Letter of Support For Devon Manchester

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my vote of confidence in Planning Board candidate Devon Manchester in the town election on Tuesday, April 4th. During the recent debate Devon clearly identified past decisions over the years by the incumbent and which has left Stoneham vulnerable and in the hands of large apartment developers to determine our future. Devon believes we should be putting Stoneham first in all decisions, our current residents, our students, our infrastructure, our neighborhoods and most importantly our hard working taxpayers.

It is clear that Devon Manchester understands the municipal finance aspects of government due to his experience on the Finance and Advisory Board, additionally as a member of the Greenway Committee Devon fought hard along with fellow committee members in their relentless efforts to support a Bike Path.

Residential tax payers in Stoneham support 89% of the tax base, this needs to change. Devon is committed to bringing a business friendly voice to the Planning Board and will ensure all local businesses have the opportunity to weigh in on by law changes unlike his opponent who has recommended changes in our town sign by laws only to benefit a few fortunate merchants in a selective area and leave the remainder of local businesses behind.

Devon is not one of the “good ole boys” who for too long have had undue influence over town government. Unlike prior Planning Board decisions that failed to address affordable housing, Devon will place the town, the neighborhood and especially the taxpayers first. Devon will ensure that all Board meetings are recorded for the general public to view and that accurate minutes are kept. Prior Planning Board meetings which were chaired by his opponent were not televised for the public to view, Devon will support open and transparent government and will be a voice for the people of Stoneham. I fully support Devon Manchester as a new member of the Planning Board that Stoneham badly needs. His opponent has been a Planning Board member for over 30 years, and the Board is long overdue for a change.

Caroline Colarusso 4 Patrick Circle Stoneham Ma 02180 781 279-1197