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It gives me great pleasure to submit this letter of support on behalf of Chris Haley’s candidacy for Re-Election to the Reading Select Board.
Fortunately for Reading voters, after viewing the responses from the two candidates vying for a seat on the SB at the Candidates Forum on February 22nd, it was abundantly clear to me and others that Mr. Haley possesses a plethora of essential qualities that distinguish him as the ideal candidate for re-election. His singular goal is to continue to be of service to all Reading residents: the families, the children, the young, and our seniors.
As an effective, competent, and experienced Board member, Mr. Haley is focused on issues of significant concern to all Reading residents. Facing many challenges and projects ahead, such as rebuilding the J.W. Killam Elementary School and establishing a new Senior/Community Center, Mr. Haley, as a successful business owner, possesses the fiscal and budgetary experience to accomplish these goals. At the same time, being mindful and considerate of not over-burdening Reading taxpayers, he will also advocate for the most cost-effective measures relating to these major initiatives. With the departure and resignation of the highly-respected Select Board member Jackie McCarthy, Reading residents, now more than ever, need the integrity, the stability, and financial acumen Chris Haley can provide to lead us forward in addressing the challenges ahead.
One challenge of monumental concern in the minds of almost every Reading resident relates to the current MBTA Communities state regulations. As a long-standing Town Meeting member, I have spoken with many sensible, sincere, hard-working residents who want to preserve both the character of their neighborhoods and the quality of life they now experience and deserve, living here in Reading. By actively listening to residents’ concerns, meeting directly with the Town Manager and staff members, Chris strongly believes that residents’ voices must be heard, as they call for a minimalistic plan that will have the least impact on their residential living spaces. Therefore, the MBTA issue was placed on hold until the November Town Meeting. This is just one more example of Mr. Haley’s outstanding work ethic, advocacy for our community, and stellar management experience. With his extensive knowledge of Reading’s zoning laws and his creative decision making, Reading residents can be thankful and fully confident that once re-elected to the Select Board, Christopher Haley will continue to be our strongest advocate for fair, transparent, and honest governance.
Finally, the Town of Reading is on the cusp of historic changes. The Select Board will be expected to strategize funding for two major projects. Voters, be aware: one or more override may be looming on the horizon to meet these and other expenditures. Our Select Board must have an experienced member who is prepared to take prompt and decisive action on Day #1. We cannot place Reading at risk by spending valuable time with a candidate who will require time-consuming and extensive training regarding the Select Board’s complex policies and procedures under the mentorship of a sitting board member. We must re-elect an experienced Select Board member who has already forged professional and collegial relationships with the Town Manager, the town staff, and the Reading community at large. That individual is definitely Christopher Haley.
If you have not yet been able to view the February 22nd Candidates Forum on RCTV, I urge all voters/taxpayers in town to do so. You will observe a striking difference between these two candidates. Chris Haley confidently and respectfully responded to every question with no hesitation and without sifting through a stack of prepared answers being read aloud. In contrast, Mr. Haley’s responses flowed smoothly and naturally from his mind and heart, because he is a living and vibrant reflection of the knowledge and experience he has gained from years of enthusiasm and advocacy for the people of Reading.
I respectfully invite you to join with me in Re-Electing Christopher Haley to the Reading Select Board for three more years of dedicated service to our Reading Community.
Eileen Litterio
Deborah Drive
