Letter: Thomas announces re-election campaign for Grafton Select Board
I am excited to announce my campaign for re-election to the Select Board. I have been serving on the Board since 2014. I feel that my experience, temperament and measured approach are assets to the Board and to the Town.
I worked as both a park ranger and a recreation forester in Washington State before moving to Grafton in 2002. Wanting to get involved in our Town, I joined the Hassanamesit Woods Management Committee. It was a great fit with my education and background, and I liked being involved in our community. From there I joined the Community Preservation Committee. As our family grew, I also started to volunteer in the schools, coordinating the Book Fair for 7 years, serving as a class parent, helping organize Immigration Day, organizing games at Fun Fair and other school events. I was a Cub Scout Leader, soccer coach, and T-ball coach. Being involved in my community is part of me, I want to serve and help others.
Now, in 2020, my three kids are all in the High School as I announce my campaign for re-election. I have shifted my focus to the Town and serve not just on the Select Board but several Town committees. I serve on the Community Preservation Committee, the Open Space and Recreation Committee, the Coalition for a Healthy Grafton, and the Affordable Housing Trust. I served on the SuperPark committee and continue to help now that the Recreation Commission has taken the lead. I have been the clerk of the Select Board for three years, Vice-Chair for one and I’m currently serving as Chair for the second time.
I feel that my common-sense, collaborative approach is needed as we face changes and challenges over the next several years. I believe in gathering the facts and listening before making a decision. I am committed to finding ways to increase revenue to ease the burden of our taxpayers. The work that the Town staff and Select Board have put into Economic Development is about to materalize. I would like to continue to help with these projects such as the redevelopment of the Fisherville Mill site, the sale and development of 8 Pine Street, the sale and redevelopment of the current DPW site and other project opportunities. I will continue to work with the School Committee and Finance Committee to ensure that our school system continues to provide a great education for the children of Grafton. I am excited to see the completion of the library and the new Department of Public Works building. I will continue to support our Fire Department as it transitions over the next several years. I will assist the Recreation Commission in its goal to replace the SuperPark that was removed for the construction of the new High School with a place where all people of different abilities can play together. I will continue to support the Senior Center and its staff so that our wonderful seniors have the services that they need and enjoy.
I am your neighbor. We see each other in the grocery store or at the post office. We have sat on the sidelines together and volunteered at school and watched our children in school programs together. Together we are all part of the same Grafton community. I am asking for your vote on May 19th for Select Board so that I can continue working for this Town that I love so much.
Jennifer Thomas, Select Board
