Good schools are important to me, and not because I have children who attend them—I don’t! But living in a town with an excellent school system confers many benefits beyond maintaining property values. Great schools attract good neighbors who value education, as I do. Great schools are associated with a vibrant civic and cultural life, as we have here in Harvard. Great schools often serve as the glue that binds a community together.
As an indirect beneficiary of Harvard’s great schools, and as a taxpayer, I follow the proceedings of the School Committee with interest. I think Stu Sklar is a critical member of that committee and I enthusiastically support his reelection bid. I appreciate Stu’s energy and creativity in confronting and managing the many daunting issues facing our schools in an era of diminished resources. He is never afraid to take a position and never reluctant to explain it, regardless of how it may play politically. His consistent and creative efforts to find new sources of revenue beyond the local tax base are truly admirable. In addition to keeping our schools sufficiently funded and our property taxes in check, these efforts help alleviate the rancor that can occur at budget time between those with children in the schools and those without. Having Stu on School Committee makes me confident my tax dollars are being used to maximum effect.
The bottom line is that I just can’t imagine the School Committee without Stu—without his knowledge and experience and his enthusiasm and forthright manner. I am very glad to have the opportunity once more to vote for Stu on election day.
Deborah Thomson
Poor Farm Road
