We chose Harvard as our home town for the same reasons many do—a sense of community, an agenda for premier-quality education, and for small town charm. Few things are static, though—including Harvard. State legislation, funding changes, and other forces over which we have little control will continue to shape our town. On April 1 we return to the polls and our choices may have a profound effect on which paths (if any) we choose for our future.
Harvard has been facing significant issues such as Devens, 40B, funding deficits, and a master plan, which are complex and have rightly received considerable study. Now it’s time to choose some paths. Not to choose will simply allow issues to be decided for us—at the discretion of others who have their own (external) agendas to work.
In the few days remaining before the election, we encourage residents to get to know selectman nominee Leo Blair, to present him with a list of issues and grill him on his positions. We believe voters will see the same thing we see—his ability to listen, get to the crux of the issues and make straight-forward decisions based on a firm understanding of the forces at play. He offers fresh ideas on how we can ensure perpetual funding for high-quality education, reduce the persistent need for overrides, and help make Harvard a home for life—not just the school years.
We are fortunate in Harvard to have people who are willing to volunteer their time, money, and ability to think how to help make this town the best it can be. In our Board of Selectman we have a group of individuals who have brought the hard issues to study and public discourse. Now it’s time to act on what we have learned. We urge residents to vote for Leo Blair on April 1, to choose a path, to get us moving on the tough issues, and keep Harvard the special place we know it to be for generations to come.
Craig and Tina Bardenheuer
Ayer Road
