On April 1, town election day, we have an unprecedented opportunity for restoring integrity, respect, and balance to our single most critical form of government—the Board of Selectmen.
For too long now, I have been observing and speaking out about the slow but sure degradation of our local government. Decisions, when they are made, have imperceptibly shifted behind the doors of what is looking more and more like a dysfunctional form of local bureaucracy.
Before April 1 I urge every voter in Harvard to pause for a moment and reflect on the implications behind events that have befallen us this past year. No matter where you stand on the issues that plagued us, such as confidential information releases, multiple resignations of distinguished elected officials, delays on Devens disposition, open meeting law complaints, resignation of town auditor, and, of course, widespread outrage on supposedly friendly 40B’s sponsored by the Board of Selectmen, ask yourself this: Why? What deep undercurrent of discontent precipitated such a barrage of discord? What I believe for sure is that town government works best when it is willing to listen, is always open, thoughtful, and decisive in demonstrating courage in leadership, and then communicates effectively.
On April 1, we have critical choices to make. Three people repeatedly stand out as caring and thoughtful leaders with a depth of knowledge and experience in town affairs far surpassing others. They are each committed to our schools, to accelerating the Devens question, working on structural deficits, seeking real alternatives to 40B, and moving the town center septic to a decision—finally.
More importantly, they know that good government really does only work when it is listening and when it truly lives the axiom of “government of the people, by the people and for the people.”
Let your voice be heard.
Without reservation or hesitation I urge you to vote for Leo Blair, Ron Ricci, and Peter Warren for the Board of Selectmen.
Keith Cheveralls
Quarry Lane
