Support Eric Poch For Sudbury Select Board: Letter

The following letter to the editor does not reflect the views of Sudbury Patch

Sudbury is very fortunate to have a network of volunteers that exemplify commitment. Whether it’s supporting youth organizations, charities, fundraisers, neighbors or town government — some Sudbury residents continuously step up for the benefit of our community.

One person that epitomizes this and is a candidate I will vote for as Select Board member is Eric Poch. He has the expertise, temperament and foresight to move our town forward.

I’ve known Eric for many years and have been fortunate to join him and follow him in some very important and at times contentious town issues. He has always contributed level-headed input for the committees he served on and for voting issues at Town Meetings, as he helped inform and shape the debate across town. His experience on the Planning Board with our development bylaws and on the Finance Committee vetting Town budgets and finances makes him an experienced, knowledgeable, yet very approachable town leader.

There are two things he consistently brings to the table at the many meetings he attends, no matter how emotional the topic - facts and a balanced command of the process. His knowledge of protocol and the guidelines that our town government needs to operate within is exceptional and it shows in how he leads and contributes to discussions. He’s not afraid of differing opinions.

He’s also not afraid to vote NO. Sometimes voting “no” doesn’t mean you are against something, but rather that presenters might need to sharpen their pencils and bring more data and information back to the discussion. Or as I’ve witnessed him comment, that a topic or detail might not really be within the duties that a certain group can or should debate. The difference with Eric is that he also usually knows where that detail should be discussed and helps make that happen, too.

As our town recovers from the effects of the pandemic, it is Eric Poch I hope to see leading the Select Board. His guidance will be very helpful on matters concerning policies and direction for the town of Sudbury, such as how to spend the ARPA funds and keeping town developments (Cold Brook and Fairbanks) on track with the previous Town Meeting votes.

Please consider joining me on March 28 by voting for Eric Poch for Select Board.

—Scott Sawin, Sudbury