To the editor:
Marblehead’s police, fire and first responders; parks, playgrounds and beaches; roads, sidewalks and bridges; community center, senior center and counseling center; Abbot Public Library; wharves, waterfront and harbors; Abbot Hall and the Old Town House; and public schools are our connective tissue. They’re vitally important to children, adults and the elderly.
Our common, shared spaces and essential services help make us a town and define the uniqueness of Marblehead. They desperately need both renewed investment and greater and continuing vigilance over their care and maintenance.
After reading news coverage, independent research, attending Town Meeting and a lot of thinking, we have decided without reservation to vote “yes” on Questions 1, 2 and 3 on June 9. Question 3 is a commitment to prudently address basic, long-neglected, systemic problems. Moving forward, a “yes on 3” vote creates potential sources of new revenue, and it gives Town Meeting the flexibility to best respond to this crisis that’s been brewing for decades.
We respectfully urge our fellow townspeople to say “yes” to Questions 1, 2 and 3, and not turn their backs on Marblehead at this crucial moment.
Stephen Cooper and Penny Raynor
Lincoln Avenue
