The Press returned from its annual summer hiatus to an overflowing inbox this week, a cornucopia of news. Choosing which stories to put on the front page was a challenge. Harvard is in the middle of one of the hottest summers on record, but no one is taking it easy. Like popcorn on a hot griddle, town boards seem to have grown hyperactive in our absence.
As we look ahead to the fall, our work is clear. The town will soon begin construction of a new school, the most expensive in its history, and we’ll be here to help readers follow its ups and downs. On November 6, voters will not only elect a U.S. senator, a Third District congressional representative, a state senator and rep, but also a Select Board member to replace Ken Swanton, who resigned in July. We’re hoping for a contested race and a vigorous debate over the future of Harvard, and we will cover whatever unfolds with our usual thoroughness.
Two new committees begin work this week: a special moderator-appointed committee to review the town’s bylaws for conformance with provisions of the new charter, and a long-awaited Devens jurisdiction committee. The charter also sets out a new process for preparing and vetting Harvard’s annual budget, and the rollout of the state’s new marijuana regulations will bring unforeseen risks and opportunities.
These are just a few of the “hard” news items we’ll be following. They are the so-called broccoli of local journalism: reading them is good for our small democracy by encouraging better oversight and decision making. But of course, beyond Town Hall, Harvard is a community, alive with people and events that make it such a special place: the school plays, art and music events, races and festivals, community organizations such as Scouts and Lions Club, to name just two, and area businesses such as Little Leaf Farms, the subject of a feature this week.
Putting together a community paper every week that is timely, fair, and accurate is hard work. It takes reporters to gather and write the news and copy editors and proofreaders to make it the best it can be.
Let’s be honest. The Press needs to “staff up.” We invite you to join us. There are lots of ways to get involved. To learn more, write to editor@harvardpress.net and let’s talk.
