As a resident of Devens I’d like to take the opportunity to thank the four candidates running for the Harvard Board of Selectmen who participated in the Candidates Forum sponsored by the Devens Committee. Leo Blair, Ron Ricci, Marie Sobalvarro, and Peter Warren did an excellent job articulating their positions and, in doing so, made clear distinctions among themselves.
The candidates’ responses showed several clear differences in priorities and vision for the future for Harvard. Peter Warren, Ron Ricci, and Leo Blair stated similar views in that they wanted Harvard to maintain its distinct rural character. The three had strong opinions favoring Devens becoming an independent town and felt the disposition decision is something that could be determined within a short time frame. In fact, Mr. Blair stated that he felt the “train had already left the station” and Devens was already on its way to becoming a town.
Unfortunately, despite repeated attempts by forum attendees, Marie Sobalvarro consistently declined to take a definitive position on Devens, indicating that more time and study are required to review the issues. She stated she would vote “yes” on both Devens warrant articles at the next Town Meeting (one to make Devens a town and the other for Devens to be reabsorbed back into Harvard) and implied this was not an either/or situation or, as she stated, “not a binary decision.”
Although all candidates have strong backgrounds that could serve Harvard well, there clearly are differences in their vision and management styles. The time for Harvard to make some critical decisions on its future is now. “Analysis paralysis,” where data begets more data, needs to be terminated in Harvard. Its leaders need to make a decision and provide direction on Devens given the information they have now, which has been accumulating for over a decade through scores of studies and documents.
Therefore, I encourage all Harvard residents to support Leo Blair, Ron Ricci, and Peter Warren on April 1 when they cast their votes.
Michael Boucher
Devens
