Valerie Wormell - Endorsements

It’s rare for a Selectman to advocate for education and lower taxes. Val Wormell is that Selectman and I will support her re-election with my vote. I urge all Westford residents to do the same and vote for Val Wormell on May 6.

As a School Committee member and tax payer, I know how difficult it is to find a balance whether planning for increased enrollment, meeting state mandates in education and providing the best services for students within an affordable Town budget. Val has always worked cooperatively with the School Committee. She goes beyond her role as Selectman to find ways to assist the school department.

Recognizing School Committee policies is an important first step. The School Committee sets a direction to maximize funds for direct student education. The second step is to identify costs that affect the schools but do not directly contribute to education. One of the most significant factors increasing the school budget is the cost of utilities, especially electricity. So Superintendent Bill Olsen, turned to Val and asked her for help. Val called me immediately and we went right to work looking for ways to lower this cost.

Working with the Town Manager and Superintendent of Schools, we addressed the issue together and reduced school electrical costs by nearly 10 percent or $100,000 in FY '06. The Town Manager negotiated a five-year contract for electricity, locking in a low rate. The Superintendent implemented policies to use energy efficient lighting, computer monitors and optimize control system set points. The result is more of the school budget can be used for direct student education.

The next step of the project is to further reduce electrical use through the installation of solar panels to meet 15 percent of schools energy needs. Val has been writing letters and calling companies to find a corporate sponsor who will donate the needed capital so Westford tax payers are not asked to fund the project. She recently introduced Kim Macey's Community Energy Challenge to obtain unencumbered grants to put toward solar panels.

I believe the right Selectman can have a positive affect on the education and taxes. Valerie Wormell is that Selectman and I know she will continue to promote a collegial relationship between the Town and Westford Schools. I ask that you join me in supporting Valerie Wormell with your vote on May 6 because she brings cooperation and a positive energy to the Westford Board of Selectmen.

Arthur Benoit
Country Road

Endorsements

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