Opinion: Dedham Resident Supports Dimitria Sullivan For Selectmen

A letter to the editor from Dedham resident Marianne Martin:

They say making a first impression is imperative to becoming an influential leader. When I first met Dimitria Sullivan, I was immediately struck by her poise, intelligence, keen ability to listen, as well as, engage others in conversation. Not only did I immediately like this woman, I respected her. Dimitria has the temperament, aptitude and attitude, which is infectious and necessary to be a member of the Board of Selectmen of Dedham.

There is a wide field of candidates vying for a seat on Dedham’s Board of Selectmen this year. Each has his or her own distinguishable attributes; however, there is a difference between being suitable for the position and being tailor-made for the position. Dimitria is tailor-made to serve on the Board.

Dimitria has been serving Dedham in multiple roles over the past couple decades. Her service includes everything from Town Meeting Member to School Committee; PTO to Finance Committee; to name just a few. Dimitria is not one to just sit on a board. She is a “roll-up your sleeves and actually do the work” kind of person.

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Dimitria’s continued service to Dedham has demonstrated to us her professionalism, commitment to teamwork, her problem solving skills, and her repeated engagement of others. Dimitria is personable, approachable, thoughtful and flexible. Last year, Dedham honored Dimitria for her continuing service to our town and presented her with the Dedham Public Service Recognition Award. As someone who sits on the committee to award this honor, Dimitria was one of dozens of nominated, and well-deserving, candidates. The committee received a number of nominations for Dimitria. Fellow citizens took the time to sing her praises and note her involvement in numerous community activities. These nominations cited the unsung efforts of Dimitria for the success of these engagements.

I disagree with the statement that candidates win elections. The selection of a candidate to the Board of Selectmen is too important to just win a seat on the board. This board sets the tone for our town. This board reflects our collective values. It should not serve as a means to self-promotion. Our leaders should reflect our values and work hard on our collective behalf. Let’s vote like it matters – because it does! Please do not vote for someone who is good enough, or suitable, for the job. Please vote for the candidate who can best do the job. A successful outcome of this election will have Dimitria Sullivan serving on the Board of Selectmen; serving us. And come election night, and years to come, it will be us – the residents of Dedham – who will win.