Vote to help Wakefield move forward on April 26th
Hi friends. Sorry for two posts in quick succession, but this is my enthusiastic plug for our Annual Town Election in Wakefield on Tuesday, April 26. (Non-Wakefield readers, feel free to disregard this one…)
I often write about the idea of progress, and one of my favorite Martin Luther King, Jr., quotes captures its essence:
“If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”
So true. And for all of us to move forward, leadership is key. As I wrote in my recent letter in the Wakefield Daily Item supporting Town Council candidate Jonathan Chines:
Change is inevitable. Progress isn’t. Progress depends on having the right leaders, who engage with change and don’t just react to it or resist it, and who have a positive vision for the future that includes growth and opportunity, as well as preserving and cherishing what is essential.
I’ll be voting for the following candidates in Tuesday's election, all of whom, for me, represent this idea of progress and who will help Wakefield move forward:
Town Council
Jonathan Chines. One of the most knowledgeable, competent, and dedicated Town Councilors Wakefield has had. He’s had major positive impact on many important town issues during his tenure and we need him to continue.
Bob Vincent. I am so impressed by Bob’s professional achievements and career military service (I too am a veteran), his extensive volunteer efforts in town, and the remarkable work he’s done preparing for the job and meeting many Wakefield residents.
Mike McLane. I’ve known Mike for years. He cares deeply about Wakefield and its citizens, is fair-minded, and he is one of the most well-informed people I’ve met when it comes to the wide range of issues facing our town.
School Committee
Tom Markham. The most knowledgeable and experienced candidate in the field. Tom has brought enormous value to the Wakefield Public Schools during his many years as a School Committee member and Chair and we need him to continue.
Eileen Colleran. I first met Eileen a few years ago and was immediately struck by her positive energy, can-do attitude, and how deeply she cares about kids. She will bring these attributes to the table as well as a strong background in education and will be a great addition to the School Committee.
Kevin Fontanella. Electing Kevin is a no-brainer. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher, he knows how the educational system works and how to collaborate with administrators, teachers, and parents to help Wakefield students thrive.
These candidates all know that true leadership is about more than political talking points and they will work in good faith to meet the challenges facing our town and our schools. I hope you’ll vote for them on Tuesday.
© Jeff Kehoe