By Ken Hurd
I write in support of Craig Nicholson who, in my opinion, is the most qualified candidate for the Lincoln Planning Board. I met and have known Craig since 2014 when he was serving on the School Building Committee, and since then, he has served as an alternate member of the Planning Board, ready to step in when any elected member was unable to attend or participate in a hearing.
Like with many committees and boards, joining them generally requires some time to learn the rules of its jurisdiction and one’s responsibility in serving all residents of the town. In Craig’s case, he can hit the ground running with virtually no learning curve.
From my own ten-year tenure on the Planning Board, which culminated in the adoption of Lincoln’s Comprehensive Long-Range Plan in 2010, I found that having a person with the right skills in the right seat was a key to success in addressing challenging issues facing the town. Given Craig’s skills as a project manager by virtue of his career, he has extensive experience finding common ground and creative solutions among parties with competing interests.
I know that some are concerned about the unknown effects that the Housing Choice Act poses. However, Lincoln has a legacy of getting out in front of such challenges, as demonstrated in its leadership in land preservation and by having provided affordable housing that exceeded state requirements for the last 50 years.
Because Lincoln is not an island and has a moral responsibility to do its part in helping to solve the region’s housing crisis, it is my belief that with proper leadership we can do so consistent with the town’s values and in a manner that benefits both the metropolitan Boston area as well as our own interests. And for this we will need strong and competent leaders on our Planning Board, people who have the vision and commitment to work with all parties to achieve what’s best for the greater good, otherwise known as the Commonwealth.
I hope all those who have not yet voted will join me in electing Craig Nicholson to the Planning Board. And given the three-way race, I also ask you to vote only and solely for Craig.
“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.