Monday, April 22, was my final meeting as a selectman and as I have served this community in elected and appointed positions for 16 years, from the bottom of my heart, I want to say thank you.
Thank you for giving a young man the opportunity to serve his community in a very distinguished manner. I have truly been humbled by this service.
I moved into the town of Pepperell on November 1996 and was elected to the Planning Board the following spring and have not looked back — this has truly been a love affair with the Town. You have been with me, and I with you, through the highs and the lows, and I am truly thankful.
In reflecting on my achievements over the years, some would say that assisting in the formation of a Board of Selectmen that was accountable to the many and not to the few was a great achievement; while others believe the clean-up of the mill was a significant accomplishment.
Residents have also thanked me for addressing a $2M structural deficit while implementing financial accountability in a sensible way. Although these achievements are worth noting, and I certainly appreciate the feedback, I believe my greatest accomplishment was with instilling a sense of pride, accomplishment and trust in our town government. That at the end of the day, when all is said and done, residents will look upon my tenure and affirm that I left the town in a better state than when I entered service. For this was my desire and now my hope — to be a role model for my children and others, that service to one’s country and community is by far one of the most rewarding callings a person can do.
Once again, I want to thank my community for the tremendous support I have received through the years and for the opportunity to serve. I want also want to thank my beautiful wife Patty and my two lovely daughters for their support through the years as well.
Thank you, and may God continue to bless our families, this community and these United States of America.
JOSEPH A. SERGI
Pepperell
