Letter: Cliff 'Can Do Wonders For This Town'

Editor's Note: For a full collection of support letters for this candidate, click on his hyperlinked name at the bottom of this letter under "Related Topics."

To the editor:
 
Four weeks ago, we're not sure we had heard of Gordon Cliff; but following his presentation / debate at Candidates Night last week was an eye-opening experience. Listening to Gordon explain his unbiased and fact-based platform so clearly was amazingly refreshing, and we are thrilled that such an intelligent and highly qualified individual is stepping up to volunteer his time and energy for the good of our town. We are willing to do all we can to see that Gordon is elected to fill the open Board of Selectmen seat.
 
Having been here only six years, Gordon has "put his money where his mouth is:" publicly and vocally supporting the high school in 2009; lending firm support to the community pool, serving on the Audit Committee in 2012; and now running for Board of Selectman. He and his family represent the best of what Wayland attracts: committed volunteers who work to ensure the town remains strong with great schools, open spaces, and a caring and safe community. He believes in level services, in a robust Town Center, in a new DPW building, in WaylandCares, and in paying now what we spend now - not pushing it off as a future burden for future taxpayers.
 
Gordon is a thoughtful realist. He wants to find operational improvements for sustainable cost reductions; not short-sighted quick hits on the balance sheet that don't actually address the root cause of an issue. His many years as a partner in management consulting gives us confidence that he has great skills and capabilities to lead our town in taking on systemic operational improvements.
 
In the past month, I've talked with friends of Gordon's and Beth's, his wife; heard him speak; studied his website, www.keepwaylandstrong.com and then watched him at campaign night last Thursday. Anyone who watched that panel is likely to agree: Gordon demonstrated a firm grasp of the nuances and challenges of running town government. He was respectful to his opponent, yet clear on how they were different on the issues. In short, he represented the kind of measured, analytical and forward-thinking leader Wayland needs.
 
Do your homework, and get to know this guy and what he stands for. Vote for Gordon Cliff, and tell your friends to check him out as well. Gordon can do wonders for this town.
 
Laura and Rick Malnight, Plain Road
Kate and Randall Moore, High Rock Road

Check out coverage of Wayland's 2013 Town Election, including all the Letters to the Editor, on our topic page, Wayland Town Election 2013.