Letter To The Editor On Tewksbury Select Board Election

As we approach the annual town election, I feel compelled to address two topics of conversation among voters. As a soon to be former elected official, I believe I am uniquely qualified to speak to both subjects. And I feel compelled to call things like I see them.

First, I’ve heard from numerous sources that there is a rumored effort to “stack the Select Board” with friendly faces by an incumbent office holder. That is never a good approach as it denigrates the power of democracy and disrespects the intelligence of voters. It is not a coincidence that many properties in town, especially commercial properties along Rt. 38, have campaign signs for the same two candidates who are the subjects of this rumored effort. I have also heard that voters are being misled to believe they need to vote “the ticket”. This type of effort, if true, should be roundly defeated at the ballot, as it is an affront to your absolute right of choice.

Second, as a multi-year chairperson of the Select Board, I know full well how the selection of a chairperson is made. It is disturbing to hear that the jockeying for the job has already commenced as I write this letter, with at least one new member and possibly two not yet even determined by voters. Again, this is purportedly initiated by an incumbent, and while voters have no direct say in who the chairperson will be during the upcoming April 9th Select Board meeting, the five board members who will own the decision should seriously consider how they want to be perceived by our community. This especially applies to the new member(s) sitting for their first meeting that evening. I remind the board members that one among them still has the cloud of uncertainty of a criminal court case pending and unresolved. While everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence, our town, and our highest elected board, should not ignore that plain fact in choosing the chair of this important body. Choosing a chairperson facing serious charges at this time, regardless of the ultimate outcome, is not the appearance that Tewksbury should want. I urge our Select Board members to think long and hard about the implications of that critical first vote. The legacy of the board, and each member on it, may be forever associated with that decision.

Sincerely,

Todd Johnson