(Received March 14)
To the Editor:
As a former Selectman, I appreciate the challenges in managing Lincoln’s affairs as a volunteer. It is with this perspective that I endorse Peter Braun for reelection. Somewhat ironically, Mr. Braun’s qualifications to be a Selectman are illustrated in two situations for which he has been criticized: the clearing of trees for the Route 2 reconstruction project, and the failed school renovation proposal.
We all lament the extensive tree cutting along Route 2, but it is important to keep several things in mind. First, most of the tree cutting was required to allow access roads added to the project at Lincoln’s request. However, some trees were taken in apparent disregard of a contract provision intended to preserve mature trees in wetland areas.
This raises a second point: this is not a Lincoln project. Although we participated in the lengthy design process, the governing agreement is between the Department of Transportation and its selected contractor, and it is up to the Commonwealth to enforce it. The Selectmen had neither means nor opportunity to save the trees. Finally, we remain dependent upon the DOT for satisfactory completion of the project. Any remediation of the tree loss is discretionary on their part. It thus behooves us to avoid a disruptive feud with DOT and instead to seek a solution to Lincoln’s problem. This is exactly what Mr. Braun has done through extended negotiations with the project’s managers. So, rather than being responsible for the tree loss as some have claimed, he is being responsible in seeking to repair the loss.
I helped develop the school renovation proposal and am painfully aware of the causes of its failure to gain Town Meeting approval. Despite claims to the contrary, Mr. Braun is not among them. Although Mr. Braun initially felt a less costly approach might suffice, rather than just arguing the point, he spearheaded an independent assessment of “repair” costs. When it became clear the most effective repair approach was also quite costly, he fully supported the renovation proposal as the best value for the town. He sought a complete review, worked to make it happen, made a decision on the facts and supported the result. If only all our representatives were as thorough and open-minded!
Mr. Braun understands what it really takes to be an effective Selectman and has the talent, perspective and dedication to serve Lincoln well.
Sincerely,
Gary Taylor
2 Beaver Pond Rd.
Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Letters must be about a Lincoln-specific topic. They may be edited for length, grammar/punctuation, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor.