The Reading Post accepts Letters to the Editor. All letters must be signed. The Reading Post reserves the right to edit or not publish any letters received. Letters do not represent the views or opinions of the Post. editor@thereadingpost.com
When I ran for the Select Board, I committed to engage in “deep listening”- and I can think of no one better-suited to continue that commitment to listening deeply to the concerns of our community than Jackie McCarthy. I know that Jackie is running because she wants the voices of diverse residents and community stakeholders to be heard in Town Hall and by our elected representatives. I have confidence that she will take the time to listen so that her decisions on the Select Board will be well-informed, thoughtful, and considered.
Jackie and I share a lot in common: we are both government relations lawyers. We are both, in fact, Emory Law alumnae (something of a rarity in Massachusetts and certainly a rarity in Reading). We have both served on Town Meeting and on the Reading Finance Committee. With these commonalities, Jackie would be something of a natural “replacement” for me on the Select Board.
But Jackie brings additional skills to the table that I lack: she is a runner and an athlete in a way I can only aspire and greatly admire. I have witnessed this kind of self-discipline in marathon runners before; they do not leave that kind of dedication, discipline, and commitment on the road. No, they are incredibly motivated in other spheres of their life, as well- and when they are committed to public service, we the public are the direct beneficiaries of their passion, their dedication, and their commitment. Our new Town Manager is one such committed individual. And with Jackie on the Board, I foresee incredible possibilities for excellence and a new level of service to the public wherein Reading residents directly benefit.
Please join me in voting for Jackie McCarthy on April 5.
