Since moving to Harvard four years ago with my family, we quickly realized that Harvard is everything and more than we expected it to be … great schools, a strong sense of community, active churches, a wonderful new library, and people with a passion for its historic buildings and vibrant town center.
Harvard really is the quintessential New England town.
Yet, like all towns, we have problems and challenges that depend on our form of volunteer government to help resolve. I offer that my real-life expertise in complex management matters will contribute greatly to the outcomes on the issues that our town faces.
With the final hurdle for the renovation of Town Hall now cleared at ATM, much detailed and complex work remains in order to bring this project in on or under budget. I have the acumen to ask the right questions and to offer project-appropriate oversight, without meddling, to ensure we deliver a building that we can all be proud of and that will endure for years to come.
Other post-employment benefits (OPEB) is now much publicized and somewhat better understood by voters. The town recently took its first steps toward resolving the $23,000,000 of unfunded liabilities. I applaud that move yet recognize it is merely the beginning of a long, hard and very challenging path. Resolution will require balanced thinking and the ability to look beyond special interest or personal agendas.
I am relatively new to town and have no preconceived agendas or loyalties. I am committed to and accustomed to listening and understanding
complex discussion while thoughtfully considering competing stakeholder interests. Only in that way can we solve complex issues together. I bring those skills and more to
your Board of Selectmen.
I respectfully ask for you vote on April 30.
DON GRAHAM
Harvard
