by Kristen Bala ·
Friday, March 21, 2025
One of the main reasons I moved to Harvard, other than its amazing schools, is that Harvard represents a core set of values I hold true to my own. Progressive thought, equality for everyone no matter color or sexual orientation, and building a community that is safe and inclusive.
Then a few weeks ago our town was shocked and dismayed to learn that the chair of our Select Board, Don Ludwig, was making racist, anti-gay and misogynistic remarks on social media. These comments are abhorrent to our community and violate the board’s code of conduct. I was appalled to hear that one of our elected officials would engage in this type of behavior which I feel is the opposite of what we stand for and believe in. How could this happen in our town?
We heard that he decided to step down as chairman, but would still remain on the board. Seriously?
My family and I wondered what we could do. We heard the board was inviting anyone to voice their concerns at the next board meeting, so we signed up and were glad we did as the Zoom call maxed out at 100 attendees. I was so proud of our town that night. We came together, spoke up for what is right, and later the board unanimously voted that Don Ludwig should resign. The only thing is … Don refused to resign. In fact, at the next meeting he sat in his seat as if nothing had happened. He made a brief apology that was barely an apology: “I apologize for any hurt that was caused,” he said.
I do not want to think there is nothing we can do to address this. If the board unanimously voted for him to resign, but he refuses, then why do we have a code of conduct? And if Don Ludwig fails to do the right thing and resign, then it falls on us in May to make our votes count and ensure the board is in keeping with the values of our town.
Kristen Bala
Littleton Road