Five candidates outshine others

Our town is at a critical juncture, as three of five seats are up for grabs on the Board of Selectman, and two positions will be filled on the School Committee.

If you were in favor of the new high school and Town Center, and went to countless Town Meetings to make them a reality, you need to vote for those leaders who also supported them: Joe Nolan, Cherry Karlson and Mary Antes.  Linda Segal did not.  Based on her public comments at HSBC public forums, Ms. Gossels did not. And in the six years Ms. Shapiro has lived in Wayland, she has never even attended Town Meeting!  Neither Gossels nor Shapiro have served the Town in any way, and apparently believe the best way to “get their feet wet” is to start at the top.  If you’ve been to Town Meeting, Segal needs no introduction.  Based on my observations, however, a unifier she is not.

Joe Nolan has the experience and integrity for this position.  Like the other candidates I support, Joe has a long history of serving our community, and wants to continue to work hard for all of us.  Cherry Karlson has volunteered for over 18 years in town, including the past 10 years on the Finance Committee.  Anyone who has seen Cherry in action at Town Meeting knows her to be highly intelligent, patient and diplomatic.  Mary Antes (running for the 1 year BoS position) is the current chair of Wayland 375, and has served four terms in the past on the BOS, in addition to many other boards in town. The BoS needs experience and positive energy in order to move forward from the firing of the Town Administrator late last summer. 

If you value our schools and want a more collaborative approach on the School Committee, then please join me in supporting Jeanne Downs and Barb Fletcher.  Having raised and educated their children in the Wayland Public Schools, both women have the intelligence and character needed.  Combining strong business experience and deep knowledge of the schools, they are the most qualified candidates by far.

Barb, current SC chair and serving in her ninth year, is highly effective and respectful of others views, as her colleagues will tell you.  She has a thorough understanding of budget and contract issues, and has the experience needed on this board.  Jeanne has been a tireless volunteer for almost 20 years now.  First as a member of the PTO at the elementary school level, then as PTO President at both the Middle school and the High School. Jeanne is the dedicated leader of the Wayland Jr. Warriors swim team, one of Wayland’s largest and most successful youth sports organizations, and its success is a direct result of Jeanne’s dedication, leadership and passion to make the program better each year for our children.

Please join me in supporting all five of these excellent candidates on April 1st. 

Thank you,

Sharon Burke