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Don Ludwig: Why I am running

by Donald Ludwig  ·   Friday, April 4, 2025

I have served as a volunteer, appointed, or elected official in Harvard for over 13 years. I have never let any national political opinion enter the way I treat and make decisions for the citizens and employees of Harvard. I have always tried to bring a common-sense perspective and levelheaded approach to governing. Anyone who has served on a board or committee with me would attest to that.

We face many challenges as a town and should have those most qualified and experienced in leadership. I spend a lot of time at Town Hall meeting with employees and making sure I fully understand the issues we face. I put in the effort to be truly prepared for meetings doing the necessary groundwork ahead of time. I have demonstrated a record of leadership having chaired both the Finance Committee and Select Board. I feel an obligation to continue the progress we are making and address the municipal and financial challenges ahead.

Experience matters, and in my 13 years serving the town I have been involved in many aspects of municipal and financial governance:

I have just worked on my 13th omnibus budget as a member of either the Select Board or Finance Committee and understand the financial challenges we face.

I was on the Capital Planning and Investment Committee, and understand our short- and long-term debt obligations and schedules.

I was on the last Master Plan Steering Committee and know the municipal directions we as a town desire.

I have been a representative on the Personnel Board for several years and have key insights into our town employees, salaries, and positions.

I have been involved in the search and hiring of key town hall officials.

I was on the HES School Building Committee, and understand the process of working with the MSBA and what is involved in building a new elementary school and the financial decisions that go along with that.

I have been active in Devens disposition discussions as a member of the Harvard Devens Jurisdiction Committee and have key insights into the financial and governance decisions we face in the future.

I was on the Transfer Station Committee, looking into the operational challenges we face there.

There are many issues being worked on in the background that you don’t always see in our meetings, and they require experienced voices to resolve. We can’t afford to have Select Board members that will need to learn on the job.

Donald Ludwig
East Bare Hill Road

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