Marilyn Peterman Announces Candidacy For Selectman

My name is Marilyn Peterman. I have lived in Amherst for just over 38 years and was among other things elected to the Board of Selectmen six times.  I have put my name on the ballot for Selectman because I am extremely disheartened by what is happening in this town that is my home and my passion.

I am running because I believe that government should be open, honest, competent, responsible and friendly. I also believe that our town deserves a better government than it has.  

As I read and hear what is transpiring, I am reminded of the quote by the Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, “ sunlight is the best disinfectant.”  This quote refers to openness and transparency.  It is often said that organizations that have the most credibility and respect operate in an atmosphere of openness.  Those in positions of responsibility should not only welcome criticism and suggestions, but welcome them with open arms.  

If this Board of Selectmen and Town Administrator feel uncomfortable under the bright light of scrutiny and criticism, we can infer that they have something to hide. Perhaps if the BOS and the administrator they hired stood up and took the responsibility for everything instead of playing the blame game, they would earn our respect although not our confidence.

There is a lot of finger pointing and questions and accusations being made by anonymous residents and employees that purport to be a watchdog” group. Although many of their questions may deserve to be answered, I cannot condone accusations based on hearsay, conjecture   and anecdotal information against people that are not present to defend themselves.   Is this the tactic of those who also have something to hide?  Or are they just seeking to destroy?   How ironic it is to have people asking for transparency but not being transparent?  These tactics are offensive.

The citizens of Amherst should expect and do deserve an honest, open, competent, responsible and friendly government. They deserve a government they can trust. Because one selectman cannot and never should act on their own, I cannot guarantee if elected that I would be able to make the necessary changes to bring the government of Amherst back to what the people deserve.  But I can promise that I will try with all of my being to make it happen.

Sincerely,

Marilyn Peterman

I served the town as a Selectman for six terms from 1987-2006