Letter to the Editor from Ellen Larkin Rollings

As many folks know, I’ve been incredibly active in our community over the last several years. I have solid roots here and I’m a proud WHS graduate, Class of 1990. I care very deeply about this town, and all the things that make this town special. I’m keenly aware of all the challenges this community faces. I am also honored to know first-hand that serving our community in office is not only a privilege, but also a significant responsibility.

Joe Previtera has been engaged in our town for many years. He served on the Westwood Conservation Commission for 18 years and was Chairperson for 17 years. He also served on the Organization for the Preservation of Environment and Nature (OPEN), Westwood’s Comprehensive Plan Committee (twice), the University Avenue Steering Committee and many other committees. His family has also been consistently active in town, participating in sports, and volunteering their time throughout our community. Joe still attends Town board meetings regularly, and contributes and participates during those meetings. Joe’s commitment to us is evident; he’s very much aware of all the projects, challenges, and initiatives in town, and actively works to help educate residents and solve problems.

Joe’s professional background is quite unique in that he’s worked in both the public and private sectors. He served for 11 years as a member of the Westwood Fire Department, and then went on to become the Director of Respiratory Care at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Joe understands the challenges that arise professionally in both sectors, and will bring that much-needed standpoint to the Select Board.

From my perspective, the most fundamental, important aspect of serving as an elected official, is exactly that - serving. We are elected by our neighbors to represent them, to work for their interests, and the best interests of the community. Joe’s entire life has been dedicated to service: from his chosen careers as a firefighter and then in healthcare, to his volunteer work coaching sports in town, to his years of service on the Conservation Commission and many other boards, Joe has consistently given his time to giving back.

I think the most important ways that Joe serves our community are the least visible ones. I have spoken with many residents in our town, and I have lost count of the “Joe Stories”. I have heard everything from “He helped me navigate a complicated conservation issue” to “we needed a crosswalk put in and Joe pushed for it” to “he went out of his way to look in on a loved one for me at the hospital during COVID”, and literally everything in between. Joe truly cares about people, and genuinely wants to help whenever he can. He has a great wealth of knowledge on many subjects, but especially on our Town, its history, and what his neighbors want for our community.

In my personal experience, there has never been a time when I’ve asked Joe for help and he hasn’t delivered. I’ve called him with questions about conservation law, and with a “Give me an hour, I’ll get back to you,” Joe has researched, made calls, and brought me everything I needed and beyond. I’ve asked his advice and help on many topics that come up in town, on historical precedent, and policy - he’s been an invaluable resource, and I am grateful for his continued engagement in all that’s happening in Westwood.

Most importantly, Joe has given me his friendship, which I value above all the other contributions he’s made to my life here. I have rarely met such a genuine, honest, hard-working, good person. With Joe, a promise made is a promise kept.

Whenever we face a challenging time, I hear the quote from Fred Rogers repeated as a source of hope and comfort:

"My mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother's words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers — so many caring people in this world."

Joe Previtera is one of those helpers. We would be beyond fortunate to have Joe continuing his ongoing legacy of helping as a member of the Select Board. He’s qualified without a doubt - he’s also committed, compassionate, and caring. He has earned my support, and my vote, not just through his exceptional record but also by simply being who he is. I ask you to consider joining me in electing him. Whomever you choose, please vote on April 25 - your voice needs to be heard.

-Ellen Larkin Rollings