Though his term is ending with Lakeville’s Finance Committee, Christopher Plonka isn’t ready to move past his public service just yet as he joins the race for Select Board this election.

Plonka retired from the U.S. Air Force where he spent 25 years as a weather officer, having received his undergraduate degree in meteorology and his master’s in information technology. He now works as a cybersecurity risk manager for a defense contractor. 

“From my experience as a commander, I’ve learned to juggle multiple priorities,” Plonka said, highlighting his community involvement.

In addition to chairing the Finance Committee, those familiar with the Lakeville Lions Club may have seen Plonka around for some years now as he continues to work with the organization on its community service projects, raising money for the visually impaired and those with diabetes. 

Plonka also serves as a member of the Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School Foundation, which is his daughter’s alma mater, as well as the school’s building committee.

Using his finance knowledge, Plonka said it’s his goal to support Lakeville residents who are facing high taxes, noting he’s committed to maximizing revenue sources and trimming the budget in ways that will not impact services.

While he is a supporter of affordable housing, Plonka said he’s no stranger to the challenges that come with having these developments in areas such as those that lack the supporting infrastructure, adding “the property taxes they bring don’t always offset the impacts of local services.”

Speaking on the Rocky Woods Development, which is now known as SImonds Hills, he said he’s seen the preliminary plans that call for additional wells and upgrades to sewer and does not yet feel comfortable with such a high-density development. 

Though the exact number of units is still up in the air, developer Muhammad Itani’s original proposal for the property called for 200 units, including 44 single-family homes, 46 duplex cottages catering to an older demographic and 11 10-unit condominium buildings. At least 50 of the units would be restricted to people with low to moderate incomes. Plonka added the project also brings up concerns regarding traffic in that area with its proximity to schools. 

“I am opposed to what’s being presented, but I am willing to continue discussions with the developer to try and come up with a solution with appropriate mitigations that satisfies all the stakeholders,” Plonka said.

Another hot issue for Lakeville residents is the future of the Lakeville Hospital property as developers scramble to get the funding necessary to remediate the land. Rhino Capital plans to build 190 units of senior living, including memory care and assisted living; 200 units of multi-family housing and 68 units of 55 and older homes on the site. Lakeville residents had previously rejected plans for a warehouse at the location. The town has been asked to help in securing the necessary grants to get the project moving. 

Plonka said he’s in support of the town helping as long if the developers follow the requirements “as outlined in their application” and if the town moves forward, he plans to hold them accountable.

Like many communities, the schools account for more than 50% of the town budget. Plonka said he’s a big advocate for a sustainable regional school district budget.

He noted his experience with spotting discrepancies, including an $800,000 accounting error he identified in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget with the help of officials from Freetown. Plonka added he was able to help address the discrepancy to ensure no “huge impact” on the budget.

Because of situations like those, Plonka said he’s in support of an independent external audit of the budget. As the town faces further financial challenges, Plonka said his experience in this area is vital and he vows to be “dedicated to an affordable community.”

“Lakeville is a place where if you dedicate your time to the community, the community will support you,” he said.