Letter to Voters

Dear Friends,

I'm writing this letter to you today because I would like to introduce myself . My name is Marybeth Lawton and I am running for the three-year seat on the Board of Selectmen in Bridgewater. I decided to seek this office because I realize our wonderful town has come to a critical crossroad. We have grown considerably these past years, and we have now reached a point where it is time for us to decide as a community what we want to become, where we want to go, and how we want to get there.

Never has it been more important to elect to the Board of Selectmen a person who can represent your voice; someone who will act only in the best interest of the town and it's bright future. I believe I am capable of meeting that challenge and I look forward to the work ahead.

The purpose of this Web Site is to give you, the residents of our town, the ability to voice your concerns and thoughts regarding Bridgewater. I believe that as an elected official I serve at the will of the citizens. I have made it a goal of my campaign and when elected, to let you know through this site and my e-mail what is going on after each Selectmen's meeting in a non-partisan and accessible fashion. Hopefully I can provide information in as timely a fashion as possible so you can remain informed and make decisions knowing the issues. Andrew Card, who recently spoke at the Bridgewater State College Commencement exhorted the graduating class to become "....not just citizens of this country, but citizen participants." Never has it been more important to heed these words and to that end I hope you will use this forum to help me help you.

While I have held no prior political office, I have worked behind the scenes for many years to provide stewardship and protect the interests of Bridgewater. As a full-time mother of two at Williams Middle School, I want to ease the overcrowding at our schools and will work to find both short and long-term solutions to do just that. As an associate member of the Bridgewater Conservation Commission, I want to protect the charm of our town and let Bridgewater shine as one of the jewels in the Emerald Necklace that surround Boston and it's park system. As a former sales and marketing manager, I want Bridgewater to stand on solid financial ground and continue to receive it's fair share of state and local aid in order to maintain and update the high level of services this town provides it's residents. And since our seniors form the backbone of our community, I intend to see that they get both the additional space and services they both need and deserve.

I would like to be your voice on the Board of Selectmen and I would like to count on your voice and your vote on Saturday, April 27th. to help me get there. Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself to you. I look forward to your comments. Let me know what you think.