It’s time to work together!

Approximately 4 1/2 years ago, our growing family moved from the jewel of Essex County, Georgetown, MA, to Oak Street. My wife Katie, mother Marilyn daughter Sasha and me were immediately welcomed by several neighbor families, Vivian was born and life was good. Then came the Election for State Representative two-years ago and the MWRA Project and life was a little bit less enjoyable, because things got unruly and life was disturbed. We had our last Town Election last month and it looks like we have mostly good people in place who want to move Stoneham forward, but something still seems amiss.

Public service is a vocation. Regardless of political ideology, or party, one must put themselves out there - it’s not easy. Therefore, we must respect those who put forth the effort. That said, it has become increasingly clear to me that some people in our community do not wish to embrace the need for cooperation in accomplishing the important business of our Stoneham. I have always felt that there is a place for people who want to serve, but for the first time, I am starting to think that life in Stoneham may be better if some people did not.

Our Town Moderator, Jeannie E. Craigie, was attacked in a Patch Article yesterday. She was characterized as bias and having performed her duties poorly. Frankly, those observations are inaccurate, unfair and down right mean-spirited. However, my point is not to defend Mrs. Craigie, she can do that on her own, well-enough. My point is to speak directly to the dissenters, who would have you believe that the vote on Article 22 was tainted, though it was done twice, due to Mr. Wilson’s motion to Reconsider.

Stoneham needs people who are willing and able to work together to achieve its potential. Stoneham is not big enough for party politics. Bipartisanship is the only way to truly progress. We are all neighbors here. We all have an obligation to be good neighbors. I encourage those who participate in the Town and on Social Media to be civil, respectful and friendly. The answer is always about compromise and tolerance.

In closing, I assure you that I am neither naive, nor trying to preach. My goal is simple - getting people to work together for the best community possible. If you are in office, remember that you serve all the people of our Town - you have a sworn obligation to do your best. Don’t forget that!

We love our community. Let’s step back and find a way to tolerate each other.

May whatever God you believe in, or not, bless Stoneham.

Respectfully,

Christian Kulikoski

Oak Street Resident