LETTERS

To the editor:  With our community once again facing difficult decisions, I will be supporting Erin Noonan for Select Board. Ms. Noonan is an experienced lawmaker who has brought a balanced and measured approach to the Select Board for five years, with a focus on advancing our town’s beauty and appeal.  During her election campaign in 2023, Ms. Noonan noted our challenging finances, for we were then using approximately $10 million of so-called free cash to close the gap on the $100 million town budget,…

To the editor: Jean Eldridge has served the Marblehead Housing Authority for several terms, bringing experience, institutional knowledge and unwavering commitment to the residents she serves. Our Housing Authority reflects the uniqueness of our town; “one size fits all” policies seldom apply. What works in a large city may very well fall flat here. Jean has a deep and practical understanding of how Marblehead's Housing Authority works, what is needed and  how to get things done, all the while ensuring that the people of Marblehead’s…

To the editor:  Next week, I will be casting my vote for Erin Noonan for Select Board. She has proved to be an incredibly valuable asset to our governing board now for five years. She originally ran for Select Board because she could see the structural deficit in our finances, the housing needs of our community and the environmental challenge of being a coastal community. In each of those areas, she has stayed focused on making a difference for our town.  The runway to prepare…

To the editor: The Marblehead Public School PTO/PCOs have voted to endorse an override that provides long-term support for schools, infrastructure and essential town services. We will be hosting a zoom override information session for the caregivers of Marblehead Public School students with various town officials on May 28. We encourage all Marbleheaders to vote on Tuesday, June 9. Sincerely, Sylvia Kane, co-president MHS PCOEvans Road Julie Peach, co-president MHS PCOPeach Highlands Reece Dahlberg, co-president MVMS PCOFieldbrook Road Stacey Faris, co-president MVMS PCOPitman Road Michele…

To the editor: After many years serving on the Marblehead Select Board, I am stepping down. As I reflect on my time in that seat, one thing I know for certain is that this town has been fortunate to have Erin Noonan serving alongside me. I am writing to ask Marblehead voters to return her to the Select Board. Erin loves this town. I do not mean that in a passing way. I mean, she has given real time, real energy and real thought to…

To the editor: Many of you may recall my 25 years as an elected official serving as chairman of the Board of Health andas a Selectman. Throughout that time and in other volunteer work for the town, I tried to enhance servicesbut always mindful of the taxpayers. I have supported some tax increases and opposed others based uponcareful analysis. The proposed three-year override sought by the Select Board was not caused by a revenue shortfall. It wascaused by a spending problem. Over the past 12…

To the editor: We are writing to support Melissa Clucas for the School Committee. She brings a much-needed fiscal expertise, a willingness to work with her colleagues in a collaborative nature and excellent communication skills among many other positive qualities. We met Melissa and her family in 2021 at a birthday party for a mutual friend. Since then, we have come to know Melissa as our own family friend. We have had the privilege of witnessing her parent her three daughters with her husband, Nick…

To the editor: I am writing in support of Sarah Fox for election to the Marblehead School Committee. As a parent of three with one still in the Marblehead schools, I have watched the decline of hard-won transparency on our School Committee since Fox’s departure. Transparency is especially crucial this year as we face unprecedented budget challenges and a possible permanent override in town. With the upcoming departure of committee stalwart Jennifer Schaeffner, there will be no one left with the kind of budgetary expertise…

To the editor: It is my pleasure to submit this letter in strong support of Jenn Schaeffner for Select Board. Jenn Schaeffner is exactly what Marblehead needs during our current financial hardships. She has a proven track record of fiscal responsibility during her time on the School Committee through careful budgeting and holding administrators accountable for expenses. One thing I noticed during the “tiered override” debates was that in the early stages there were discussions about building savings in order to handle any future sudden…

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…