October 14, 2010—The Beacon
To the editor:
Change. That is what people on the right are saying this election is all about. Funny, that is what the people on the left said about the last election. I do believe we need change and I will vote for change with one exception - Jen Benson. That is not a change we need.
Jen Benson is a democrat who thinks before each vote, she does not vote in lock step with her party, she votes for what is best for her district. She understands the needs of local cities and towns because she has the experience, perspective and background of someone who has actually served their town on a local board. Her opponent would say this is a disadvantage but I have watched Jen do her job and I know this is an advantage for all of us. She understands the difficulty that local boards face each year when trying to set budgets. She has worked with the district to try and eliminate unfunded state mandates that costs cities and towns thousands of dollars every year. She is accessible to her district; she comes to local meetings and is there to listen, understand and not just to make a campaign stop. She holds a number of forums for the elected officials in her district so she can communicate directly with us. When we need clarification or have a concern we can contact her directly and she is always accessible.
We have someone who is full time representative to her district, someone who will always listen to your perspective and consider all sides of an issue before casting a vote. While I have not always agreed with Jen, I respect that she is voting based on the needs of her district and not her party.
I ask each of you - Democrat, Republican or Independent - to think about what this district needs. Do we need a change for the sake of change, do we need a part time representative who has no background, experience or perspective in local government. Or do we need someone who can and does work with others, someone who will stand up for the cities and towns even if it is against "the party," someone with a proven record of, and respect for public service? We need Jen Benson. Please join me in voting for Jen Benson on Election Day.
Maria E. Neyland
Boxborough
