Letter: Brown endorses Spinney for moderator

Dear Grafton Voter, 

I am writing to express my support for Bruce Spinney as town moderator. 

Participation in democracy is the greatest right we have as Americans and in Grafton we are uniquely gifted with direct democracy through town meeting style government. Because town meeting is our one opportunity to personally set town policy, bylaws, and spend tax dollars; it must be especially protected. The town meeting moderator sets the tone, direction, and to an extent the content of the meeting and with that power comes enormous responsibility.

Now I will relate this back to Mr. Spinney. 

I came to know Bruce initially by involving myself in Grafton politics in 2018. Before getting to know him personally, I knew him as Chairperson Spinney or Select Board Member Spinney. While becoming acquainted with him in that capacity, I observed someone who is thoughtful, well- informed, and moderate. A moderate approach and countenance, in my opinion, is the chief asset we must seek in a town moderator. It helps keep the democratic process from becoming tainted by someone who might use the moderator microphone to pontificate or otherwise sway voters. Or someone who might inject their pet projects or bias into into the process. 

Additionally, in my conversations with Bruce he has expressed an understanding and a reverence for the responsibility I just enumerated. He also possesses the experience and specialized knowledge to exercise this role with distinction starting immediately to prepare for the October 2020 town meeting. By all accounts, we will still be social distancing at that time and will need an experienced-and-ready candidate like Bruce.  Please join me on June 23rd to vote Bruce Spinney for Town Moderator! 

Thank you,

Katie Brown