Tim Anderson Running For Goodnow Library Trustee: Letter

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

I'm happy to be running for the Goodnow Library Board of Trustees.

Libraries have been an important part of my life since I could write my name on the library card. As a member of the library board, I will bring passion for the library, a deep understanding of its place in our community, and proven abilities as a listener and as a creative problem solver.

A good library, like ours, is central to its community: everyone can use it, and everyone who does use it gains by it. We can learn, whether or not we're in school, and not just from books; we can be entertained; we can make things; we can make connections. But any library, to remain good, needs more than just its collections, more than its staff, more than its budget. It needs the whole community to support it: it needs people's support at Town Meeting, but it also needs their contributions of money and time, beyond what our taxes can cover, and beyond what the staffing budget will support.

We were lucky in Sudbury to have two groups organized to support the library, with compatible missions, and dedicated supporters. As a long-time contributor to both the Friends and the Foundation, I was saddened by the decision to sever the relationship between Goodnow and its Friends: this is a problem that should be solved by negotiation and compromise, not by rejection.

During my career, I have learned to listen to, and understand, people with very different views and needs, whether they are attorneys, engineers, managers, accountants, or just the people who want to use something. Part of that understanding is helping to identify what will help us meet our goal — a great library — and what compromises we can make to ensure that we can all stay at the table. I’m new to Sudbury politics, but I’m not new to cooperation, negotiation, or leadership.

I'd be very happy to hear your questions, comments, or suggestions. You can follow me on Facebook, or through my website, www.anderson4goodnow.org. See you March 28!