By Sarah Cannon Holden
I wish to announce my bid for re-election as Lincoln’s Town Moderator. I have served in this role since 2010 and look forward to a fifth three-year term.
In my role, I have presided over Town Meetings covering a variety of issues with the goal of encouraging and managing an open and respectful debate among the town’s voters. I know that this goal remains steadfast in my mind even if we may veer off course now and then. I enjoy the challenges that pop up quite unexpectedly and which require on-the-spot rulings. I welcome moments of candor and humor as well as the caring and serious deliberations between town boards and voters. It is my responsibility to appoint members to the Finance and Capital Planning Committees, the Personnel Board, and the Scholarship Fund Committee.
My professional training as a mediator/arbitrator often comes in handy, and over the years I have learned many of the finer details of the legislative process. Our democratic process is a brilliant idea which requires a level of trust, respect, and participation to be effective. In Lincoln I have witnessed the finest expression of democracy among our citizens. It has been my privilege and fortuitous opportunity to serve as Lincoln’s Town Moderator for 12 years. Last fall I was elected to serve a three-year term on the governing board of the Massachusetts Moderators Association.
I always welcome newcomers to town and to Town Meeting. They can bring new suggestions and perspectives — and I am ever hopeful that they will step forth to serve on a board or committee. I look forward to seeing you at Town Meeting on Saturday, March 25 and I ask for your vote on Monday, March 27, 2023.
Sarah Cannon Holden
Weston Road
“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.
Lincoln is fortunate to have, in SCH, such a professional Town Moderator. I enjoy her witty comments on the proceedings, her admonishments when things get rowdy (‘settle down’, ‘breathe’), and her references to historical precedent.
Thank you for your continuing service, Sarah!