Good Government requires knowledge, experience, and wisdom, along with leadership that gets results. Just imagine the work it took to accomplish the Newbury West Campus acquisition; hundreds of added classrooms at BHS; policing reform in response to Black Lives Matter; rallying the community against Covid-19; and saving millions of dollars through debt financing at record low interest rates. Bernard Greene and Nancy Heller are getting the job done.

Similarly, Kate Poverman will bring Good Government to the post of Town Meeting Moderator. How do I know? We've served together at Town Meeting and as volunteers for Brookline Center for Community Mental Health. She’s thoughtful and deeply committed to public service. As an attorney, she would apply necessary skills to reviewing complex Town Meeting warrant articles. Equally important is her judicial temperament — balanced and fair to all.

Good Government also calls for YES on ballot questions 1 and 2.

Question 1: YES to an APPOINTED Town Clerk. Performance of this essential Town service is too important to be left to chance. Fortunately, our current leadership has risen to the challenge. But now, even they (incumbent Town Clerk Pat Ward and Assistant Clerk Linda Golburgh) have endorsed appointing a skilled, certified professional. Voters should heed their advice.

Question 2. YES to the Community Preservation Act. We will realize millions in increased revenues for housing, open space, and preservation by adopting CPA — with an impact on tax bills that is minimal (just 1%). For years we've been leaving revenues on the table for CPA towns and cities to scoop up. We need to reclaim those dollars by voting for Q. 2. (See Yes on 2 website)

Finally, Good Government also requires good citizenship. Pay attention. Follow the election campaigns closely. And vote!

John VanScoyoc, Select Board

Want a Voting Guide? Download my handy Voting Recommendation guide or print out the guide to distribute to friends and neighbors.