Continuity is key in upcoming elections

To the editor:

I'm writing to ask for your support on April 7. Last year, I ran for Seekonk's Board of Selectmen on the issues of sustainable development and energy. I advocated for open government, following the Charter, constructing a new community center, historic preservation, and a more compassionate community. You gave me 49 percent of the vote in a three-way race.

Why am I seeking your support again one year later? I'd like you to renew your commitment to the vision and agenda I laid out in my campaign by re-electing Bob Richardson and Mike Brady to the Board of Selectmen. A year ago, I couldn't have imagined asking you to do this, but Bob and Mike have become mentors and allies. Their continued tenure on the Board of Selectmen is essential for me to accomplish my goals.

I believe their re-election is also necessary to ensure the success of our new town administrator, Michael Carroll. Mr. Carroll is an extremely capable individual who is well versed in Mass General Law, is knowledgeable about finances, and has excellent consensus-building skills. We are truly blessed to have him in Seekonk. As a newcomer, he relies heavily upon Mr. Richardson and Mr. Brady's knowledge and experience.

The Department of Revenue's Financial Management Review cited high turnover and lack of continuity on Seekonk's boards as an obstacle to good government. I know from personal experience that it's not easy for new board members to get up to speed. Seasoned members of the board help provide continuity and expertise.

As your Selectwoman, I want to point out a serious threat to effective government in Seekonk. The pervasive negativity, the refusal to forget and forgive, the bullying approach some people use to try to achieve their goals are like a cancer eating away at our community. Some folks seem to revel in maligning others. We need to reject the politics of constant fault-finding and scapegoating. We need to correct structural problems rather than point fingers. We need to take responsibility for enabling our leaders to succeed rather than cast blame. There are no perfect elected or appointed officials; there are also no perfect citizens. When we vote reactively (oust the incumbents) election after election after election, we guarantee government failure.

To paraphrase Ecclesiastes, there is a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones together. For Seekonk, with a competent, new town administrator, it is surely a time to build and a time to heal. Please give our town administrator-board of selectmen team the support we need by voting for Bob Richardson and Mike Brady on April 7. Thank you!

Carol Bragg

44 Hope St.

Ms. Bragg is the most recently elected member of Seekonk's Board of Selectmen.

Copyright © 2003, The East Bay Newspapers