After reading the letters in last week’s paper, I came away with the strong impression that Ron Ricci is a very nice man who listens to people. The interactions I have had with Ron confirm this. However, I believe Harvard needs more than this in a selectman. In these stressful economic times, Harvard needs leaders. That is why I am supporting Marie Sobalvarro and Stu Sklar.
Both Marie and Stu are leaders, who have taken positions that were initially unpopular but have proved to be beneficial to the residents of Harvard. While on the School Committee, Stu took the lead in working to get the Devens education contract. He ran the numbers and saw the financial benefit to Harvard (and the educational benefit to the Devens children). His leadership has brought Harvard almost $800,000 this year and last and on a recurring basis. He has also taken the lead in representing Harvard in the Suburban Coalition, increasing Harvard’s voice on Beacon Hill (and getting Harvard an increase in Chapter 70 aid).
Marie was a leader on the Finance Committee for many years. When elected to the Board of Selectmen, she used her financial and coalition-building skills to develop a health-care proposal that was passed at last year’s Special Town Meeting and has saved (and will continue to save) Harvard more than $200,000 a year in health-care costs. In an effort to assist seniors to remain in Harvard, she has helped develop a proposal for a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption that will be presented at the upcoming Town Meeting.
In contrast, during his term as a selectman, Ron listened. First he listened to and then followed the lead of Leo Blair, and now does the same with Bill Johnson. Harvard needs more than a nice listener. Harvard needs the expertise, intelligence, and leadership of Marie and Stu. I urge all voters to follow my lead and vote for Marie Sobalvarro and Stu Sklar on April 5.
Jim Breslauer
Poor Farm Road
