Letter to the editor: thanks from Chris Reilly

To the editor:

After spending the last five years as Lincoln’s Director of Planning and Land Use Permitting, I recently took a parallel position in a nearby community. Leaving Lincoln after five years was not something I anticipated considering when I took the job, but I feel I certainly made the best effort I could as I bring with me many positive memories of the considerable time, energy and spirit spent trying to serve Lincoln’s true, interests. To that end, I would like to thank those who supported my position and made the experience worthwhile.

I’ll start with the volunteers I worked with whose commitment and caring carried the day through many an obstacle course. Early on I was fortunate to have Planning Board members James Craig and Dan Boynton in my corner. They always greatly cared about Lincoln and tried to provide a pragmatic perspective to frame the politics and personalities of the day. I learned much from Bob Domnitz along the way, and while we didn’t always agree about the means, I greatly respected his valor under fire while marching toward an end. Lynn DeLisi was a quick study who evolved to understand the challenges of the land use functions in Lincoln and offered words of sincere analysis and encouragement when needed most.

Margaret Olson often placed good planning before politics and remained a fresh and fearless voice on the board throughout. While I only caught the tail end of Sara Mattes’s tenure on the Board of Selectmen, I found her to be a constant champion for good governance in Lincoln, and her passion and perseverance to see difficult adjustments through in the land use functions gave promise for brave new days. Renel Fredriksen certainly tried to put Lincoln first with the information she had and that was always evident in my interaction with her.

On the ZBA side, John Kimball gave some sage words of wisdom the first week at my post and along the way that, while not necessarily encouraging, allowed me to process the challenges ahead. Later, Megan Stride was a particularly thoughtful and impartial presence on the ZBA that always asked the right questions and sought the best answers. All matters housing and beyond were inspired by Pamela Gallup and her tenacious commitment to integrity and the betterment of Lincoln. She put Lincoln first and ahead of individual interests too many times to count during my tenure, as did Lucretia Giese and Ruth Wales, who always went the extra mile to understand their roles and where they could contribute in land Use.

For the Conservation Commission, Jim Henderson and Ari Kurtz were beacons of reason who always tried to approach things methodically, holistically and objectively. Lynne Bower brought enthusiasm, engagement and energy to the Agricultural Commission. On the Water Commission, Ruth Ann Hendrickson always stayed thoroughly informed and generously involved. There were certainly others to thank and I believe you know who you are.

On the staff side, the Building Commissioners I worked with, including Dick Colantuoni and Dan Walsh, always offered an ear to listen and offer “bridge out ahead” warnings and sound advice to consider. Mr. Walsh did his job with ethical purpose, professionalism and intelligence and was a great resource for me on a daily basis. Anita Scheipers also provided integrity, support and professionalism that was sorely missed upon her departure. Debra Parkhurst minded the storefront well on numerous occasions and maintained a kind way and easy manner through it all. Valerie Fox is a local treasure who always had time to treat people with respect and consideration.

Elaine Carroll kept things orderly and well documented while ably assisting across a multitude of land use functions. I only knew him for a brief period, but Chief Cotini was always accessible and approachable, and Chief Carter was always eager to share his considerable knowledge when asked or needed. Chief Mooney was a pillar on the police force who showed nothing but respect for the land use functions, as did Chief Kennedy. Carolyn Bottum was always well prepared and happy to assist no matter what the issue. Dave McKinnon in Conservation was a pleasure to work around and a model of hard work, dedication to his job description and good intentions. Outside town functions, Attorney Tim Taylor, RLF’s Geoff McGean, Lee Bloom and John Dragat of Benchmark and Stu Weinreb from Mass Audubon were all a pleasure to work with.

As I close this chapter in my professional career, I look back about the many relationships forged in Lincoln with a profound understanding of what a special place it is and why that matters so much to so many. Much work remains to be done in the land use reorganization to keep it relevant, independent, respected and manageable, but I trust with so many committed people still involved, some of the good and necessary work that has occurred may be carried forward. Best of luck to Lincolnites all in pursuit of what’s best for Lincoln, and thank you for the opportunity to grow personally and professionally during my tenure there.

Sincerely,

Chris Reilly

Editor’s note: Reilly is now Planning Director in Billerica.

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, will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Letters containing personal attacks, errors of fact or other inappropriate material will not be published.