LETTERS

To the editor: James Madison once wrote that "a popular government without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy, or perhaps both."  He wrote those words in 1822. More than two centuries later, they still hold up. As Marblehead residents, we spend a lot of time talking about the health of our schools, our town government, our roads and our public services. But one of the most important institutions in our community is one…

To the editor, Tuesday was an inspirational day. I had the privilege of serving as an election worker and volunteer at the Marblehead High School field house. While it was an honor to be asked to serve in that role, that alone was not the source of my feelings. Instead, my inspiration came from watching our town come together in a peaceful, joyful and neighborly way to exercise one of our most important civic responsibilities. As the day went on, the results became less important…

To the editor: Two new Marblehead dump barrels were left in front of our house today: one black for trash and the other blue for recycling. So far, so good.  But, it was surprising how big they are. They are monstrous, heavy, unwieldy, and look like they could hold a full month’s worth of trash.  Did they have to be so big? Just moving them (empty) into my yard was an effort. What is it going to be like when they are full, and oldies…

In 2022, Marblehead voters approved Article 11: $12,475,000 for road and sidewalk repairs. Residents supported this funding to fix deteriorating infrastructure, not expand it. A 2024 study found that our town's 71+ miles of sidewalks need an estimated $61 million in repairs. At the 2026 Town Meeting we learned Marblehead has only 14% of the recommended maintenance budget for roads and sidewalks. With such a significant funding gap, every dollar of the Article 11 funding should be spent deliberately, on a clear set of priorities,…

To the editor: This June 9, we ask that you join us in voting for Mike McCarthy for Marblehead Recreation and Parks Commission. We met "Coach Mike" almost immediately upon our arrival in Marblehead as parents of three kids involved in Marblehead Youth Sports. For most of the last eight years, our son has been on a team coached by Mike. If you have spent time on the sidelines you know that there are all sorts of coaches, but the coaches that are remembered aren't…

To the editor: I am 83 years old, suffer from COPD and evidently some cognitive issues as well, because on Wednesday, June 20, I was peddling my beloved ebike along Atlantic Avenue in 91-degree heat, when my rear tire exploded. I was pushing the bike along the roadside, under the blistering sun gasping for breath, and considering my unattractive options, when I heard a voice inquire "Need help?" The driver of the black Audi that stopped beside me, cleared out his trunk and back seat,…

To the editor: Thank you to the many volunteers who came out to help place all our Veteran Flags on our graves as well as to those who supported our events this past Memorial Day weekend.  Special thank you to the Masons, for providing our Veterans with a fabulous breakfast and to the many volunteers who served us and the COA for hosting us. To those who had active roles in our events, thank you, especially, our amazing speakers, Alejandra Orlandoni and Jason Topp, members…

To the editor: While many of us are focused heavily on the current fiscal challenges facing our community, Marblehead residents also have another opportunity to provide input to Marblehead’s longer-term future. On Saturday, June 13, the town of Marblehead, MAPC and representatives from the Marblehead Master Plan 2037 Advisory Group, who are guiding this process will host an open house from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Abbot Library to share early findings and gather input, as this group works toward its completion in 2027. Drop in…

To the editor, On June 9, our community faces an important decision. The override vote is not simply about numbers on a spreadsheet; it is about the people who provide the services that residents depend on every day. Municipal employees are the ones who maintain our roads and public buildings, support our schools, assist residents, protect public health and safety, and keep local government functioning. These employees are also taxpayers, neighbors, coaches, volunteers, members of the community and your best friend. The reality is that…