I am writing to express my strong support of Jen Benson for state representative. Since January 2008, Jen has been present at many meetings of Harvard’s boards, ranging from the tri-boards meetings in early spring (and again in late spring) to the most recent Devens forum. She knows both where the state’s money is coming from, and where it’s going (for example, Harvard’s local aid from lottery receipts—which has been propped up by withdrawals from the state’s rainy day fund—has always been greater than our Chapter 70 school aid), and understands the implications of the emerging economic downturn. That said, Jen has gone beyond a numbers-only understanding of Harvard, and her investment in actively listening to our residents has built a foundation that I know will serve us well. Her strong knowledge of municipal finance, a track record of building coalitions as chairman of the Lunenburg School Committee, and an ever-positive attitude are all attributes which will aid her when advocating for our town in the Legislature.
Jen’s position papers on the important issues facing the towns in our district are available online at http://www.jenbenson.org/issues.html.
I urge residents to join me in voting for Jen Benson for state representative on Nov. 4. She is, for me, the embodiment of someone who “fixes the problem,” not “fixes the blame.”
Marie Sobalvarro
St. John Lane
