Letters to the Editor

Residents endorse Carlisle for Selectman

To the Editor:

With upcoming elections for town Selectperson coming up on April 29, we'd like to throw in our two cents. As local businesspeople, our observations, both from this newspaper and personal experience are that Mark Carlisle has done nothing but toil and work overtime for the past three years with fellow Selectmen Chris Gagnon and Jonathan Dennehy to bring Ashburnham into the new millennium and some semblance of prosperity in these difficult national and regional economic times. Mark Carlisle's educational and business background, plus ability to separate his emotions from potentially explosive situations makes him an ideal Selectman for at least another term (and maybe more if he'll accept it).

His challenger, on the other hand, as nice a person as she is, appears to be motivated by emotional agendas and reactive actions (as evidenced by the tone of the Ashburnham CARES [Concerned Ashburnham Residents Evaluate Situation] group several years ago and recent direct communications with the MA Dept. Of Revenue, bypassing our Board of Selectmen). There's a right way to do things (unless someone has a hidden agenda) - and this was not it. Her past and current activities indicate to us that if she is elected, Ashburnham could potentially experience more conflict and confrontation - a sure step backward ... and certainly no way to attract business to our town to relieve our residents' tax burden.

Again, both candidates for Selectman are very nice people. But when we look at their overall qualifications as leaders, Mark Carlisle wins hands-down. We're voting for the best bet for peace and progress in Ashburnham.

Scott Bingham and John Rahaim

Ashburnham

Let us move ahead

To the Editor:

With a new season comes a new awakening; with an ancient tradition comes an ancient responsibility. First, educate yourself - then fulfill the responsibility that comes with freedom - choosing our leaders. I believe re-electing Mark Carlisle for Selectman is the right choice, but perhaps more importantly I believe this to be a pivotal time for Ashburnham. Not only dedicated to volunteerism, for the right reasons, Mark works with others, realizing that in a democracy you don't always get your way. He also understands how important it is for us to be proud of our town, that we enjoy a good reputation. This engenders others to volunteer on various boards and committees, and builds community spirit.

Alas, I cannot express the same for his opponent, Mrs. Whitney. What I have witnessed these last 10 years should give anyone pause. Unable to fulfill her prior term as Selectman she resigned, saying there were "footprints in the snow leading up to her back porch," insinuating someone was out to get her. Seeming to thrive on chaos, one of her latest ploys was to try to stop the renovation of Town Hall. This was something not only approved and funded at Town Meeting, but because of many hours of volunteer work by her fellow citizens, was ready to go to bid. Although she attended but one Town Hall Committee meeting she was convinced that "nothing seemed organized" and "there were too many projects going on at once" (yet her petition allowed exterior work on the building to move ahead). Thankfully, that effort failed, but there were many instances where "winning at any cost" seemed to be her approach.

We have a choice Tuesday the 29th of April. We can continue to move ahead as a town or we can go back to the "crash and burn" politics of the past. This is a pivotal time for Ashburnham. I ask you to vote to re-elect Mark Carlisle.

James Whidden

Ashburnham