Letter: Wayland Fortunate to Have Cliff, Downs as Candidates

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:

We are fortunate to have candidates for Board of Selectmen and School Committee willing to serve the town in demanding roles, not for paychecks but because they care deeply about our town. Regardless of who wins, I am grateful that they are giving their time. 

Does it matter who wins? You betcha'. Gordon Cliff and Jeanne Downs are our choices. What it comes down to, in my opinion, is whether we as a town are committed to preserving the very strengths that brought so many of us here or, instead, will sacrifice those values to save a thousand dollars here or there. Like so many of you, we came here for the schools that we wanted to nourish our children and for the beautiful open spaces that mean so much to us. My wife and I say all the time, "We are so lucky to live in Wayland."

If we elect Gordon Cliff as selectman and Jeanne Downs to the School Committee, they will safeguard these treasures. Gordon Cliff has publicly and consistently supported the WaylandCares program, open spaces, and protection of the funds that are truly needed to ensure top schools. Jeanne Downs has demonstrated commitment to our children at the highest level through her work as a PTO treasurer and president and through her tremendous leadership of Wayland's recreational swim team. Both Gordon Cliff and Jeanne Downs have a huge commitment to our schools and also strong backgrounds in business and finance. As a Massachusetts Distinguished Educator and as someone who founded a school, I want our Board of Selectmen and School Committee to ensure that we continue to offer extraordinary opportunities for our children.  Gordon and Jeanne will look for efficiencies wherever possible, but they won't put at risk what all of us care so deeply about. 

This election matters. Please join me in supporting Gordon Cliff and Jeanne Downs on Tuesday.

Michael Delman
192 Stonebridge Road