Letter: Cliff, Downs 'Have Wayland’s True Best Interests As Their Focus'

Editor's Note: For a full collection of support letters for these candidates, click on their hyperlinked names at the bottom of this letter under "Related Topics."

I am writing in support of Gordon Cliff for the Board of Selectmen and Jeanne Downs for School Committee. Both of these candidates have Wayland’s true best interests as their focus – and those best interests include supporting our schools and preserving the governance processes that have served us so well. I might add that Wayland’s best interests do not include nit-picking and micromanaging our town employees and volunteers, and filing more open meeting law complaints than any other town in the Commonwealth. My support of Mr. Cliff and Ms. Downs is the result of my knowing them well enough to be certain that they will perform their functions -- not as nay-sayers but as effective custodians of Wayland’s interests.

Gordon understands that transparency in our town’s governance is important but he also recognizes how much good work goes on in our community and that transparency does not mean helicoptering over town personnel to the point that they are spending more time fending off frivolous complaints than doing their jobs.  Gordon understands that we can always work to spend smarter and work more efficiently, but that that it is counter-productive to run our town from the floor of town meeting.  He understands that, at some point, more tax cuts will only jeopardize what makes Wayland so special.  Finally, Gordon understands that sometimes we have to take the longer view – that we might have to spend now, but that such spending can avoid much more severe costs and consequences in the future.  As an example, he supports a new DPW building as vital to our community’s efficient operation in the future, even though it would cost money now. 

Jeanne has been intimately involved with our schools since I first got to know her at The Childrens’ Way (our children are now in High School).  A tireless volunteer, she has been an officer in each of the PTOs of Claypit, the Middle School and the High School.  She has also coached our school swimming programs, and headed the summer swimming program at Wayland Swimming and Tennis Club for many years.  This dedication would be continued and enhanced by service on the School Committee.  Since Jeanne headed so many programs, she will understand the School Committee’s vital role as one of supervising the Superintendant’s operation of the schools and collaborating with him, not nickel and diming every expenditure.  Were Jeanne’s opponent to get her way, the long-term consequences to our schools would be devastating.   The secret to strong schools is to respect our teachers and pay them fairly, and Jeanne certainly understands that.

Please join me in supporting Gordon Cliff for the Board of Selectmen and Jeanne Downs for School Committee.  Wayland’s future is in the balance this election, and I only hope those most affected will understand the decisions before them and elect these two candidates as best for the jobs and our town.

Martha Gordon
Draper Road

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