Letter: Downs, Cliff Will Balance Need for Services, Sound Budget

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."

To the Editor:

This election season the topics of transparency and accountability dominate the discussion once again. These factors can be vital, of course, but I am concerned we need to elevate teamwork to the same rank. The past several years have illustrated how candidates' self-serving clamors for accountability can veer into grandstanding, derision and empty finger pointing. The ensuing rancor discourages voters from engaging with the issues, even when there is a lot of money involved. 

Let's do better. I intend to vote for Ms. Jeanne Downs for School Committee and Mr. Gordon Cliff for Board of Selectmen.

Jeanne has served as PTO president at three school levels. Gordon serves on the Audit Committee and comprehends our financial challenges. Beyond credentials, they have the right attitude. Their respect for community makes me confident they will adhere to the highest standards of transparency and accountability. But they will not stop there. They will also provide cooperative leadership to help town government meet its most important duty: balancing the need for outstanding services with the need for a sound budget.

Downs and Cliff will insist that voters be heard, that questions of fact meet with apolitical research, that prudent ideas catch on, and that community values become contagious. I urge my fellow concerned citizens to take a look at these candidates — votes for Downs and Cliff are votes for teamwork to get things done.

Christopher H. Reynolds
22 Draper 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.