Letter: Cliff Is the Right Choice to 'Keep Wayland Strong'

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."

Everyone in Wayland needs to understand the importance of next week’s election, and why Gordon Cliff deserves our vote as selectman. I have known Gordon for several years: we attend the same church in town, our wives have sung in an a cappella group together, and our kids are friends. I am proud to support his candidacy for selectman. 

Beyond being his friend, I think Gordon is bringing a very important message to this election. The name of his website, www.KeepWaylandStrong.com, says it all – in a way.

I understand that many Wayland residents are upset about how our taxes seem to be going up nearly every year. Many of our neighbors have been hurt by the downturn in the economy. The natural impulse (echoed in political rhetoric from many officeholders) is to say, “we must cut waste and excess.” But there comes a point where you’re not cutting fat; there even comes a point where you are cutting not just important muscle but also bones and limbs. There comes a point where each of us needs to realize that painful cuts have gone too far.

“Keep Wayland Strong” is a simple yet vital message. We have a wonderful town: nice neighborhoods, not much crime and a great quality of life, excellent schools and other public services, and lots of beautiful open space. The simple reality is that each strand of this wonderful community fabric costs money.  Keeping Wayland strong means electing people like Gordon Cliff who understand that “feel good” cuts won’t feel good for long: cutting to the bone (or beyond) will hurt our community, our neighbors, and our property values.

An issue that is particularly important to me is keeping lots of open space in Wayland. I am proud of the fact that Wayland has a long history of leadership in the field of land conservation. Gordon Cliff has already shown his dedication to keeping this tradition alive: as an active member of Sudbury Valley Trustees (I serve on the SVT Board of Directors), and as a leader in his own neighborhood in doing all he can to keep Mainstone Farm intact as a defining cornerstone of our town’s semi-rural character.

I trust our fellow residents who have served on the School Board, or on the Finance Committee, or as Selectmen, or in countless other positions, to do what is needed to keep our town strong – even when that means making difficult decisions. I am confident that Gordon Cliff will continue that tradition. I know that he is dedicated to preserving the good schools and beautiful open space that define our town. I hope you will join me in voting for him in April 2.

Stephen Winthrop
Adams Lane

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