To the Citizens of Harvard:
One of my new responsibilities on a new engineering work assignment is that I must not serve as an elected official. This is required to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest. So with a heavy heart I have had to step down as your town moderator.
Serving the town has always been high on my personal list. Beginning with the first wetland hearing on the Conservation Commission in the early 1970s, throughout the years I have always had the pleasure to serve with gifted individuals who were dedicated to making Harvard a special place.
As your town moderator I have tried to reach a balance between moving the meeting agenda forward and yet giving every citizen the opportunity to be heard. Many have said that our Town Meeting on the last Saturday of March is one of the best, if not the best, example of pure democracy in the commonwealth, and perhaps in the nation. While many towns struggle to gain a quorum for night after night of endless powerpoint presentations, we have dedicated one Saturday to getting it done right by listening to each other’s arguments and then voting our minds and consciences.
My appointments to the Finance Committee have also been meant to ensure a balance of all voices in regard to budget recommendations. I often sought out citizens for their diversity rather than their expertise. If someone really wanted to be on the Finance Committee, I would have second thoughts about his or her motives. The moderator should continue to serve this function.
I will continue to serve as a member of the Harvard Lions Club and other civic and social organizations in town. But I would like to take time to thank each and every citizen of Harvard for the opportunity I have had to serve as your town moderator. The office has made me a better person. And I recommend to you that volunteering in town has many rewards which return to you over and over again.
David “Doc” Westerling
Slough Road
