In the upcoming Select Board election, Harvard voters will face a choice that will significantly impact the future of our town. I’m writing to express my support for Ahmet Corapcioglu.
As someone who has served on the town Finance Committee for several years, including as vice chair and chair, I’ve observed firsthand the varying levels of engagement from Select Board members in our budget process. Too often, I’ve found myself wishing for Select Board members who would actively participate in and understand the complexities of the budget process. Whether they came with prior committee experience or not, their willingness to engage is what has consistently mattered most.
I recently met with Ahmet to discuss the town budget, and I was impressed by the depth and thoughtfulness of his questions regarding our process, challenges, and goals. He’s already demonstrating the kind of engagement we need, exploring how we can improve our budgeting process and our town government to maximize the value of our resources.
Every fall, our budget cycle begins, and typically by the time we identify challenges, it’s too late to address them without making difficult cuts. We need leadership that proactively tackles these budgetary challenges outside the constraints of the annual budget process. While Ahmet doesn’t claim to have all the answers—no one does—I believe he brings a fresh perspective to our fiscal challenges and will work diligently to find solutions that align with Harvard’s values.
In my experience serving our community, I’ve found that curiosity, engagement, and a willingness to see varying perspectives are the strongest predictors of success. In my conversations with Ahmet, reading his website, and listening to him at the candidates’ forum, I have found that he embodies these qualities and more, making him an ideal candidate for the Select Board.
I wholeheartedly endorse Ahmet Corapcioglu for the Select Board. His approach combines thoughtful analysis with a sincere dedication. That is the kind of leadership Harvard needs now.
Eric Ward
Lovers Lane
