Letter: Residents Would Be 'Well Served' With Cliff as Selectman

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."

I am writing in support of David Gordon Cliff for the open Board of Selectmen position. Gordon’s values toward the quality of our schools and delivering affordable town services align with the Boards strategic vision. Gordon’s credentials, professional experience and willingness to serve will make him a strong contributing board member. Virtually every issue before and decision made by the selectmen has financial consequences, so residents will be well served having Gordon representing them on the board.

Having served the town for over eight years as a member of the Finance Committee I am well aware of the difficult financial decisions that face the town’s voters every spring at town meeting. I believe that having a long-term view is critical when considering operating and capital budget decisions to present to the taxpayers. What appears to be a short-term financial benefit to the residents (like the use of our free cash reserves) will likely have an excessive negative impact on our future tax rates. 

Gordon’s strategic, long range approach to dealing with these fiscal issues will help to ensure that the taxpayers have the best long-term options before them at town meeting. Gordon’s opponent for the open Board seat, Tony Boschetto’s short term focus in spearheading the use of large amounts of free cash during the last two budget cycles to “buy-down” the tax rate, will be felt this coming budget cycle with a substantial proposed tax rate increase.

Please join me in voting for David Gordon Cliff on April 2. A vote for Gordon will be a vote to keep Wayland strong in the long-term.

Sam H. Peper
Rice Spring 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.