In Support of Stoneham Selectwoman Caroline Colarusso

Letter to the Editor:

I have to completely disagree with the person who wrote the letter, titled "BOS Disappointment."

Caroline Colarusso, first and foremost, is all about representing the Stoneham residents. Years before she ran for BOS and State Representative, my newly adopted puppy became lost and was missing for over a week. I was so distraught, as my animals are like my family members. Caroline, who I never met prior to this had heard about it, and actually got out there in helping find my puppy through spreading the word and hanging flyers. This had taken place in December in 20 degree weather. Thanks to her and everyone else who helped hang flyers, in which a resident seen, had found my puppy. I will never forget the help she had given us during that terrible time. That is someone with kindness and compassion! How many people can say they have helped out others who they never met?

Fast forward to a few years when Caroline had made the board of selectmen. She had notified residents to bring to her any concerns or issues we had within the town. I had brought to her my list in which pertained to problems on my street. I had complained to certain departments over and over about them, and all I got was them saying they would address the issues, but fell short in resolving them. Finally, for the first time in years, I had told Caroline what was going on, and within a matter of a few weeks my problems were taking care of. I finally felt that my voice was heard! It was a relief knowing that we have someone in the town that will help stand behind the residents and make this town a better place to live.

Caroline has shown she is for representing the Stoneham residents! To her helping in lowering residential taxes, lowering the water rate, which hasn’t seen a decrease in years, to being on the side of small businesses, and to helping out and attending to our seniors. She is also against the Weiss Farm and Forest Ridge Projects, which I know the majority of people don’t want to see it through. She holds office hours that are open to the residents for whatever you would like to discuss. This is just a few of the things she represents. So, for you to say, “I see Mrs. Colarusso is running and campaigning for state representative, yet again, so I believe her interest in being a State Rep. outweighs any commitment she had to the people of Stoneham as Selectwoman” is an utter and complete lie.

I have heard and seen so many residents complain about the way things are run here in Stoneham. For example, corruption, needing some new blood within the town government and holding them accountable. Well residents, this is what Caroline also brings to the table. She is a strong and independent women who is not afraid to speak up and make change. I know, I would like to see change, and at the end of the day this is to benefit the taxpayers. So, if you like Caroline or not, one thing you can never take from her, is her integrity, hard work to fight for and represent the people of Stoneham. I voted for her in the past, and will certainly vote for her this coming spring. She is an asset to us by serving on the BOS, and definitely would be for State Representative, as well. Without her, I don’t have much hope for this town!

Lori Anne McPherson, Oriental Court