Letter: Board of Selectmen Chairman Will Not Seek Re-Election

After much thought, I have decided not to seek re-election to the Board of Selectmen. It has been a great privilege to have served first on the Finance Committee and then the Board of Selectmen over the last five years. During that period I have had the pleasure of being a part of many exciting developments in our town. 

We have collectively seen

• new commercial development, including the newly opened Town Center
• the opening of our new high school
• progress on reducing energy consumption in town buildings and opportunities for alternative energy projects for public facilities and citizens
• planning and development of new playing fields, playgrounds and improvements to the town beach
• planning for a new library and senior center
• improvements to our financial reporting and controls
• the creation of new boards and committees to tap the talent of interested and engaged citizens in their fields of expertise
• lowering of the tax rate
• planning for a new Department of Public Works maintenance garage
• substantial lowering of alcohol and drug abuse rates among our young people
• awards for both our police and fire departments
• expanded and improved advanced life support services, relying on Wayland firefighters and EMTs

As a community we have a lot to be proud of. Although we have achieved much, we still have more to do. I sincerely hope we can continue our strong momentum.

I hope to stay involved with Wayland town government during the coming years. Public service is very rewarding and a duty we should all consider during some period of our lives. We are blessed with many talented elected, appointed and salaried officials who have chosen to give back to our town. They have been the reason for our success. 

In closing I wish my colleagues well and ask all citizens to support their continued good work. Thank you for allowing me to serve our great community.

John Bladon
Chairman, Board of Selectmen