Moving Toward Higher Ground

Recently, I learned that OneSudbury cancelled their event, which they billed as a second debate.  It was to be held on June 17.

I refused the invitation to attend this event because I saw it as partisan.  My reasoning is set forth in detail in my letter published in the Sudbury Patch and on my website.

I read Mr. Troiano’s statements when he announced the event was cancelled.  He said, “I know some will see this as a kind of victory.”  I disagree.  I think we all agree that the voters win when our political conversation is undertaken with fairness and impartiality and with civility.  I have never opposed OneSudbury having its own event, but did not view it as an impartial debate.

I firmly believe most members of OneSudbury are kind, decent, hard-working, and thoughtful people who want to see a town no longer bitter and divided. 

All of the candidates for the Board of Selectmen participated in an open and
impartial debate on May 29.  I was pleased to have been invited and to have participated.

There are several avenues to get more information and perspectives about the five candidates. 

First, for those who were unable to attend the May 29 debate live, my statements, comments, answers, and positions are available for all to see on Sudbury TV rebroadcasts, or, on demand.  The same is true for all other candidates.

Second, each candidate announced his candidacy in print in the Town Crier and online and discussed specific issues and/or how he would serve as a selectman.

Third, some candidates were interviewed by Robert Fucci, editor of the Sudbury Patch as an additional source of information. Those interviews were published online.

Fourth, each candidate has a campaign website, announcing his candidacy and providing more detailed information.  Some have a place to ask questions of the candidate and I expect that each would be happy to be contacted by phone.

Fifth, the Sudbury Patch has posed four questions to each candidate, and requested written responses, without word limit restriction, which is to be made public on June 12. 

Sixth, the Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail asked each candidate two specific questions about the rail trail, and allowed room for explanation of answers, again without word limitation.  The answers, in full, have been made public.

In summary, the issues in this selectman’s race have received widespread publicity. 

Most troubling, in my view, was Mr. Troiano’s statement that he was “not ready for the barrage of personal attacks on me over the last 48 hours . . . ”  This is a problem for our whole community.  The only comments I have made are those to which I am willing to sign my name.  For doing so, I was attacked many times,
mostly anonymously, in connection with my post. While this may be the unfortunate price of admission to Sudbury political office, I believe that it is wrong, and we as a community should stop it.  It is my hope that we can move away from personal attacks. 

Mr. Troiano went on to say, “In the end, though, it was Mr. Woodard and Mr. Simon that shut down an opportunity for the voters to learn more about their candidates for Selectmen . . ..,”  I see  this as political spin, and an effort to blame the opposing party.  Indeed, just yesterday in the Patch, Mr. Troiano acknowledged that the event could not be impartial with him as moderator, as well for other reasons. 

Mr.Troiano made this charge this morning:

"If they choose not to [attend] and lose the election, it will be at least in some part because they squandered an opportunity to reach out to the overwhelming majority of citizens who created the seat they hoped to occupy."

Did it occur to him that I could lose because voters preferred my opponent, or will this whole campaign revolve around the travails of OneSudbury?  I sure hope not. We, as a Town, have much more pressing issues.

Finally, Mr. Troiano issued a veiled warning:

"If they choose not to [attend] and win, they will preside over a town that remains just as divided, entrenched, and hostile as it's been the last few years.  Can’t imagine that will be much fun."

I am not in this for the fun, I am in this to have a positive effect on the Town. 

We have many ways to inform and engage voters beyond OneSudbury’s event and the ability to move forward in a thoughtful and productive manner. 

I am confident the voters of Sudbury will rise to the occasion on June 25.

Len Simon