Here are 10 reasons:
- I was taught to value things: if they are fixable—fix’em.
- Harvard is a picturesque town, and Town Hall is a prominent feature.
- It’s a space that we do not have anywhere else in town, where we, the people, can come together. It’s what we do in Massachusetts; we’ve done it for over 275 years in Harvard.
- We need the second floor open as our main committee meeting space. Public meetings are supposed to be welcoming to the public. Having members of the public stand and not be able to hear what is going on is no way to engage them.
- Building a new building will cost more than renovating the current historic building.
- Tear down a historic building that anchors our town center—Really?
- It’s what the majority of the town wants. It’s more expensive now, thanks to a handful of elected and appointed officials. They have worked against five positive town votes; a long, thorough, inclusive vetting process and compromise, and the will of the majority of the town. They did succeed in increasing the cost from about $125 on the average tax bill to about $150 per YEAR.
- We’ve never been so close to actually doing it. You can make sure it happens.
- Restoring Town Hall is one of the things that 20, 30, or 50 years from now, we (or our kids) will look back on and say, “This is one of the things that makes Harvard a special place.”
- Pay it forward. We’re the beneficiary of many past generosities: HES, new and old Libraries, oodles of conservation land. For $3 a week, it’s our turn. Step up!
Please, vote “Yes” at the Town Election on Nov. 5, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Bromfield School. I’m also hopeful that we will have the opportunity to come and vote yes at another Special Town Meeting soon.
Got questions? Contact me and I’ll give you answers! 456-9815
Stu Sklar
Scott Road
