Selectman Endorsement for Cherry Karlson

To all,

I am writing to endorse Cherry Karlson in her race to be elected to the Board of Selectmen.  When I joined the Finance Committee in 2009, I didn't know what I didn't know (which was a lot).  Cherry took the time to mentor me about municipal finance, how the committee works in coordination with other functions, and how we should perform in our roles to best serve the town.  Cherry has consistently displayed integrity, an objective viewpoint, and a responsiveness to dissenting views in her experience on the Finance Committee.  These qualities would serve her and the Town of Wayland well as a Selectman.  An example of this was in preparation for the 2010 Town Meeting when petitioners submitted an article for a review and audit of School and Town budgets and accounting.  Cherry understood the intent of the petitioners but saw that the article as written would not be workable.  She then engaged in several meetings with the petitioners and ultimately crafted with them a more flexible resolution that was overwhelmingly approved and ultimately became the Abrahams Report.  What I learned from that experience was that Cherry wanted a town government that functions well and represents those who have a voice and are willing to respectfully engage in furthering that, no matter which side of an issue one happens to be on.  Her tenure on the Finance Committee is a reflection of long hours and many late nights of work, and her willingness to run for and serve on the Board of Selectman is a testament to her dedication to good, effective government for Wayland and its citizens.  Please give thoughtful consideration to Cherry Karlson when voting this April.  You will receive the same from her.

Sincerely,
Paul Grasso
Rice Road