To the residents of Westwood
My name is Doug Obey and I'm running to be your next selectman. My family and I moved into town 18 years ago, initially like many others because of the reputation of the Westwood school system and wanting nothing but the best education for our three children. But we found so much more; great neighbors and good friends wrapped in a community of well informed, involved people who took special care to maintain the character and quality of life in Westwood.
As many of you know, I've been involved in town for most of those 18 years, initially in the elementary schools when my kids were young by chairing the "Together We Can" program that helped create positive self esteem in young children. (I'll never know if our Governor stole our tag line) Then as my children took to Westwood's playing fields not only did I have the time of my life coaching their respective teams but was tapped to be the treasurer of the Westwood Fields Association and for ten years went on to become the president and finally the chairman. Prior to disbanding in 2005 the WFA had raised over $300,000. to maintain the fields in Westwood and keep them safe for children to play on.
In 2000 I was invited to join the League of Women Voters and served as their treasurer for 4 years, as well as a couple of years in voter service organizing political debates to help people in Westwood learn where candidates running for various positions stood on the issues. As some may remember, in 2006 I ran for State Senate and then in the special election for State Rep. in the spring of last year.
Most recently I chaired the Community Preservation Act advisory committee and authored the Minority Report being the only dissenting vote. The final report recommended that the town reconsider joining the CPA which would impose a 1½% surtax on property taxes (but never to exceed 3%). The CPA would have to be endorsed by town meeting and then voted in by Westwood citizens on the ballot in the fall.
My professional background, for almost 25 years, is in finance and economics. In light of the changes we are going through in town, Westwood Station, tight budgets, potential overrides and a looming recession, I feel an understanding of finance and economics will be extremely helpful in the Selectman's position. As a fiscal conservative I will do everything possible to maintain the character of the town and the quality of the schools and town services without future overrides.
I would like to stay involved in Westwood as one of your three selectman and am asking for your vote on Tuesday, April 29th, 2008. I hope to use this new venue, The Westwood Blog, as a means of communicating with you and I encourage your thoughts, questions and concerns.
Sincerely,
Doug Obey
Candidate for Selectman
