Sarah MacDonald Makes Her Case For Dedham Selectmen

The following is a letter to the editor from Dedham Selectmen Candidate Sarah MacDonald:

I am running for the Board of Selectmen because Dedham is at an inflection point. As you know, we’re getting ready to move into our new Town Hall and poised to build a long-overdue public safety complex. Our Town Manager, Jim Kern, has just announced his retirement. These transitions place us at a crossroads, at a critical point for our Town and we must move forward together. My prior board service and professional expertise make me uniquely qualified to guide Dedham into the future, in a way that reflects the wishes of all our residents.

I promise accessible & accountable leadership.
I am a communications professional with a proven record of open communication. I will overhaul Dedham’s communications capabilities and practices to ensure all residents receive clear, consistent information about town projects and initiatives and have a way to share feedback on those efforts. I know how important it is to be transparent to residents, to consider different viewpoints, and to build coalitions to move the town forward.

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I pledge proactive planning and oversight.
We need leaders with vision and foresight, leaders who address the challenges of today while planning for tomorrow. We must balance progress with our strong sense of history and tradition. I have a track record of providing oversight on our taxes, spending, Town Manager, and Town Hall. I know how to weigh the Town’s competing priorities, to make tough decisions that move us forward in a fiscally responsible way.

I am committed to thoughtful and creative solutions.
We are a better town when we work across departments, silos, and neighborhoods. I believe open dialogue and creative problem-solving leads to better decisions. We are stronger when we actively engage residents, seek out their opinions and rely on their expertise. I am ready to bring my experience, integrity, and enthusiasm to the Board of Selectmen.

I did not grow up in Dedham, but I did choose to live here and build my family here because I love Dedham. I am proud to be able to show my son that it is our responsibility to give back to the community we love. I humbly ask for one of your two votes on Saturday, April 13th. Please visit www.selectsarah.com for more information.