I hope that you will join in supporting my run for the open seat on the Select Board in the upcoming Town Election. I believe my ideas will help our special town be even more prosperous and distinct.
I have been a resident of Harvard for four years with my wife, Shannon, and two young sons. I currently serve on the town’s Broadband Committee and previously served on the Devens Economic Analysis Team (DEAT) and look forward to doing more for Harvard. I am a quick learner and have a keen interest in both the municipal and social sides of town government. My engineering background gives me an advantage in analyzing reports and other documentation. But I also enjoy talking to my neighbors, learning about their needs and ideas.
As a potential Select Board candidate, some priorities that I think would bolster our town are as follows:
- I believe that our town needs to expand its tax base, considering opportunities to provide additional tax income without changing the town’s dominant character. Assuming the jurisdiction of Harvard’s historical portion of Devens is one option, while revitalizing the C-district is another.
- I will support public schools so that the K-12 education in Harvard stays top notch. We must continue to support the new elementary school project to ensure that it stays on schedule and budget.
- We must ensure that programs designed to help seniors and others who are in need are working properly and funded adequately.
- We should support and implement necessary programs for the maintenance and upkeep of all municipal assets and infrastructure. Preventive maintenance on our buildings, schools, historical sites, roads, parks, and sports fields is crucial to avoid any compounding problems.
- We should take necessary steps to have more affordable and/or lower cost of ownership housing options in Harvard.
- Volunteers are one of the greatest assets of this town, and we must make sure their efforts are utilized to benefit us all in the most optimal way.
- Finally, we must continue to select our projects carefully. It’s important that they are finished in a timely manner with results that are measurable and meaningful to the town.
I hope I can count on your support and your vote.
Noyan Kinayman
Slough Road
