Letters: Ann Marie Foley, Andy Jefferson enthusiastically endorsed for Grafton Select Board
This is the first of two endorsement compilations for the May 17 Grafton Town Election. This section focuses on Select Board. Grafton Common is no longer accepting endorsements for this election.
Exiting Carlson backs Jefferson for Select Board
My name is Peter R. Carlson; I am a current member and Chair of the Grafton Select Board, and, as an outgoing member, my letter of endorsement is from me alone and does not reflect the views or opinions of the other members. I am asking all Grafton voters to come out and elect Andy Jefferson for Grafton Select Board.
I have known Andy over the past few years and have enjoyed watching him volunteer and serve the Town of Grafton. Andy shares the same characteristics that I find are influential in local town government with me; he listens, conducts research, and has the demeanor and class Grafton residents deserve. I have had many conversations with Andy over the past couple of months; he has reached out to me and others on our Board to understand better decisions and how a good functioning executive board operates. Andy is absolutely a tireless worker; he has spent time on the Finance Committee immersing himself in Grafton’s priorities, giving him the knowledge on how to plan for Grafton’s future and understanding the true cost to run and lead our town effectively. Andy is the candidate who will hit the ground running on day one. Join me; let’s vote for Andy, who has clearly outlined his priorities and plans and knows what it truly means to move Grafton forward without the ambiguity. Vote for Andy Jefferson, Select Board, on May 17th
Sincerely,
Peter R. Carlson, Chair
Grafton Select Board
*****
White: Foley is ‘a respectful listener and clear thinker’
I have known Ann Marie Foley for more than 20 years – first as a caring dance teacher to my children, later as a dedicated community organizer, and always as a generous friend.
She is a respectful listener and clear thinker, with a proven track record of working collaboratively on issues big and small. She listens to facts and makes good decisions, without any personal agenda, other than making our community better. Ann Marie loves Grafton and she is dedicated to ensuring that it continues to be a wonderful place to live.
If you are looking for a respectful, no-nonsense communicator who will help lift the conversation and work to benefit our entire community, please support Ann Marie Foley on May 17.
Ann Margaret White
*****
Roy stands behind Jefferson
I am excited to endorse Andy Jefferson for Select Board. Andy first caught my attention when he was appointed to the Finance Committee. His enthusiasm to get involved and ask meaningful questions was refreshing. Having a healthy level of engagement on any board or committee is a feature we should all commend our volunteers for having.
I believe experience on the Finance Committee uniquely prepares a candidate to excel on the Select Board. Andy has detailed knowledge of the budget and can confidently answer questions from residents on where their tax money is being spent. Which is a pretty popular question. He also volunteers on the Waste Reduction and Recycling Committee giving him comprehensive knowledge of the towns trash burden. Andy’s experience on these committees will help him lead the charge as the Select Board considers next steps over the coming years. Grafton, I hope you join me in voting for Andy Jefferson for Select Board on May 17th.
And remember to check if your precinct changed, it may impact your voting location.
Colleen Roy, Select Board
*****
Kelley: ‘There is no better choice than Andy Jefferson’
Dear Grafton,
In the race for Select Board this year, there is no better choice than Andy Jefferson. Andy is exactly the kind of leader that Grafton needs right now — an agreeable, smart, humble and hard-working volunteer who is committed to bringing real solutions to the issues facing our town.
When faced with adversity and opposition, Andy takes the high road—making an effort to understand his opposition rather than fighting them. Because of that, we can be confident that he will make decisions that are in the best interests of the entire town, and not just to benefit himself.
Andy is not only experienced and knowledgeable, but he also keeps an open mind. He is not afraid to be challenged in his opinions, but instead takes the time to listen and research different views and ideas so that he can come to the table armed with the best possible information. A fast learner, Andy worked quickly as soon as he joined the Finance Committee to learn as much as he could, asking the right questions to ensure he fully understood the Committee’s charge. Andy understands and fully appreciates the challenges facing this Town, and he is ready to do the hard work necessary to address them.
Andy Jefferson has the tools needed to have a positive impact on our community. He is someone we could be proud to have on our Select Board. Please join me in voting for Andy Jefferson on May 17th!
Sincerely,
Lisa Kelley
*****
Zujewski: Foley ‘has championed the environment here in town’
I am writing to wholeheartedly support Ann Marie Foley for Select Board. I have known Ann Marie for over 20 years, and have always been impressed by her energy and enthusiasm for our community. As a managing partner and CMO of Green Business Bureau, I greatly appreciate how she has championed the environment here in town. She correctly anticipated the state and nationwide trend toward sustainability and initiated those measures here, putting Grafton at the forefront of environmentally conscious policy. And that was as a concerned citizen – imagine what she can accomplish for our town as a Select Board member. Most of all, Ann Marie is respectful, generous with her time and energy, and kind – these are the qualities that have made her so successful in her endeavors. I encourage all to vote for Ann Marie on May 17.
Bill Zujewski
*****
Elizabeth Spinney: Jefferson’s FinCom experience is ‘essential’
Dear Grafton Voters,
In a few days, you will have the chance to do something that can have a real impact on our lives in Grafton—by voting in our municipal election. On May 17th, we will elect two new members to our town’s executive body, the Select Board. Hopefully, one of those will be Andy Jefferson!
With budgetary concerns at the forefront of the debate in Grafton today, the experience that Andy has on the Finance Committee is essential. He has worked, and built up a rapport, with the Town Administrator, the School Department, and the Library Building Committee and has also served on Tri-Comm and the Waste Reduction and Recycling Committee. Of the candidates vying for positions on the Select Board, there is no doubt in my view that Andy Jefferson is the most qualified.
Even with all of his experience, Andy still maintains an open mind. He is not afraid to have open and honest discussions with people with whom he disagrees. I have been impressed to hear him describe productive conversations over coffee that he has had with people who seem at first to hold opposing views, only to realize that they had more in common than they both thought. This is exactly the kind of productive debate and cooperation that we need more of today, and Andy doesn’t just promise to do this as a Board member. He is already doing it.
I ask you to think long and hard about who you vote for on May 17th, and for the sake of the Town, consider the qualifications of the candidates. If you do, I am confident that you will agree that Andy Jefferson would be a fantastic member of our Select Board. Make a plan to vote for Andy Jefferson on May 17th!
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Anderson Spinney
