To the editor:
I urge my fellow residents to do their due diligence before voting on election day, Tuesday, April 9.
As I read the numerous letters to the editor each week, I was struck by a similar tone to their message. This election is not about gender, representation, age, fresh perspective, or a popularity contest. It’s about a $70 million town budget and candidates who have the time to fulfill the roles for which they are elected and have the qualifications needed to understand and comprise a municipal budget, are familiar with contract negotiations, are willing to make tough budgetary and staffing decisions without worrying about their likeability on social media. In these unprecedented times with so many open seats on the School Committee as well as a contested select board race, this is no time for training wheels, this is time for experienced candidates.
Contrary to statements claiming there is a lack of public input, every town committee or board has monthly public meetings, where anyone and everyone is welcome to attend and participate. In my experience, I don’t see many in attendance, yet there’s constant criticism on social media and in letters to the editor. At the end of the day, we have the purest form of government — our annual town meetings, which are open to all Lynnfield registered voters.
As a long-time resident and community activist I am proof that you don’t need to be an elected official to be effective — you just need to get involved!
Ellen Rubbico Crawford
