In support of Robert Coughlin for Town Moderator

I have had the pleasure of knowing Bob and his family for many years. I have always known him as someone that listened and governed with a level head, always thinking of the betterment of the town whether that be as a School Committee Member, a Town Meeting Member, as a member of our Select Board or as our State Representative.

His love for our town has always been paramount. His family, his siblings have made Dedham their home. They love our town and this community. He understands service and the needs of our residents. He has a proven track record of leadership from the town level to Beacon Hill.

He had already served our community for nearly 15 years when his son was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. This disease has no cure and basically makes breathing and digestion difficult due to a thickening of the mucus in the body. He then did something very selfless. He gave up his political aspirations for a time to help others. He started the walk for Cystic Fibrosis in our town. I got to see this impact first hand as I was the DJ for the first few years of this event.

He moved on from politics in 2007 to become the CEO for MassBio. This company was created to advance life sciences and to improve patients lives. He basically was in the shoes of parents that had children with a disease with no cure and got into the business of trying to help others in those shoes. That’s what selflessness and leadership look like.

While Cystic Fibrosis still doesn’t have a cure that hasn’t stopped Bob or his son and their family and they are both a great story for that reason alone. Bobby’s Brigade is still going strong and they continue to strive for a cure.

I’m going to add that I think the absolute world of his opposition in this race, Liz O’Donnell. I’ve also known her for a number of years. I like what she’s about. She understands service like I do. We have both served in office and are both Authors so we have sort of a kin ship to that end. If she was running against almost anyone else she would get my support. If she was running for nearly any other board this year a vote for her would be a no brainer for me.

Right now our town is in a budget shortfall. We don’t have a lot of revenue streams outside of tax collection. Committee seats and those who occupy them are of the utmost importance to the future financial wellness of our town.

We need someone that can meet that moment. Bob Coughlin is the candidate I feel can meet and take on that moment for our town in a time where his leadership is very much needed. I will proudly be casting my vote for Robert Coughlin on April 11th.