissions. If our long-term goal is meaningful carbon reduction, focusing exclusively on new homes and new buildings will produce only incremental results compared to the broader challenge of retrofitting existing structures.
Under the Specialized Code, new construction would be required to incorporate solar-ready, heat-pump-ready, and EV-ready infrastructure. While some residents and developers may welcome those features, others may not want or need them at the time of construction. Mandating these upgrades increases upfront construction costs, which ultimately affects housing affordability and home prices in an already expensive market.
From a commercial standpoint, we also need to consider competitiveness and economic development. Just about all neighboring towns in Norfolk County have not adopted the Specialized Energy Building Codes. If Canton adopts stricter building requirements than surrounding communities, it could discourage certain commercial or mixed-use development projects from locating here, particularly when developers are comparing permitting costs and regulatory environments across municipalities. Economic development decisions are often sensitive to cost differentials.
Canton has some of the lowest commercial and industrial new growth on record according to the DLS for fiscal year 2026, so perhaps the town should revaluate other towns over the next couple of years to make sure they have a steady stream of new growth added to the levy before proceeding with this policy. I support reducing emissions and improving building efficiency but believe adoption of the Specialized Code should follow a demonstrated economic and housing impact review.
In practical terms, the compliance costs would fall primarily on the relatively small number of residents and businesses building new structures. While the Town may qualify for up to $1 million in Climate Leader Community grants, that funding is not guaranteed and may decline as more communities participate. The November election for Governor could leave this grant in limbo which is another reason to take a wait and see approach. If we are serious about climate goals, we should focus on measurable strategies that address existing municipal and residential buildings, fleet transitions, and energy efficiency retrofits — areas where the largest emissions reductions can be achieved.
For these reasons, I believe the proposal requires a thorough analysis, economic impact review, and full community discussion regarding the actual motion.
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McCourt Q3 (Score: 1) Based on the information currently presented to me, I cannot confidently vote in favor of Article 27 that has been presented to the town of Canton. I want to hear more in detail from stakeholders such as the building commissioner, the electrical inspector, the plumbing inspector, the planning board, the zoning board, the Canton Economic Development Community, Canton Association of Business and Industries. I’ve reached out to these groups and am still waiting to hear responses from everyone and gather as much information as possible.
With my vast experience in construction, decarbonizing buildings is something we need to tackle carefully and gradually, with thorough research and tracking current home and remodel costs. At the current moment, the cost of remodeling and building a home is at an all-time high. These changes, which are important not just for our community but also for our environment, can’t be done efficiently until the cost of owning and buying a home is more affordable. This is a big step for the town of Canton, and it should be on the ballot before going through the town meeting process. The bill's wording is complicated and confusing, making it very difficult for the average person to understand. Once it’s passed, you can’t take it back.
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Murphy Q3 (Score: 3) Adopting the Specialized Code is a strategic advantage for Canton because it ensures new construction meets high-performance standards while simultaneously helping to unlock our status as a Climate Leader Community, which provides access to $1 million in state grants and technical assistance to fund our town’s clean energy transition. I am 100% committed to the passage of this article. As a member of the Sustainability Climate Action Plan (SCAP) committee, I recognize the extensive effort our committee and consultants are putting into a robust education plan that is currently being executed to inform our residents and boards. If elected, I will work collaboratively with my colleagues on the Select Board to advocate for the passage of Article 33 at the upcoming Annual Town Meeting in May and vote in favor of its adoption.
I was deeply disappointed by the current Select Board’s recent 2-3 vote against supporting this article—a decision that directly contradicts the Board's own stated goal of becoming a Climate Leader Community. Furthermore, the 3-year funding cycles for state grants mean that failing to pass this at Town Meeting puts $1 million in potential funding at risk, as we would likely have no further opportunity to pass the article until the May 2027 Annual Town Meeting. During their review of this Article, the Board voted without permitting members of the SCAP Committee present to speak on the matter, leaving the SCAP Committee Chair and myself with no choice but to use the Public Comments portion at the end of the meeting to provide the facts necessary to address their concerns. As your Select Board member, I will not offer false excuses for delay. I will provide the clear advocacy needed to help Canton secure Climate Leader status and ensure we do not miss this critical window to obtain state investment for our climate action goals.
Question 4 ~ This spring we will hold the 7th Annual Canton Earth Day Event. How will you support this event? Here are five ways.
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At a Select Board meeting, announce your attendance at the event, share why it matters, and encourage residents to join you in attending.
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Participate by helping staff a table
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Help publicize the event with a Press Release and through the town’s social media
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Waive the fee for use of Canton High School cafeteria, fund police detail for parking
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Address the audience at Earth Day and speak in favor of adopting the Opt-in Specialized Code & Warrant article
Beckham Q4 (Score: 3) Yes, given the information I have now, I commit to voting in favor of the ATM warrant article. I believe that when residents learn about this program, they too will agree that it is the right move for Canton’s long-term sustainability, both environmentally and economically.
I also commit to speaking and educating the community about this proposal. Once residents understand that this code applies only to new construction and large-scale additions, and see how nearby communities like Norwood and Milton have already adopted it, they will recognize it as a "consumer protection" measure. Residents will be protected by the lower operating costs of high-efficiency homes, proving that what is good for the planet is also good for Canton. I would be willing to help in any and all of the ways outlined.
Clough Q4 (Score: 2) If elected to the Select Board, I would be pleased to support the Earth Day event. I believe it is appropriate for Select Board members to encourage civic engagement and community dialogue. In addition, I plan on being a site leader for the fifth consecutive year for the Keep Canton Beautiful event held on April 4th.
McCourt Q4 (Score: 3) I have participated in Earth Day multiple times and highly encourage everyone in the community to get involved, however they can. Based on your list of suggestions, I would gladly announce my attendance at a Select Board meeting, speak on record about the importance of the event, and waive the fee for the Canton High School cafeteria and the police detail for parking.
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Murphy Q4 (Score: 3) I believe that local events like Earth Day provide a valuable touchpoint for residents to connect with our town’s sustainability efforts. If I am fortunate enough to be elected, I will commit to supporting the May 3rd event by doing the following:
A. Public Advocacy: I will announce my attendance at a Select Board Meeting prior to May 3rd, inviting residents to join me in learning about our town’s progress implementing our Climate Action Plan and my support for the Specialized Energy Code.
B. Presence and Participation: I plan to attend the event and would be happy to staff a table, as it is the best way to engage directly with residents and hear their concerns and ideas.
C. Promotion: While I will be in my first weeks of office, I will encourage the use of the Town’s existing communication channels to encourage residents to attend the event.
D. Logistical Support: Because the event falls within my first few weeks on the Board, a final decision on facility fees may already be reached. However, I would still be open to discussing ways the Town can support the logistics of the event in the future to ensure it remains a successful resource for our community.
E. Direct Engagement: Since I will be in attendance, I would welcome the opportunity to address the audience to speak on the strategic importance of adopting the Specialized Energy Code at the upcoming Town Meeting.
This event is a great opportunity to explain how adopting this code is a win for both our environment and our fiscal future. I view Earth Day as an annual opportunity for sharing the work being done to implement our Climate Action Plan and listening to the priorities of the people we serve. I look forward to participating this May.​
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