Town elections are on the horizon and Heath has two individuals who have expressed an interest in serving on the Select Board, incumbent Elissa Viarengo and newcomer Tucker Jenkins. Although I’m glad to see a younger adult in town show an interest in being involved, I would hate to see the town lose an asset like Elissa. My last year on the Select Board was her first. I watched as she spent months attending meetings and researching current topics prior to running for office. I believe this is a critical practice for anyone preparing to deal with the complexities of town leadership. This thorough approach to preparing for decision making has continued since she was elected. She makes a point to gather information from a wide variety of people and to research the facts. She decides based on what she has learned and on what she believes is in the best interest of the town. This is not easy when you know your decision is not what some of your friends and neighbors are hoping for. Her openness to all sides has been critical in making progress in healing some divisive issues in town. Her understanding of significant issues, such as the reorganization of the Mohawk Trail Regional School District, is vital to our being able to move forward. She is dedicated to our town and takes her responsibility on the Select Board very seriously. We need to keep her as an active member of the Selectboard. My vote will go to Elissa. Please consider her for your vote as well.
Susan Lively
Charlemont