My name is Patricia Lussier and I’m running for the two-year seat on the Orange Board of Selectmen. My reason for running is simple: the current situation in Orange is unacceptable.
I graduated from Mahar and left to pursue further studies and a career. Over the years, I have worn many hats: small business owner, real estate broker, bank branch manager and, more recently, office and financial manager in several health care settings. The experience I have gained from each of these positions makes me uniquely qualified to serve as a member of the Board of Selectmen, as my ultimate concern is to bring thoughtful leadership and sound fiscal policies to the office.
Our family moved many times for jobs and business opportunities. Each time, our primary focus was to find the best school in the area before deciding where to purchase a home. We didn’t look for the newest school building; we looked for a stable teaching staff, an effective administration, and a clean, well-maintained facility.
Quality education is a hallmark of my family: my older sister and my older brother were both lifelong educators. Two of my sons are certified teachers — one has been teaching in Alton, N.H. for 15 years, the other left the profession to pursue his other love, which is music. Our youngest son is also a musician and composer.
Right now, the future of the elementary schools in Orange is at a crossroads and the decision as to their future is tremendously important. You can rest assured my support will be for the plan that makes the most sense, both for our students and the town.
Returning to this area after a 25-year absence was heartbreaking — the empty storefronts on Main Street, the abandoned factory buildings, and formerly beautiful, historic buildings sinking into disrepair were a sad commentary on this once proud, thriving community. I kept asking myself, “what happened here?” But after the initial shock, my question became, “what can we do to reverse this?”
There are so many factors that need to be addressed, there cannot be a one-size-fits-all solution. But I believe if we come together as a community, we can find the answers. There are resources at the state level that we must tap into. There are many talented, committed people here — we have to seek them out and engage them. Orange has so much to offer: the river, the airport, the natural beauty of the Quabbin. Beautiful brick factory buildings are just waiting to be repurposed into something useful — something we can be proud of. But it’s going to take strong leadership from people who are committed to the future, not defeated by the past — people with a vision of what Orange can be.
I believe we are at a critical crossroad. We can either move forward and work together for the good of our town or we can let it continue to deteriorate. If you will entrust me with your vote, I will work as hard as I can to bring about positive, measurable change.