I am excited to announce my candidacy for Select Board in the Special Election on Oct. 8 and I would like to introduce myself to those who may not know me yet.
I have spent most of my life in Harvard, with Harvard soccer, Bromfield theater, playing volleyball at the pond, and enjoying the events you still see today—the flea market, turkey raffle, and Fourth of July celebrations. I came to appreciate the many volunteers who make these events happen and the camaraderie they find in serving our community.
When I returned to Harvard with my family, I sought ways to engage and contribute, serving on the Finance Committee for five years, including as vice chair and chair. The budget process touches everything across town and school departments, showing where we excel and where we can do better for our departments and our community. The budget process, however, is not a tool to solve the underlying challenges we face.
While I am certainly interested in big topics like budgetary challenges, excellent schools and town services, fields and open spaces, developing our commercial district, and preserving our rural character, my focus is the underlying principles of how we work. Why is it so difficult to get things done? How can we be more effective?
I intend to challenge our processes to ensure they support and encourage volunteers and town employees by making the most of their time and effort. I believe that transparency and communication are fundamental to ensuring an informed public and fostering accountability. My goal is to help us work more effectively together to strengthen the community we all value and love.
I am running for Select Board because I believe in what we have built as a town, and I want to ensure we continue progressing in the best way possible, to help Harvard grow and remain special for future generations, so they too will want to return and pitch in.
I hope this message resonates with you, and that you will support my candidacy for Select Board.
Eric Ward
Lovers Lane
