LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Religious Beliefs Not Related to Role of Selectman

I believe that my religious convictions about traditional marriage should not be equated with being homophobic or anti-gay, nor should they disqualify me from running for selectman in Acton. I respect that same-sex marriage is legal in Massachusetts and indeed in Acton.  My religious beliefs are simply not relevant to anything that a selectman would do on behalf of Acton.  I have focused my campaign on issues directly related to my role if elected: promoting proactive planning, excellence in the schools, responsible fiscal stewardship, and robust community involvement.  These are values which have typified my many hours of service to Acton on the Planning Board and as Chair of Acton 2020. 

Moreover, my record in my role as Chair of Acton 2020 and on the Planning Board demonstrates that I have not discriminated against anyone based on their sexual orientation or any other characteristic and would never do so as Selectman. To the contrary, as chair of the Acton 2020 master planning process, I focused on inclusiveness and garnering public input. I enjoyed being able to hear from hundreds of Acton voices on many different issues facing the town and then being able to bring those views to a consensus in order forge a path forward for Acton. Indeed, one of the seven major goals of the Acton 2020 master plan is to “Support Inclusion and Diversity.”

Our family has loved living in Acton these past six years precisely because it is a welcoming and tolerant community for diversity of all types, not only for those of different races, ethnicities, ages, and sexual orientations, but also for those with different religious beliefs.   My husband and I teach our children that all people should be treated with love, dignity and respect regardless of the way they look, act, or believe.  This inclusiveness I strongly support and call upon my fellow candidates for Board of Selectmen to commit to maintaining such an environment here in Acton.

Margaret Busse

Candidate for Selectmen