Editorial
Welcome the chief
Paul Lundin come in to Ashby looking for a small quaint

New England town to raise his children and to serve as police chief.

A crowded board of selectmen's meeting was one of Ludin's first introductions to the community and with the support of his new department he was sworn in.

He is now ready to use the skills he's developed as a police officer in White Plains, N.Y. to help serve Ashby in a variety of ways. He has the skills and he has the desire, now he needs the community support.

Town officials have already offered the first sign of support for the department and for the new chief when they approved a higher salary in June.

Now it is time for the residents to help Lundin get to know the town's priorities especially as he starts to work in a department with limited funds and a small staff. Residents have to communicate with their department heads so that these professionals can make their decisions based on both the needs they see and residents' desires.

Lundin has some good ideas about the department better connecting with Ashby teenagers, upgrading technology, and enhancing its visibility in the community.

Every resident reading this will probably nod their head in agreement with these goals and these ideas.

But the head nodding has to be backed up with affirmative votes at town meeting to fund these priorities.

Lundin hasn't asked for money yet to accomplish anything, but it is expected that a financial component will be required, as it is with most things in this world.

The town of Ashby, like municipalities throughout the state, is battling increasing costs with the limits of tax revenue.

But before the chief or any town officials can design a budget request they have to know what people want. So send an e-mail, make a phone call, write a letter or even drop by and say hello.

Town officials need to know what people want, not just what people don't want in order to make professional decisions about the future.