To the editor:
I rejoiced when I learned that Barbara Miller was running for re-election to the Board of Selectmen. (Yes, we’re still known as selectMEN, despite our gender). Having served for seven years with her, I know her to be among the best we’ve ever had, largely because she’s so committed and so knowledgeable.
Among her virtues, she makes sure the town budget remains almost level and has done so for many years. She promotes the study of ConVal, the source of 70 percent of our taxes and the sole cause of their rising. But with children and grandchildren of her own, she would not approve of a plan that is detrimental to children. Her aim is to keep us in our homes.
She promoted the solar array, which saves the town $20,000 a year and will increase with time, and she promoted the ambulance transfer service, which brings an income.
She understands the importance of land conservation (that’s one reason I like her so much – that was my main focus) and she realizes that a viable downtown gives us our sense of community, complete with low crime and clean air, and will not thrive without support and understanding.
And unlike me, she’s a business expert. Not that I didn’t support local businesses while in office — I’ve often said that if Roy’s sells only dog food, then I’ll eat dog food and like it — but she understands what businesses do and what it takes to run one. Maybe some day she’ll explain it to me.
Challenges to Peterborough are coming. These include housing, transportation, business growth, open space and cultural resources among others. All are hugely important and could go either way, and it’s essential that our leaders have the knowledge to deal with them. I’m voting for Barbara.
Liz Thomas
Peterborough