Former Town Moderator Mead jumps into Grafton Select Board race

Former Town Moderator Ray Mead is the first to throw his hat into the 2021 Select Board race, calling for strong leadership as Grafton faces multiple challenges.

“My experience in Grafton town government will add proven leadership to the Select Board,” Mead wrote in the announcement sent to Grafton Common. “This includes 7 years on the Board of Selectmen and 21 years as Town Moderator. I was a proud member of the Grafton Fire Department retiring with 32 years of service; 18 as a Captain and 5 as a District Chief. I have been the Chairman of the Ambulance Committee since its inception 34 years ago. I also served,  as the Director of Emergency Management for the past 11 years and most recently served as the Chairman of the Fire Study Committee.”

Mead also stepped in to lead Town Meeting back in November, picking up the gavel after the resignation of Dan Concaugh as moderator.

Mead will be running in a wide-open field for the single Select Board seat on the May 18 Town Election. Select Board member Ed Prisby has already announced he will not seek re-election.

“The challenges facing our town include reduced tax revenue from COVID-19, onboarding a new Town Administrator, and restructuring the Grafton Fire Department,” Mead wrote. “Overcoming these challenges requires strong leadership and experience that I believe I will bring to the Select Board.”

The full text of his announcement:

I would like to announce my intent to run for Select Board. My experience in Grafton town government will add proven leadership to the Select Board. This includes 7 years on the Board of Selectmen and 21 years as Town Moderator. I was a proud member of the Grafton Fire Department retiring with 32 years of service; 18 as a Captain and 5 as a District Chief. I have been the Chairman of the Ambulance Committee since its inception 34 years ago. I also served,  as the Director of Emergency Management for the past 11 years and most recently served as the Chairman of the Fire Study Committee.
The challenges facing our town include reduced tax revenue from COVID-19, onboarding a new Town Administrator, and restructuring the Grafton Fire Department. Overcoming these challenges requires strong leadership and experience that I believe I will bring to the Select Board.
I’ve spent many decades serving the Town of Grafton and look forward to your support in continuing as a member of the Select Board.

Ray Mead
Meadforselectboard@gmail.com