I have had significant opportunities in the past six years to observe and work closely with Eric Ward in Harvard town government and left every meeting unconditionally impressed. Eric is a talented, dedicated member of our community, and I recommend him for a role on the Select Board without reservation.
Eric was a Finance Committee member, then vice chair, then chair when I served on the School Committee. I attended many Finance Committee meetings as a member of the public and as a schools budget subcommittee member. Eric steered his board in an unpretentious, collaborative style but with a strong sense of purpose. He approached serious issues such as the possibility of an override with gravity and modeled the clearheadedness necessary for careful consideration. He asked thoughtful questions. He partnered with Town Hall to ensure that when additional information was needed, the committee received it; he met the sometimes strong convictions of his fellow board members with professionalism and fairness. He ensured that each voice was heard and kept the group grounded in facts and mindful of shared goals so they could serve the best interests of our town.
Eric and I also served together on the recent Town Administrator Search Committee, where our job was to capture and synthesize feedback from the community, adopt rubrics for candidate consideration, perform interviews, and recommend finalists for the position. Eric was always prepared for our work and lent his strengths in data analysis and strategic process to the committee, but what I remember most is how skilled he was at pulling at significant but sometimes subtle threads and tying them back to our priorities. This was true for the numbers we looked at and for the people we spoke with. His insight, clarity, and singular point of view benefitted the committee invaluably.
We have big issues and big decisions facing our town. I want Select Board members who genuinely care, who listen, who are knowledgeable, smart, and humble. I want them to commit fully, think deliberately, and center strongly the needs and values of our town. Finally, I want them to be motivated by the deepest regard for our citizens. I will cast my vote for Eric Ward for Select Board on Oct. 8 with confidence and immense gratitude for his willingness to help lead Harvard.
Shannon Molloy
Stow Road
