We are better Together

I write this letter as a member of the Stoneham Board of Selectmen, however, the opinions expressed are solely my own and do not represent the opinions of other members of the board.

I write in support of Raymie Parkers candidacy for the Stoneham Board of Selectmen in the municipal election on Tuesday, April 3, 2018.

The first time I met Raymie was over a decade ago at South School, I was dropping off a gift basket to her and she was there volunteering at a basketball game. I cannot even remember the cause that she was organizing for but looking back it seems fitting that this would be my first encounter.

Raymie is a go to person. She is always organizing, helping, working and doing. I say this because these are the kind of attributes you should look for when looking to elect someone to public office. You don’t want the people who just show up for a photo or the ones who breeze in and out of events just to be seen. You want a person like Raymie who understands the value of hard work and isn’t afraid of rolling up her sleeves and getting the job done.

Raymie Participates. She understands what it means to work as part of a team as demonstrated by her work with STAC and the Stoneham CDC. She has clearly demonstrated that she has what it takes to lead. She listens, she questions, and she learns. She has a good rapport with department heads and town employees. She understands the budget and has a solid grasp of the way municipal government should work. Raymie understand the role of a Selectwoman. You cannot effectively fill a role until you understand its purpose and objectives.

But the number one reason you should choose Raymie as your next Selectwoman for the town of Stoneham is because she is a genuinely good person who has and will continue to put the town’s needs first. It’s not about Raymie. It’s about the process, collaboration and finding common ground so that we can all move ahead together. She’s the one you want packing your parachute.

I am hopeful to have the opportunity to work with Raymie as a colleague on the Board of Selectmen and ask that you give her your vote on April 3rd.

Shelly MacNeill

Stoneham Selectwoman