Letter: Downs' 'Orientation, Perspective' Align with What Wayland Needs

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

To our neighbors, 

At a time when all organizations must maximize limited resources, we need mission driven, service oriented people in important government roles. Agenda driven, single-issue-oriented people are a risk to the long term strength of our institutions. This is why we are supporting Jeanne Downs for School Committee.

After health, our children are our biggest asset. Our collective children. In Wayland, we are growing future leaders of America. Looking at the mission this way, any orientation that starts from a bias of cutting budgets is ridiculous as well as dangerous.

Jeanne Downs has been asked to run because her orientation and perspective aligns with what Wayland needs today. As someone who has actively contributed to numerous school programs across the many years her four children attended, Jeanne knows well the issues and needs of our schools.

Her calm demeanor belies her depth of understanding, as well as her creative and collaborative approach to working with people. Teachers, administrators and students know Jeanne personally. And she knows them. Is there anyone in town who knows more students?

In a town where budgets are set by town meeting, we need people on the school committee who work well with people to get the most out of those budgets, in service of teachers and students. This is not a place to micro manage and second guess. It requires someone adept at listening, asking questions and making recommendations. One conversation with Jeanne and this approach is experienced personally.

Our schools are an important asset of this town. We regularly hear this. Assets must be maintained and enhanced. Too often in this town we see policies and decisions made from a dangerous short term, individual interest, rather than the long range implications for the town.

We need someone with good judgment, an orientation toward continuous improvement, and a willingness to work to collaborative decisions. It's  time for someone with a "still waters running deep" character. 

Let's help Jeanne Downs get another opportunity to contribute her significant skills and personal demeanor to Wayland students, teachers, administrators, parents and the town at large. Indeed, much is at stake. 

Liz and Jim Burns
49 Sears Rd

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