Opinion

Dustin Ward is the leader we need now

| Letter to the editor from Laura Fralich |

Growing up in New Gloucester, I had little understanding of our selectboard’s role and influence. It wasn’t until I moved back to New Gloucester that I understood the power the selectboard has over our daily lives. That fact became abundantly clear last summer, when the selectboard ignored the will of the people and shut down the library. Soon after, selectman George Colby made a racist comment and resigned in the face of a recall. Then the selectboard appointed charter commission representatives who publicly expressed their opposition to a charter, disregarding other extremely qualified candidates. I’ve realized that the selectboard has the power to not only decide what assets our town will have–from the library to recreational programming to Upper Village development—but also the power to establish our community values.

We need leaders who listen to residents and share our values of inclusivity, equity, and open-mindedness. Dustin Ward is such a leader. His background in political science and economics means he knows how municipal government works and how to get things done. His experience as a pastor and work as a racial equity and reconciliation advocate means he knows the importance of authentically listening to people’s concerns. He understands the complexities we are facing as a town and is willing to engage in hard conversations with compassion, humility, and a collaborative spirit. There is no one more qualified to serve on the selectboard than Dustin Ward. I will be even prouder to say I am from New Gloucester with Dustin representing us on the selectboard.

Laura Fralich

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