Editorial
Carlisle vs. Whitney

Over the course of the last three years Mark Carlisle has brought a voice of patience, questions, and moderation to the Board of Selectmen. He is now running for re-election against challenger Margaret "Maggie" Whitney.

Whitney has spent the last three years raising questions about the actions and the decisions of the town's elected and appointed officials. She has raised issues as a member of the press, as a resident and as a member of the Advisory Board.

Carlisle and Whitney face off on Tuesday in Ashburnham. They should each be congratulated for getting out, saying their peace, putting themselves on the line and taking the time to get involved.

But voters will have to make a choice when they stand at the ballot box on Tuesday. Their choice appears not to be on the candidates desire to serve the town (both want to), not on their view of bringing business into town (neither candidate can provide concrete ways to do this), and not their desire to increase the level of activity in town (both, again, want this).

It appears to be decision for voters to make on how much they want their Board of Selectmen to work as one body versus as three individuals. Public and private debates are part of the process when you take two or more people and say work together for a common goal.

The three-member board in Ashburnham already has a difficult time working together with individual members disagreeing in public and private and always lobbying to have their voice heard.

The ability of Carlisle to moderate the tempers maybe a better fit at this time then Whitney's desire to question actions. Whitney should not give up her service to the town. She is a valuable voice on the Advisory Board and in town government, but this is not the right year for her to step onto the role as Selectmen.

Remember, regardless of who you support, the polls in Ashburnham are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at John R. Briggs Elementary School on Williams Road.

Do your part and vote.