Vote Like You Are Hiring a Select Board Member (Because You Are)

When Westwood hires a Town Administrator, Chief of Police, Fire Chief or School Superintendent there is a process that is followed to screen applicants via resumes - to winnow the list down to a manageable number that will be interviewed.

In the case of the Select Board, we the voters are in effect the hiring committee, and we should act accordingly. The election should not be a popularity contest. The voters should carefully examine each applicant’s background and experience to determine who is most likely to be successful in the position. 
Some considerations:

- Educational Background

- Relevant experience in government or private industry

- History of Leadership roles

- Demonstrated success in past positions

- Projects they have helped lead to a successful conclusion

- Ability to work well in a Team -- particularly the Select Board Team they will be joining

- Ability to listen to people and bring people with varying views together -- to agree on a compromising solution

These are a few of the things that should be considered when casting your vote for the new Select Board member.

Although we as voters cannot interview the two candidates, we can (and should) review their websites, printed literature and attend the League of Women Voters candidate forum on April 26th. If we are all able to take the time to thoroughly assess each candidate as though we are hiring the new Select Board member, we will elect the best person to lead us through the many challenges the Town is facing.

Take the time to make an informed decision and vote wisely; Westwood depends on it.