Wayland 2020 Candidate Profile: Cherry Karlson For Selectmen

WAYLAND, MA — The Wayland spring 2020 election is coming up on June 9, and Patch has reached out to candidates in several key races to learn more about why they're running this year.

In the Board of Selectmen races, three people are running for two seats. Vice Chair Douglas Levine is not seeking another term, so his seat is wide open. But Selectmen Chair Cherry Karlson is seeking her third term. Challengers William Steinberg and David Watkins are also in the race.

READ: Wayland 2020 Election: Who's On The Ballot

Wayland will be holding regular in-person voting on June 9, but the Town Clerk is encouraging absentee voting due to the coronavirus crisis. You can vote absentee by mail or in-person. Find out more details on how to apply on the Town Clerk website.

Cherry Karlson

Age (as of Election Day): 58
Position Sought: Selectman
Family: Married with three grown children
Education: BA in economics, Brown University; masters in business administration, Boston University.
Occupation: Commercial banker for 10 years. Municipal Volunteer for over 20 years: Wayland Board of Selectmen 2014 to present; Wayland Finance Committee 2003 to 2014; Wayland PTOs, Library Study Committee, Growth Policy Committee, Wayland METCO Advisory Board, Class Size Task Force 1996 to 2003.
Campaign website: www.votecherrykarlson.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am eager to continue working for you, and, most importantly, I want to continue to serve in this role because I care deeply about Wayland and how we conduct the business of our town.

I believe that by listening to residents, understanding the process of our local government, being fair and fact-based, and, above all working hard, I have earned the respect of many residents and staff. While we may not always agree, you can rely on me to always give careful and thoughtful consideration to every step in the process before casting my vote.

The single most pressing issue facing our town is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Three months ago, I would have had a very different answer to this question. Now as the state and town begin reopening, Wayland faces the challenge of balancing the health and safety of our residents with slowly finding the new normal, supporting our local economic base recovery and continuing to focus on long term projects (River's Edge, implementing the Town Manager form of government, restarting capital projects, financial/capital planning).

I have the skills and practical knowledge to participate and lead through this challenging time. A deep knowledge base of municipal practice and a willingness to incorporate new ideas give me a unique skill set to work for Wayland.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

It is important for everyone to have accurate information on which to make decisions. Those who know me can vouch for my commitment to share all facts and perspectives to enable residents to make their own best decisions.

Wayland’s unique and flat government structure requires good communication, an understanding of the many departmental and committee roles and responsibilities, and lots of cooperation to accomplish our work. The Selectmen lead the Town through our tone, our approach, and our frequent collaboration with many committees, task forces, groups, and community members.

I believe that by listening to residents, understanding the process of our local government, being fair and fact-based, and, above all working hard, I have earned the respect of many residents and staff.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

In the next three years, I am committed to continue the Town’s good work in many areas:

• Build a Council on Aging/Community Center, which will serve as a focal point of activity for the benefit of our residents of all ages
• Focus on improving the economic climate in our commercial areas of Cochituate and Route 20 to provide much needed non-residential sources of tax revenue
• Enact a change to a Town Manager form of local government to modernize Wayland’s management structure
• Leverage our Town-owned properties by determining best uses
• Improve interaction with residents by accessing state grants to upgrade communication methods
• Continue to improve the efficiency and efficacy of town meeting
• Support our already strong financial position with policies and practices in line with the most recent best financial practices
• Begin discussions with residents and relevant boards and departments about how to address the impact of climate change on Wayland.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

During my two terms as your Selectman, including three years as chair, the Board has accomplished significant goals such as preserving 200+ acres of open space through a conservation restriction on Mainstone Farm, funding much needed improvements of our high school athletic facilities, and hiring a new Town Administrator. I am eager to continue in this role as there are still several important projects I want to help Wayland see through.

My effectiveness is derived from over 20 years volunteering for Wayland – six years on the Board of Selectmen, 11 years on the Finance Committee, and before that six years in other town government and PTO positions. An earlier career in municipal government and commercial banking brings a depth of knowledge that makes me an effective leader for Wayland.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

You cannot control other people's actions, but you can take a moment to control your reaction.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

While volunteering for Wayland, I have become a knowledgeable and reliable resource for understanding how to accomplish and explain projects. My experience provides a much-needed perspective, while my strong work ethic, integrity and drive push me to always look for input on ways to do things better.