Opinion: Seniors Should Vote Yes on Sewataro

The following was submitted as a letter to the editor by resident Brenda Martin, if you would like to submit a letter to the editor, email samantha.mercado@patch.com. If you would like to post your own announcement or article to patch follow the instructions online.

On June 4th, I will be voting yes on Sewataro and I encourage my fellow seniors to vote yes as well. In addition to preserving a beautiful property which has been a cornerstone to the Sudbury community for over sixty years, Sewataro provides a community space for residents of all ages to enjoy year-round. I am increasingly concerned about the rhetoric I’ve heard from some residents and used by certain opponents that pits senior initiatives like the Senior Center against the preservation of Sewataro. Not only are the two independent, but I feel seniors are being used by these opponents to support other agendas that will benefit neither the seniors nor other residents. Further, I have a real concern that a lack of senior support for Sewataro could cause a lack of support by non-senior residents for future initiatives that are especially important to seniors like the Senior Center. We are all much stronger and more effective when we all work together to achieve community goals instead of being positioned against each other.

I’ve had the chance to visit the Sewataro property a few times over the years, including this past weekend. I would encourage anyone that has not visited the property to do so in order to fully appreciate the beauty and opportunities this property presents. I was able to sit by the pond, take a long walk and enjoy a picnic lunch with friends. Unlike many other neighboring towns, Sudbury does not have a true town park or outdoor community area. These are the town characteristics that attract buyers and preserve our home investments. Sudbury residents shouldn’t be short-sighted or blind to the value that Sewataro brings, especially for our seniors. Please join me on June 4th, or by absentee ballot prior, in voting YES for the town purchase of Sewataro.

Brenda Martin