Things to Consider in Westwood’s Town Election Tomorrow – 4/28/2026

I watched the LWV Forum and left with thought-provoking commentary from some of the panelists. One of the more notable comments came from our Town Moderator (Mr. O.) who talked about the commitment required for serving on the Finance Committee (FinCom). A FinCom term is 3 years; Mr. O. discussed how the first year is completely a “learning” year – one is really just learning the initial ropes of the job (i.e. “what questions to ask”). The second year allows one to get more up to speed with the tasks required (i.e. “understanding the answers to those questions”). It isn’t until the end of year three that the individual can really add value in their contribution.

This made so much sense to me. I’ve seen that learning curve over and over in life: in my finance career, in tutoring others, in quiet, honest reflection of my own human mistakes. I think there is always a learning curve when it comes to something new. We are all subject to it in our initial experiences. A common complaint many older people make of younger workers is that the young think they are ready to walk in and take over the company.

I thought all the speakers at yesterday’s Forum did great. I wanted to give each one a hug for stepping up and offering to lead with their differing styles in their chosen, sought-after, government roles. Whether novice or veteran, it takes a lot of courage to run for an office; it takes even more courage to know how to pivot, step back, make adjustments, be positive (or simply stop being negative) and try to enact change via collaboration (instead of blame-game, finger-pointing).

Another valuable lesson Mr. O. noted was how negative revolutions can blow up governments. He promised to try to ensure our government doesn’t blow up. He discussed the importance of not coming into something with a preconceived “agenda” – one must be “open-minded”, “unafraid” to ask questions, and “willing to listen”. We have much to be proud of in Westwood. I for one appreciate Mr. O.’s message and tone. I am a staunch believer in growth and change for the better – but we all need to work together. I am leery of coups – particularly the negative narratives that too often are quietly led by less than transparent agendas.

All the candidates are good.

My message here to voters is:  think carefully, do your research. Go onto the candidates' websites and READ! Examine the public campaign records – know who is financing their campaigns and analyze to ascertain if there is an inappropriate agenda. (It’s a worthy endeavor.)

-Who has the most experience to guide us through the urgent financial issues we are now facing?

-Who has the relevant, transferable skills born from recent and not yesteryear?

-Who appears most ready, willing and able to POSITIVELY work together toward successful compromise for a better community tomorrow?

-Whose lived experiences and accomplishments align with your goals?

Don’t be a one-issue voter. And don’t let negative narratives distort the positive work people have done in Westwood.

We are Westwood. We are wonderful. We are working to be the best version of ourselves.

Love and positivity are the best motivators for optimal performance. Remember that at the polls, and in life, always. Our children are watching …

We all love our town – candidates and voters alike.

The candidates have worked hard and put forward the message they feel best represents them.

Now it’s our turn. GO VOTE!

You owe it to yourself, to the candidate, to our collective future.