To the editor:
My name is Joe Gallagher, and I’m running to become a trustee for the Lynnfield Public Library. I believe in collaboration, transparent communication, and the value of a free public library.
I believe that respectful collaboration is essential to success — especially for a public institution like the Lynnfield Public Library. In my professional career as a project manager, team lead, and user experience designer, I constantly worked to build consensus and gain approval on projects. This involved building trusted relationships with multiple stakeholders, team members, and clients who had different levels of experience and skill.
I also believe that elected officials should be as transparent as possible with information — especially with decisions related to the Library. This doesn’t mean that every resident needs to be involved with every decision, or that personnel discussions shouldn’t be covered by an executive session. But it does mean that major decisions should be discussed and documented in open meetings, and that it’s always clear who signed off on each decision.
I’m a big believer in the saying “There are no problems, only opportunities.” However, this doesn’t mean I believe in unfounded optimism —after all, no amount of positive thinking can change the fact there are leaky pipes over the main circulation desk where Library staff sit every day. But I do think that reframing problems as potential opportunities is helpful — it helps people find solutions rather than live with long-standing problems.
Finally, I believe that the beloved Lynnfield Library is “more than books” — it’s a free, public, non-retail, inclusive center for the Lynnfield community. If elected, I’d work with my fellow Trustees to seek immediate and long-term improvements to the Lynnfield Library, so that the Library can fulfill its vision of being a “safe, welcoming and inclusive cultural center where people will gather and share ideas, interests and knowledge.”
At the annual town election on Tuesday, April 9, I respectfully ask my fellow Lynnfield residents to vote Joe Gallagher for Library Trustee.
– Joe Gallagher
