I am running for reelection to the Select Board for many reasons but primarily because I think the Town is at a turning point with regards to residential, retail, and commercial development. I hope to help shape those projects so that there is a balance between what the town needs for services, affordable housing and additional commercial revenues while ensuring that those projects fit within the scale and character of what makes sense for our community. We need to understand and mitigate potential impacts to schools, traffic, climate, and municipal resources to achieve the best outcome for the town as a whole.
As the co-chair of the 2016 Master Plan, we did a lot of visioning with residents’ input to craft a blueprint for the next decade, and I’d like to continue working to ensure that future growth is a benefit that enhances our town, as envisioned in the Master Plan, and not a burden. I hope to continue working to find ways to strengthen and enhance our community—by supporting our schools and our seniors, designating more athletic fields and open space, increasing energy efficiency, valuing our volunteers, and by being mindful of our fiscal responsibilities.
I’ve also been actively engaged on the Devens issues, and I think the next few years will be critical in coming to a consensus on the disposition, and I hope to bring some of my experience of working with residents and stakeholders to help Harvard forge a path forward on Devens.
These are the front-burner issues of why I’m running but there are a lot of challenges we’re facing, and I hope to be part of working toward solutions as a member of the Select Board. Thank you for your consideration and your vote.
Kara Minar
Still River Road
