All right! A contested race in Westborough. Great!

I’ve known and interacted with Selectman Leigh Emery regularly since I joined the School Committee 12 years ago. I’ve always respected her though she and I have not always agreed with each other. I actually like that because respectful disagreements allow the opportunity for each party to listen, test their argument with new information, and refine their point of view. It’s a terrific, fully engaging and dynamic challenge.

That’s exactly the challenge Leigh is up to. Sure, she has her own ideas that she brings to the table. She fought more than 15 years for a new fire station. She’s advocated for improved fiscal policies. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Bottom line: she’s committed to making the town the best it can be as affordably as possible. 

As for personal qualities, she most importantly knows how to pick herself when she’s been knocked down as she was recently when she lost her job at UMass Medical School. Now she’s a school nurse in Franklin and loves the challenge. I find that entirely inspirational.

I respect Leigh and will vote to re-elect her as a selectman tomorrow. I encourage you to do the same, but more than anything, I urge you to show up and vote. Westborough is our town – all of ours!